iOS 9 won’t be crammed with a lot of new features (and bugs). Instead, it will focus on stability
Apple is widely expected to take the wraps off its next mobile operating system, the iOS 9, at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June. However, recent reports suggest that the OS has already entered public testing. It is most likely to debut with the next-gen iPhones in September. The iOS 8 introduced a plethora of new features, but the update was marred by several bugs that broke the TouchID features and disrupted the cellular service.
What features should we expect to see in the iOS 9? Will the new OS, just like the iOS 8, be crammed with plenty of features (and even more bugs)? Well, Apple has not revealed anything about its forthcoming update. The Cupertino company holds all the cards close to its chest. But some experts with links to inside sources have learned about the new features of the iOS 9. Let’s take a look at how it will be different from the iOS 8.
iOS 9 will be a collection of under-the-hood improvements
Last year, the iOS 8 introduced services and features like Apple Pay, HealthKit, HomeKit, third-party keyboards, new notifications, and iCloud Drive. But the introduction of a lot of features took a toll on the operating system’s overall performance. Now, Mark Gurman of 9to5Mac has learned from inside sources that stability and bug-free release will be the most important additions to the iOS 9. Sources told Gurman that the Cupertino company is developing the new OS under the codename ‘Monarch.’
Smaller and manageable size
The iOS 8 requires at least 4.6GB of free storage to download and install it on your iPhones and iPads. It was a big headache for users, especially those who own 16GB versions. It was one of the biggest reasons behind the slow iOS 8 adoption rate. With the iOS 9, the tech giant is making efforts to keep the size of the OS and updates manageable, reports 9to5Mac.
However, it’s unclear at this point whether it will be accomplished by restricting the iOS 9 support to newer devices. If Apple discontinues the original iPad Mini, iPhone 5C, and 5th generation iPod Touch by the end of this year, all the “currently available” devices will be using 64-bit processors. It may help Apple simplify the iOS development.
Transit and indoor mapping modes
Apple was expected to introduce transit direction with iOS 8 last year. But it was pushed back due to focus on other priorities and many employees in the Maps unit leaving the company. Over the past few years, Apple has made some strategic acquisitions such as HopStop and Embark that would help it add public transit data into Apple Maps.
In 2013, Apple acquired indoor GPS company WiFiSLAM, which has fueled speculations that the company would add indoor navigation technology to its mapping service. Apple needs to improve its Maps to bring it on par with Google Maps.
Give developers access to NFC
The Apple developer community expects the company to open up its NFC chip system to developers. That will make it compatible with services beyond Apple Pay.
