We review the major rumours circulating the internet and round up the most speculated features to be introduced to iOS 9.
2015 looks to be a busy year for Apple; fresh from introducing its premier wearable – the Apple Watch – and ahead of a possible iPhone 6s/7 launch in September, the company is also set to unveil its iterate update to its mobile OS in the form of iOS 9.
With just less than a month to go to WWDC, let’s review the major rumours circulating the internet and round up the most speculated features to be introduced to iOS 9.
As iOS 9 is rumoured to be primarily a stability update rather than an overhaul, many of the below rumours highlight Apple introducing small improvements and features:
Compatibility: Present speculation indicates that iOS 9 will be available for all iPhone models from the iPhone 5 onwards, and for the iPad past the 4th generation model. Technically speaking, this might be the first iOS release that requires Lightning connectivity.
Guest Mode: While many iOS users have for years been crying out for the presence of multiple accounts on Apple’s mobile products – particularly the iPad – iOS 9 might arrive with a semblance of this in the form of a guest mode that offers limited but essential functionality similar to how Android’s guest mode functions.
Siri: Apple’s digital assistant received a minor upgrade with the Apple Watch; Siri both received integration with the Apple Watch’s feature set in addition to a small visual redesign. It’s likely that if Apple proceed to give iOS’ version of Siri a facelift akin to her wrist-worn companion, the popular assistant will recieve upgrades to facilitate more accurate voice results and search capability. There is, however, always the small chance that Apple might finally open Siri’s API to third party developers.
Beats Music: Apple formally acquired Dr. Dre’s Beats Music in 2014, and 2015 may see Apple finally repurpose the service – either under the same marque or a new name – to compete against popular streaming services. Speculation posits that Apple may opt to build the service directly into iOS 9.
Apple Maps: While Apple Maps was, for a good deal of time, nobody’s favourite mapping service, the Cupertino firm has continually worked to refine it’s initally disastrous Google Maps competitor into a decent product. iOS 9 might see Maps include a public transit view in addition to an augmented reality view that uses an iPhone or iPad’s camera to show points of interest.
Split-screen multitasking: With simultaneous rumour that a 12-13″ iPad ‘Pro’ may soon see the light of day, it’s anticipated that iOS 9 may offer split-screen multi-tasking on the iPad to accomodate this; Apple made use of iOS 7 and 8 to introduce a ‘resizable’ framework for developers to create apps within, and iOS 9 may just introduce a new method to run two apps side by side.
What’re your thoughts on the above rumours? What should Apple look to add to iOS? Let us know in the comments below!
Follow Bryan on Twitter: @bryansmithsa
