On September 16th iOS 9 was sent into the wild via over-the-air or iTunes update. Right away users started to notice the update size is much smaller than iOS 8 by around 3.5 times. This made the update process fairly easy for everyone who was prepared. Of course if you haven’t updated yet we always recommend a backup to iCloud or iTunes before getting started. Let’s get started with the roundup by exploring what’s really new in iOS 9 instead of finding out there is no emoji for flipping the bird.
The most obvious thing folks have noticed is the new San Francisco font that Apple switched to with iOS 9. The biggest response on Twitter #iOS9 seems to be related to Siri’s beep no longer is heard during accidental presses during inappropriate times. Of course with the new comes the new bugs, yet the outcries haven’t been so bad.
New & Improved Apps at your disposal.
Where do you go to get news on what’s new? Apple has added a new app for that called Ne
ws built for your device. You can pick from multiple sources and the app will funnel everything to you in a sleek interface. The more you use it the better it understands your likes and updates your feed to reflect it over time.
iCloud Drive is finally navigable across all devices with it’s new file system update and app you can add to the home screen to help. Meanwhile Wallet is getting fatter with plenty of new cards coming.
Make a note of it in the improved Notes app that now allows checklists, photos, and even a sketch with your finger. You can attach things to your notes and find them all in a special browser. Of course you can sync with iCloud to get your devices on the same page with those new checklists.
While out and about checking those boxes you can now use Maps for transit, what’s nearby, and even give you a faster route if it becomes available if you are driving. An overdue overhaul that finally brings the features everyone expects from mobile directions.
Power struggles and selfies are different now.
Your iOS device is even more responsive with the addition of Metal. In addition Apple states user can benefit with 1 more additional hour of battery life. This was accomplished by streamlining key components of iOS 9 and adding a new feature to enable a low power mode. With this new power users can take even more selfies with new album dedicated for it.
Security in an unsafe world.
Now you can strengthen the already locked down iOS by moving from a 4 to 6 digit passcode. Making the encryption even harder to break for those who are trying to access your device. A good idea in this day and age along with two-factor authentication to keep prying eyes out of your cloud and devices.
What’s that Siri, you finally made friends with Cortana?
Siri got even more useful with a tighter integration with suggestions that a personal assistant would make or know. She has some new flare to share with end users such as color waves, snappy new lines, and new sources of information. Now she can help with unknown callers before you even ask her or help you pickup on your favorite playlist. Want to pick this up later? Just tell Siri she’s got your back. She’s even proactive about it just looking at a flight email unlocks easy access to details to even add it to your calendar. Siri has been upgraded to rockstar status.
iPad users rejoice then split down the middle.
Multitasking is here with picture in picture, split screen, and slide overs. Reference a page while typing up a synopsis, pop your messages over to quickly respond to a text, and watch the ball game when your suppose to be reading your email. Just mix and match the possibilities that work for you then speed things up even more with shortcuts with QuickType on the keyboard.
iTunes Update
Of course an iTunes update is needed to suppose iOS 9 and tacks on some fixes to address minor bugs. Those security enhancements we discussed earlier also come in to play with this update.
Ditch the Droid
Now switchers can easily move information from their Android device to the iPhone. Very similar 
to how Apple’s migration assistant transferred terabytes and terabytes of user data from Windows. Need a nudge? Let’s make it easier to move devices.
iOS 9 isn’t OS X
Overall the update primarily seems to be cosmetic, but peeling back reveals it’s more systematic. Polishing the face, enhancing the use, and streamlining the flow of information is exciting; however, there does seem to be a lot of the same. With new products like iPad Pro and iPhone 6s leading the way I expect the gap will narrow further between iOS and OS. It’s still okay that iOS 9 feels familiar when the experience remains positive. I expect the naysayers will be in full force, but so far 24 hours into it I am not one of them. Go backup and download iOS 9 now it’s worth it.
iCloud, iOS, iPad, Siri, iTunes, and QuickType are registered trademarks of Apple, Inc. All Right Reserved.
Welcoming with an inspiring quote from Steve Jobs to officially open the Steve Jobs Theatre. Tim takes the stage to reflect on Steve. His greatest gift being his company founding and ability to unlock others abilities. Apple Park was Steve’s vision for the future. It’s fitting the master of showmanship and design gets recognition.
