Introducing iOS 9

A few hours ago at WWDC15, Apple officially announced details on its upcoming iOS version. The update, contains more internal updates with the same aesthetics as the two previous iOS versions is said to be built from the ground up with the focus on stability and enhanced performance. Among the updates is a much faster and accurate Siri (by 40%), a more 'Proactive Assitant' ready to take more commands such as looking a photo or video. 

Spotlight now offers recent contacts, apps, or places in a new dedicated page that you can access by swiping left to right from the homepage. Apple Pay now supports even more brands (though this information should cater more to the US citizens). Apple Pay now adds more support in the UK as well.

Other than just storing your credit cards, Apple Pay now incorporates retail card store and reward cards. Just by opening Apple Pay and tapping the scanner will allow Apple Pay to automatically display the appropriate card. Since passbook now caters to a variety of cards, tickets and etc it has been renamed to Wallet.

Notes is also receiving a much needed overhaul. Taking cues from popular note-taking apps such as Evernote, Notes now allows a To-Do list to be created inside it, inserting a picture and even sketches using your finger. Contents from other Apps, Safari for example, can now be added directly to Notes. 

The dreaded Apple Map also received upgrades that includes A new Transit View with directions for public transport (not sure if any Malaysian cities are included), the ability to find nearby restaurants, bars, shops and activities.

Okay, okay Apple is upgrading most of its built-in apps but aren't there anything new? Well, I'm glad you asked. Apple introduced a new app called "News" and well you guess it, brings you the latest news. It acts like 'magazine' styled news reader that puts all your favourite topics in one single location and as usual, the data on what you read is kept private from any third parties.

Multitasking's look has been redesigned with new added features. 'Slide Over' lets you open a second app without leaving the first one.  'Split View' allow two apps to be opened at once, a feature that Samsung has long implemented in their TouchWiz. Another feature similar to what is found in Samsung devices is 'Picture in Picture' which allows the user to size down a video so you can keep watching it while doing something else (replying email for example).

• Health now not only track your workouts only, but the amount of water you drink as well.
• Homekit supports new accessories.
•  CarPlay is smarter and connects wireless.

Adding icing to the cake is better battery life and security. iOS 9 is said to add an extra hour to the iPhone 6's life with average use. If that's not enough, iOS now has a 'Low Power Mode' which is said to be able to add an extra 3 hours of battery life!  Apple ID now has two-factor authentication.

iOS 9 now takes less space to install so you could have more space for your selfies.

Developer beta is available today while the public beta would be opened in July. iOS 9 will be officially available this fall (around September). 

Source: Apple.com