Apple's iOS 9 to exterminate bugs, improve stability and add new features

With WWDC days away, we are closer to seeing a preview of iOS 9. The next major build of Apple's mobile operating system will resemble iOS 8 in many ways, but with some subtle changes. For example, Siri will have colored waves similar to how the ol' gal appears on Apple Watch. In addition, Apple will use the San Francisco type font that is also employed on the Apple Watch.

But the main focus for iOS 9 is improving the stability of the OS. Back in February, we were tipped off about Apple's focus on making iOS 9 a smoother, faster experience. There are also some new features coming. Apple Maps will now offer navigation directions using mass transit. That means the application will show schedules and routes for trains, buses and the subway. At first, this feature will be available for commuters in China, San Francisco, New York, Toronto, London, Berlin, and Paris. Apple is working on adding Boston, Tokyo and other cities. Apple also has been taking pictures of storefronts to use in Maps, replacing photos from Yelp. And a new feature called Browse Around Me will suggest local businesses for you to visit.

The iOS 9 update could also include Apple's answer to Google Now. Replacing the pull-down Spotlight menu, Proactive will offer many of the same features that Google Now provides including pop-up reminders when a calendar-listed appointment draws near. Proactive will also analyze user's patterns to recommend restaurants at meal times. If an iOS user opens a certain app each morning at 10am, he/she will be greeted with a button to open that particular app when 10am rolls around. Unlike Siri, information will be, well, proactive.

Apple's new music services will come pre-installed on iOS 9 after rolling out with the iOS 8.4 update. This will include both the streaming music service and a revised iTunes Radio. The latter will add DJ-hosted channels and give users the ability to skip songs an unlimited number of times.

Coming with iOS 9 is a new app called Home. This will allow those with HomeKit approved accessories to be able to control them from afar. And Apple iPad users will finally get the split-screen multitasking that they have been asking for. Apple plans on allowing the two apps running side-by-side to share content. The feature should also allow iPad users to open two windows of the same app at the same time. The feature was originally developed for the rumored 12.9-inch Apple iPad Pro.

WWDC begins on June 8th.


source: 9to5Mac