Last September 16, Apple launched the iPhone 6s and its latest iOS update—iOS 9. The multinational company unveiled iOS 9 with its fantastic features that would surely put the smart on your smartphones!

Apple has heard our cries and requests. Focusing on the most common problems we encounter while using smartphones, they have devised iOS 9’s new features to improve the performance of Apple devices. Without further ado, here are the top 5 features of iOS 9:

Improved Security

iOS 9 now supports 6-digit passcodes and two-factor authentication.
http://www.macrumors.com/roundup/ios-9/

Smartphones are a precious necessity for us. It is where we keep our photos, documents, messages, emails, contact numbers, and so much more. Thus, maximum security is a must.

iOS 9 changed its passcode from the former 4-digit number to a 6-digit number. Albeit not mandatory, a 6-digit code is recommended; it entails one million possible passcode combinations, instead of 10,000, making it harder to crack. Furthermore, two-factor authentication feature was added in iOS 9 and OS X El Capitan. The feature works every time you sign in from a new device or browser; a verification code is prompted and the same code will appear from your other Apple devices. It can also be sent to you via a text message. This, of course, is to keep out unauthorized users.

Longer Battery Life

Apple adds features to iOS that increase battery life.
http://www.macrumors.com/roundup/ios-9/

Our phone’s battery power gets eaten up fast when in use (or even when not). The mere sight of a 5% or 10% battery percentage from our phones already makes us sigh out of disappointment. And so, out come our power banks and chargers saving the day. But wouldn’t it be nice to just use our phones without having to worry about its battery power for a while?

Apple devices trim their battery usage from apps and key technologies. There are proximity sensors on the device to know if it is facedown on a surface so that it will not turn on even if a notification is received. In iOS 9, there is an option added called Low Power mode to extend its battery life even further. When activated, it cuts down the devices’ performance by 40%; mail fetch, background app refresh, motion effects and animated wallpapers are disabled to conserve its battery life.

More Storage Space

The device temporarily deletes apps to give way to iOS 9 update
http://www.macrumors.com/roundup/ios-9/

How tragic it is to attempt to download an app you find interesting, only to find out your device has insufficient storage for it.

In the previous update, iOS 8, 4.58 GB of space was occupied; many complained of the large update space. However, in iOS 9, it only requires 1.3GB of your storage space. This is huge win especially for the 16GB device users.

Moreover, Apple has introduced the new auto app delete/reinstall feature for devices without enough space to update to iOS 9. Apps are temporarily deleted to give way to iOS 9 but are later on reinstalled after the update.

Apps from third-party developers have also been required to have less installation space so we can enjoy more apps on Apple devices.

New Apple Apps Updates

The iOS 9 gives updated apps ranging from minor to major changes. Apple introduced a new app called News. The new app is a compilation of current news in variety of source. The news is displayed in a mobile optimized format.

http://www.brandchannel.com/2015/06/08/apple-wwdc-2015-060815/

Along with the new app, some old apps also received astounding updates. Among these are the apps Notes and Maps.

The Notes app now makes easy to-do lists and it can insert a photo, map, or a web link. The said app also allows sketching with the use of a stylus or just a finger. To make the app more efficient, iCloud, Apple’s storage drive, syncs and updates notes across all the owner’s devices.

The Maps app is now more detailed than ever! With the app as a guide, using public transportation is made possible. A new Transit view shows the lines and stations for different trains, subways, buses, and other modes of transportation. The route is laid out from point A to B so that every step of the trip is planned out. In addition, the Nearby feature helps to see the places around so that shopping, eating, and more recreational activities can be discovered.

Faster Processing Time

Taking advantage of the smartphone’s API, which is Metal, the iOS 9 has a faster processing time. Metal is an API (Application Programming Interface) that debuted in the previous iOS 8. It is intended to bring performance benefits to devices. With that being said, the official Apple website states its better and faster performance confidently: “The apps are making more efficient use of the CPU and GPU to deliver faster scrolling, smoother animation, and better overall performance. Email, messages, web pages, and PDFs render faster. And multitasking features on iPad feel fluid and natural.”

http://www.techtimes.com/articles/86784/20150924/apple-confirms-ios-9-drives-fastest-ios-adoption-ever-ahead-of-sept-25-iphone-6s-release.htm

This is a great year to be alive and a great time to update your Apple devices to iOS 9! With the said features, one will surely have a more enjoyable mobile experience.

Sources

iOS 9: Hidden Features, Details, and Availability: (http://www.macrumors.com/roundup/ios-9/#ios_9_tidbits_and_hidden_features) [27 October 2015]

iOS 9 – What’s New – Apple: (http://www.apple.com/ios/whats-new/) [27 October 2015]