Apple released its newest operating system, iOS 9. The update includes new features and upgraded old ones. Photo by Apple.
By HANNAH GALE – Staff Writer
iOS 9 was released from Apple on Sept. 16. The update includes new features and is more compatible with other Apple products.
New Apple updates like Touch ID and Siri, are old news. Users are now being introduced to features such as Low Power Mode and Siri Suggestions in iOS 9.
iOS 9 was released at the Worldwide Developers Conference 2015 on Sept. 16 and is compatible with every Apple device that was compatible with iOS 8.
The software update runs smoother and is more cohesive with other Apple devices than iOS 8. Siri is now smarter and gives users suggestions based on apps they use the most. Siri Suggestions can find nearby restaurants, shops, gas stations and more for the user based on his location.
Another area where iOS 9 has improved is the enhanced battery life. Once the battery is down to 20 percent, the user is given the option to go into Low Power Mode. Low Power Mode pauses background processing, lowers the brightness of the screen and sets the phone to not check for mail as often.
The Screen-To-Screen feature compatible with iPads is definitely helpful. It allows users to split the screen by pressing the home button while the video or FaceTime continues to play.
For example, if a user is watching Netflix, but needs to check their email, the user is able to press the Home Button and the screen will split in half. Netflix will continue playing on one side, while their inbox will be shown on the other.
An app that may bring worries to some users is Find My Friends. The app is automatically downloaded when a user’s software is updated to iOS 9. Though the app does need permission from both users to find one’s friends, the user is able to find wherever their “friend” is without the other user knowing. Families with an estranged parent to ex-lovers are able to locate one another with just the click of a button.
Overall, iOS 9 is definitely an improvement from the past operating systems, and because the update is so compatible with most Apple devices, it makes the products more user-friendly.
