iOS 9, featuring 87 new updates, has been made available to users as of last night. With improved Siri capabilities, new multitasking features for iPad, a redesigned Notes app, updated transit information in Maps, and much more, iOS 9 offers a wealth of enhancements. Here’s a detailed look at its new features:
Smart Features
- Provides relevant information even before you start typing.
- Notifies you when to leave for appointments based on traffic conditions.
- Learns what you listen to at certain times or places and automatically displays playback controls for your preferred music or audio apps.
- Suggests events and contact details to add to apps based on information in emails.
Siri Updates
- Search your personal photos and videos by date, location, and album name.
- Ask Siri to remind you about what you’re viewing in Safari, Mail, Notes, and Messages.
- Request transit directions.
Spotlight Search Enhancements
- Check sports scores, weather conditions, and stock prices.
- Perform simple math calculations and conversions.
- Initiate messages, phone calls, or FaceTime directly from search results.
New iPad Features
Slide Over
- Use a second app without leaving the one you’re in.
- Switch easily between Slide Over apps.
- Support for Apple apps and enabled third-party apps.
Split View
- View and interact with two apps simultaneously.
- Adjust the size of each app view for equal focus or prioritization.
Picture in Picture
- Continue watching videos while using your favorite apps.
- Supports videos in Safari, FaceTime, Podcasts, and enabled third-party apps.
QuickType
- Multitouch gestures for easier text selection on iPad.
- Shortcut Bar for quick access to text-editing tools.
- Hardware keyboard shortcut support.
- Support for all Unicode Emoji flags.
Built-In Apps
Maps Enhancements
- Transit lines, station details, schedules, and directions for select major cities.
- Browse nearby locations by category, such as Food, Drinks, Shopping, and Entertainment.
- Indication of Apple Pay support at participating retail locations.
Redesigned Notes App
- Add photos from your camera or Photo Library.
- Create to-do lists and check off items with a tap.
- Draw ideas with your finger.
- Save items directly from other apps using the Share menu.
Brand-New News App
- Read your favorite newspapers, magazines, and blogs, or choose from millions of topics.
- Experience stunning layouts, photo galleries, videos, animations, and more.
- Personalize content based on your interests.
- Share articles or save them for offline reading.
Mail Improvements
- Filter search results by sender, recipient, subject, or a combination.
- Annotate image or PDF attachments with text, shapes, or your signature and send them back.
- Save attachments or add files from iCloud Drive or other document providers while composing emails.
Apple Pay and Wallet Enhancements
- Support for Discover cards and store-branded credit and debit cards.
- Prepare for payments directly from the lock screen with a double-click of the Home button and Touch ID.
New iCloud Drive App
- Search or browse files by date, name, or tags.
- Open files in compatible apps or share them with others.
- Organize folders and files.
CarPlay Enhancements
- Play voicemail messages in their original voice.
- Full support for car controls to scroll through lists or pan in Maps.
- Support for car manufacturer apps.
Core System
Longer Battery Life
- Up to an additional hour of battery life before charging is required.
- Face-down detection to turn off the screen when not in use.
- Low Power Mode extends battery life by up to three hours.
Improved Software Updates
- Updates require less storage space and offer the option to install later.
Enhanced Security
- Two-factor authentication and default 6-digit passcodes on Touch ID devices.
Other Enhancements
- New San Francisco system font.
- Option to leave a message if a FaceTime call is unavailable.
- Share voicemail messages from the Phone app.
- Flight and package tracking through data detectors.
- Health app supports new data types like reproductive health, UV exposure, water intake, and inactivity.
- HomeKit adds support for motorized windows, shades, motion sensors, and home security systems.
- Redesigned Podcasts app for easier navigation and new episode notifications.
- Wi-Fi calling support on iPad, iPod touch, and Mac with participating carriers.
Accessibility
- Touch Accommodations for users with physical and motor limitations.
- VoiceOver support for Siri voices.
- Additional AssistiveTouch customization.
Expanded Language Suppor
- New PingFang Chinese system font.
- Improved QuickType predictions and autocorrect for Chinese.
- Full bidirectional language support for Arabic and Hindi.
iOS 9 brings a wealth of updates to enrich your device experience. Download it now and explore all the new features!