Apple fans better get ready because iOS 9 is coming. The new software, which brings a flurry of new features, will be compatible with the same devices the Cupertino-based company allowed to upgrade to iOS 8. Every iPad, iPad mini and iPad Air iterations are eligible, and so is the iPod touch 5th gen. The iPhone 6 down to the iPhone 4s can also make the jump.
To prepare the iOS device for the switch, gadgets owners must not forget to back up their files. This can be done via iCloud, or iTunes on a computer. The update is 1.4 GB in size, which is less than half (4.6 GB) of the iOS 8. Nevertheless, this update packs powerful features that users will love.
Siri was a major focus in the making of the iOS 9, and users will notice that it is much more personal and proactive than ever. The digital assistant was made 40 percent faster and more accurate, so users can expect to get more relevant results more quickly. This improvement is linked to the new proactive search, which returns results that are based on the location of the user.
Apple also made it a point to improve its devices' battery and security with the new iOS. This resulted in the inclusion of the low power mode, which prolongs the battery life of the iPhone, iPad or iPod by a whole hour. On the security side, the passcode will now be six digits long instead of four.
Meanwhile, a unique iOS 9 feature called App Thinning will be most liked by users who have 16 GB versions of the iPhone or iPad. This feature saves up more storage space by ditching the download of all versions of an app and just downloading a certain version the handset or tablet will run.
Another exciting perk is the News App, which puts together a news feed customized by users themselves. They can pick which news articles will show up there and what categories they will be from. Apple offers plenty of third-party apps and websites to choose from.
All this and more will be seen in action when Apple officially releases iOS 9 Wednesday, Sept. 16.
