Apple ended all speculations and rumors surrounding iOS 9 by officially releasing the latest version of its mobile operating system on 16th September. Version 9 of iOS supports the iPod touch (fifth generation), iPhone 4S and above, iPad 2 and above, and all iPad Mini models. This also enables the users to easily install iOS 9 on their devices, as the update size is only about 1.3 GB. iOS 9 has better battery life, enhanced search options, updated apps, improved security, and new multitasking features to compete with popular mobile operating systems like Android and Windows Phone. These new features and enhancements in iOS 9 will profoundly impact users and app developers.
10 Features that Make iOS 9 Both Exciting and Different
1) Multitasking on iPad
Apple has included multitasking support in iOS 9 to enable iPad users to open two apps simultaneously. They can opt for the “Spilt View” option, which helps them open an app on the left side of the screen while running the other app on the right side. They also have another option called “Slide Over,” which helps to easily swipe and switch from one app to another quickly and smoothly. The users can even chat with their contacts through FaceTime while accessing other apps. However, iOS 9 provides multitasking support only to Apple’s built-in apps.
2) Intelligence
Apple is trying to make iPhones and iPads smarter through a new Intelligence feature. The part inspired by Google Now offers better search and proactive suggestions even before the user initiates any action. For instance, when users create a web search, Intelligence will automatically show people, places, news, and apps based on their activity. Similarly, it will automatically open the music app when a user plugs in the headphones.
3) Hey, Siri
While using iOS 9, users can activate Siri simply by saying, “Hey, Siri.” So they can now start Apple’s virtual assistance anywhere and anytime without pressing any button. However, Apple requires the device to recognize the user’s voice and activate Siri only after authenticating his voice. The enhanced Siri would thus quickly respond to more complex queries and offer more relevant suggestions.
4) Easier Access to iCloud
While using iOS 8, many users find it difficult to access iCloud, Apple’s cloud storage service. iOS 9 makes it easier for them to access iCloud by creating an icon shortcut on the home screen. Users can now create the icon shortcut by visiting settings -> iCloud -> iCloud Drive and pressing the “Show on Home Screen” switch. So use, rs can now access the files stored in iCloud directly from the home screen of their devices.
READ MORE :
- IOS Application Development – A Complete Guide
- Online Education Background Checks: Employers and Students’ First Choice to Legitimacy!
- Movie Selections From the 2016 Florida Film Festival
- Android Vs. IOS, At this present time
- Which should I buy: a PC or a Mac?
5) Get Transit Directions
Mobile development seems to improve as iOS 9 further comes with improved Apple Maps, which includes several features offered by Google Maps. Apple Maps can now provide Transit Directions to users in selected cities. The users can use the option to gather information about buses, trains, ferries, subway stations, and other public transportation modes. The app also lays out the route according to the user’s trip and, simultaneously, allows him to gather information about the places to shop or eat through the inbuilt “Nearby” feature.
6) Apple Pay and Wallet
The improved Apple Pay in iOS 9 enables users to make payments easily and securely using their credit cards. Apple Pay also supports credit cards issued by popular stores like Discover. Apple has further rebranded Passbook as Wallet. The users can access Wallet on their devices simply by double-clicking on the home button. They can even access Wallet when the iPhone is locked and store credit card and reward card information. Thus, users can now use Apple Pay to make purchases securely and redeem their reward points easily.
7) Improved Security
iOS 9 has several features to keep the user’s Apple ID and device secure. The latest version of the mobile operating systems now requires users to use a six-digit passcode to make their passcode more secure and unbreakable. Likewise, users now have the option of two-factor authentication to secure their Apple account from other devices more securely. The enhanced security features make iOS score over other popular mobile platforms.
8) Android Transfer
iOS 9 makes it easier for users to switch from Android to iPhones or iPads. They can use the “Move to iOS” apps to easily switch from Google’s mobile operating system to Apple’s mobile platform. The app makes it easier for users to transfer contacts, messages, photos, videos, mail accounts, wallpapers, and web bookmarks from the Android device. It will further suggest the free apps users can download from the App Store while adding the paid apps to iTunes Wish List.
9) CarPlay
iPhone development has become even more interesting, with Apple including CarPlay in iOS 9 to facilitate automobile automation. CarPlay enables users to wirelessly connect their iPhones or iPads to cars that support wireless connections. It can further help and work seamlessly with the auto maker’s apps. So the users are not required to toggle between the car’s interface and CarPlay. They can use their iOS devices to control the car more conveniently.
10) Notes and News Apps
Apple has updated several built-in apps to deliver a richer user experience. iOS 9 includes a new flip board News app that provides updated news to the users based on their preferences and reading habits. Apple has also collaborated with major publications to provide users with more relevant and comprehensive information. iOS 9 further comes with a completely redesigned Notes app. The users can now convert the note into a checklist, add photos, and draw doodles. Also, they can send content and information from other apps to the letters and save the app on their iCloud drives for easy access.
Certain features included in iOS 9 indicate Apple’s plan to enhance the worldwide market share of its mobile operating systems. Apple has included keyboards for Telugu, Gujarati, Punjabi, and Hinglish to target millions of users living in India, the country with the world’s third-largest smartphone market. The latest version of iOS further allows Indian users to key in Hindi words in Roman script, which the keyboard will subsequently convert into Devanagari script. Increasingly, this makes it easier for users to access websites and apps that use several Indian languages.
