Latest News & Reviews For iOS 9

Now that iOS 9 is finally here, it’s time to see whether this latest Apple update has much to offer its users. Let’s face it, if you’re an Apple fan then you’re going to upgrade, but it’s still good to know what you can expect.

The first major thing to say is that if you’ve invested in an Apple device in the last few years, you won’t have any problems with the upgrade itself. The iPhone 4S, iPad 2, iPad Mini original version and the 5th generation of the iPod Touch, and every device that has been released since, are all suitable for upgrade. One point it’s important to note is that some of the advertised features, rely on the hardware of the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus for full functionality. The most impressive changes are arguably those from which iPad Air 2, iPad Mini 4 and the much awaited iPad Pro users can benefit. Here are the highlights.

Multi-Tasking On An iPad
Although, the full iPad improvements are only useful for some latest versions of the device, they are still pretty impressive. Now users have the ability to open and run two apps side by side, at the same time with the split view feature. The FaceTime experience is also greatly improved. A light version of this functionality is available for some other recent iPad models, through the slide over app mode.

It’s probably important to explain the difference between split view and slide over. Split view allows both apps to be active at the same time, so you can take part in a conversation and write in notes at the same time. Slide over merely allows you to open another app while one is already open; you cannot use them both at the same time. This is still a pretty useful feature if you want to say, do a little social media surfing, without closing your gameplay.

The New Improved Siri
Siri has become more intuitive with iOS 9. Now most used apps are stored for quick access, as are most used contacts. Siri will also attempt to recommend apps as well as local things to do, based on your app and search history.

These new features, which Apple have often referred to as “Proactive” use your history to provide tailored items, such as local breaking news and traffic information. You also get reminders for appointments, based on the information in your calendar. This may all sound really great, although it’s really nothing that Google Now hasn’t already brought to the party. Still it needs to be said that Apple is now making ground, and providing a far greater level of digital assistance for its loyal users who have not joined the ranks of Android fans.

Maps With Muscle
In the past Maps has been an iOS function that has attracted much derision. This has always been fair as it has never been in the same ballpark as Google Maps. The iOS Maps feature still has a way to go to catch up with Google Maps but has definitely undergone improvement, with the introduction of iOS 9. Finally, it has started to include public transport directions. Fair warning though that the number of cities covered is severely limited; mostly London in the UK for instance. This is the case unless you live in China where the new public transport additions cover more than 300 cities. Aside from in China, maybe Maps still has to develop some more muscle, but with the release of iOS 9 it’s made a good start.

The New Improved Notes
It’s a simple thing, but having improved notes functionality can be such a joy. With the introduction of iOS 9 comes functionality that makes it a lot easier to create and amend a to-do list on your iPhone, or any type of list really. You just produce the text, then select the tick icon, and hey presto you have a list. It’s a small thing but quite useful in the day-to day.

Overall iOS 9 has brought a breath of life to iOS; a freshness which is indicated with its more curved and modern appearance. It’s easy to use straight from iOS 8 and it has brought some much needed new features to both iPad and iPhone. There’s still some way to go with Siri and Maps but things are definitely headed in the right direction.