The highlight of this year's Worldwide Developers Conference is Apple's confirmation of the new iOS 9. While it is true that there have been numerous speculations about the new platform since late last year, Apple has remained mum about the rumors up to the day of the conference.
Apple is indeed focusing on the new operating system, highlighting the many features and added improvements of the iOS 9 in the convention's keynote address. However, what many fans did not know is that the Cupertino-based company still has an ace up its sleeve when it comes to features — there are new options in the OS that Apple has not included in its announcement.
Trimming down on app space
Developers are more likely to notice that in the new iOS 9, app architecture is more streamlined. What this means is that updates and new apps will appear in much smaller download sizes than in previous iOS versions. For users, the smaller download sizes mean that they can maximize their iPhones and iPads with more apps even with a small-storage Apple device.
Location-based apps now included
Apple has converted their proprietary Find My iPhone and Find my Friends as stand-alone apps, and they will already be integrated into the iOS 9 as native apps that would not require a download. The Find My Friend app has also been improved, with a new notification widget now a part of iOS feeds.
Upcoming Maps features
Although Apple has said that the Maps app now has integrated public transit directions, it does not mean that the app itself will not be updated in the future. Apple is already rolling out its own street- and drone-view cams to further improve its Map functions, and users may see an automated, bird's-eye view or enriched street-level views when they use their Maps.
