Apple's new mobile operating system (OS) is available for download from today.
Apple has described iOS 9 as the "world's most advanced" mobile OS, but as World Wide Worx MD Arthur Goldstuck pointed out after the launch of the iPhone 6S last week: "Of course they would."
It is claimed the new system will make Apple devices faster and more responsive, with longer battery life.
"Across the entire operating system, apps and key technologies have been made more efficient to trim battery usage wherever possible," says Apple. For example, with the new update, a device will know when it is face down and prevent the screen from turning on. Apple says these improvements will add an extra hour to the device's battery life.
Multi-tasking
Apple has finally introduced split view to its iPad and iPhone devices. This feature has been available on Windows tablets and PCs for the past few years. It allows users to simultaneously look at two different apps at the same time; 'snapping' each to the side of the screen automatically fills it to half the screen size.
Other multi-tasking features include Picture-in-Picture, which allows users to play video, or take a FaceTime call, while browsing through another app (the video will 'float' in a smaller window on top of the app).
Slide Over lets users simultaneously work in a second app without leaving the one they were in and easily switch between apps.
Smarter Siri
Apple's personal digital assistant, Siri, is now able to proactively suggest tasks based on users' digital habits.
"Proactive assistance presents the most relevant information at a given time of day and suggests actions at that particular moment based on the apps you use frequently and the time of day you use them," says Apple. This is similar to how Google Now works.
Device owners are also able to ask Siri to look up things in social media networks Facebook and Twitter. However, this integration is not available in South Africa yet.
Improved apps
The new OS features updates for most of Apple's built-in apps, designed for everyday use.
The Notes app will now let users sketch within the app using their finger or stylus for quick notes. Users are now able to add pictures to Notes from their picture library or directly from their camera. There is also a new checklist feature that lets users tick off tasks once completed. The Notes app is now synced between all devices using the same iCloud account.
Other updated apps include the News app, Apple Pay and Maps. However, not all new features will be available in South Africa yet.
Apple has also built a new app that attempts to make it easier for customers to move from an Android device to an iPhone: the Move to iOS app.
The app allows for easy, wireless and secure transfer of contacts, message history, camera photos and videos, Web bookmarks, mail accounts, and calendar events from an Android device to iOS.
The app will also help repopulate the same apps by suggesting the free apps as downloads in the App Store, and adding paid apps to the iTunes wish list.
The software update will be available today for the iPhone 4S and later, the iPod Touch 5th generation, the iPad 2 and later, and all iPad minis. The new update will require 1.3GB of free space on the device.
Before updating, it is suggested users back up their photos, music, messages and other information.
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