Apple iOS 9 release date set for Sept. 16 - what you should know

Apple website

Unveiled first back in June, Apple's upcoming new platform iOS 9 now has a confirmed release date – Sept. 16. 

Announcing the launch date during their Sept. 9 event, the Cupertino-based company also revealed that iOS 9 will come native to Apple's new iPhones, the 6s and 6s Plus, when the devices are released on Sept. 25.

The new platform will also be compatible with previous iterations of the device, up to the iPhone 4s.This means that users of the iPhone 5, 5s, 5c, 6 and 6 Plus will receive an automatic update notification once iOS 9 becomes available for download. 

iOS 9 is also expected to come pre-installed in Apple's newest addition to its tablet lineup, the professional-level iPad Pro. In addition to the new release, the platform will also be made available as an over-the-air update to the iPad 2, 3, and 4; iPad Air and Air 2; all versions of the iPad mini; and to the fifth and sixth generations of the iPod touch. 

Apple fans first got a glimpse of the new platform during Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference in June this year. After the event, Apple immediately made available beta versions of the platform to developers, hoping to iron out any kinks and glitches before the public reveal. 

Meanwhile, company observer Apple Insider reported that ahead of its Sept. 16 launch, the Cupertino-based company had already released the golden master version of the new platform to developers, probably those who were already a part of the earlier beta testing phases through the Developer Program.

Aside from the improvements and upgrades over the previous platform, iOS 9 also brings additional features to Apple devices such as the split-screen multitasking option, a smarter and user-centric Siri, and an all-new News app and Maps with the Transit feature.