Apple iOS 9 Free Software Update, Arriving Within September to November 2015

Very early this morning, while most of us here in the Philippines were still asleep, Apple Inc. gave tech bloggers and members of the media an exclusive first look at iOS 9 - the latest version of its mobile operating system for the iPhone, iPad, and iPad Mini - at the 2015 WWDC in San Francisco, California.

According to Apple, iOS 9 will make iDevices become more intelligent and proactive with powerful search and improved Siri features - all without compromising users’ privacy. New multitasking features designed specifically for iPad allow you to work with two apps simultaneously, side-by-side or with the new Picture-in-Picture feature, to keep watching a video while browsing the web, composing email or using any other app. Built-in apps become more powerful in iOS 9 with detailed transit information in Maps, a redesigned Notes app with new ways to capture ideas, and an all-new News app for the best news reading experience on any mobile device.

iOS 9 will let you split your iPad's screen so you can use two apps simultaneously. I think this is already long overdue - given that high-end Android tablets have had this feature for years - but I'm just grateful that it's finally arriving.

Aside from bringing in new multitasking features that allow users to do more, iOS 9 also comes with a vastly improved, more intelligent Siri that now supports contextual reminders and new ways to search photos and videos. Even before you start typing, proactive assistance presents the most relevant information without compromising your privacy and suggests actions at a particular moment, including apps to launch or people to contact based on usage patterns, and notifying you when you need to leave for appointments, taking into account traffic conditions.

"iOS 9 can even learn what you typically listen to in a certain location or at a particular time of day, so when you plug in headphones at the gym or hop in the car before work, it can automatically display playback controls for your preferred app. Typed search queries deliver more relevant results from more categories, including sports scores and schedules, videos and simple math calculations," Apple shares.

Applications that are built into iOS will also get a major overhaul in the latest version of the platform.

With iOS 9, Apple Pay adds support for Discover, rewards programs from merchants such as Walgreens and Kohl’s Department Stores in the United States, and participating store-issued credit and debit cards. Shoppers will be able to manage their cards in the new Wallet app. Apple Pay will also be available to users in the UK starting next month. Note that this feature has yet to be launched here in the Philippines.

In supported locations - mostly in the US and China, the New Maps app adds support for metropolitan transit systems and schedules, and subway station entrances and exits are precisely mapped, providing every step of your trip. When you plan your trip, Maps can offer a combination of trains, subways, buses and walking, and with the new Nearby feature, quickly see what’s around by searching for food, drinks, shopping and more.

The completely redesigned Notes app now includes the ability to draw a quick sketch using your finger, easily create checklists to keep track of your to-dos, or snap a photo directly in a note. Easily save important items to your notes directly from other apps, and keep them in sync across all your enabled devices with iCloud. Again, we've already seen something very similar to this on Samsung's Note phablets and tablets as well as LG's flagship handsets.

The News app delivers a reading experience that combines the rich, immersive design of a print magazine with the interactivity of digital media. News can learn your interests and suggest relevant content that’s easily shareable with friends or saved for later. News delivers the best articles from a variety of publishers and over one million topics to help you personalize your reading experience, all presented in an elegant, uncluttered design. News is powered by the new Apple News Format, a digital publishing format supporting custom typography, galleries, audio, video and interactive animations, allowing publishers like Condé Nast, ESPN and The New York Times to create beautiful editorial layouts for iOS users.

But for me, the more important iOS 9 improvements are the ones that enhance power consumption as well as mobile security. iOS 9 makes the foundation of iOS even stronger with refinements including battery optimization that provides a typical user with an additional hour of battery life, and a low-power mode to help further extend battery life. Software updates require less space to install and an Install Later feature can perform updates to your device when it’s not in use. Enhanced security features in iOS 9 keep your devices and Apple ID secure by strengthening the passcode that protects your devices and improving two-factor authentication by building it directly into iOS, making it harder for others to gain unauthorized access to your Apple ID.

iOS 9 beta software and SDK are now available for iOS Developer Program members at developer.apple.com, and a public beta program will start in July 2015 at beta.apple.com. iOS 9 will be available this fall - that's from September to November 2015 - as a free software update for iPhone 4s, iPhone 5, iPhone 5S and 5C, iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, iPod touch 5th generation, iPad 2, The New iPad, iPad 4 with Retina Display, iPad Air and Air 2, iPad mini, iPad Mini 2 and Mini 3. Features are subject to change. Some features may not be available in all regions or all languages.