All you need to know about Apple iOS 9

Apple at its annual Worldwide Developer Conference on Monday, showcaesd its latest iOS 9 for iPhones and iPads. The latest iOS focuses on applications and also features some new software tricks for the Apple devices. It will be available as a free upgrade and Apple said that no devices (running iOS 8) will be dropped from this release. However, there will also be a public beta coming in July.

Let's take a look at the latest operating system from the Cupertino giant.

Siri

The personal assistant from Apple gets a new interface which is now more colorful and lively. Moreover, Apple said that the new Siri will be deeply integrated with Apple's own applications and can do way more in the upcoming iOS 9 software update. For instance; you can ask it to show the pictures from USA trip from last May and Siri will display all the respective pictures. You can also ask Siri to remind you to grab your passbook from the car, because the personal assistant can now determine when you're in your vehicle.

Apple also said that Siri will now be able to learn your habits and will modify its actions according to your lifestyle. It will now be "Proactive" as well and can auto-play music when you plug in your headphones and can retrieve an invite from Mail and automatically add it to your calendar too, without needing you to open another app.

News

Likewise, HTC Blinkfeed, Samsung's Flipboard styled news streaming app, Apple also showcased a news based application in iOS 9. Apple said it's called News and is all about "custom layout, rich typography".

The application looks like a hybrid of Newstand and Flipboard and pulls articles from sources like Wired, The Atlantic, etc. It updates every time  a user will check it. The news items and articles feature large photos, graphics, infographics, built-in videos, and interactive elements. It collects all the stories you want to read, from top news sources, based on topics you’re most interested in.

Notes

The Notes application will come with a toolbar containing formatting options. It will now offer new functionalities, such as the ability to make checklists, add photos to your notes, draw and sketch inside of Notes, add a link to notes right from the share sheet, and more directly from the application iteself. Moreover, the changes to your notes will be updated across all your devices and on iCloud.com. So you’ll always have your latest notes in hand.

Maps

Apple said that its Maps in iOS 9 will have Transit directions, which for now are coming out in select cities first (it will kick off in the US and China). Now users will be able to use public transportation with Maps as their guide. Apple said that when you will plan a route, every step of your trip will be laid out from point A to point B. The Map app will also have a Nearby feature, whih will make it easier to see what’s around you and decide on places to shop, eat, and more. And while fetching information for trains, users will be able to tap on a station to see all the lines that run through it (there's even a "multi-modal routing" that lets you switch from trains to buses, etc).

Spotlight

Apple said that the iOS 9 will have Siri and Spotlight more tightly integrated, which would enable Siri to suggest things - like contacts - based on your email and calendar whenever you pull down to access the Spotlight panel.

Spotlight Search can basically work with Siri to serve up app suggestions, contacts, and way more. You'll also spot videos in your Spotlight search results, which is something that's not available on iOS 8.

And finally, Apple said there is now an API for search: "When a user performs a search, we can find content behind the apps they have on their device, and when they tap they're deep-linked into the app," explained Apple.

Healthkit

Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president said that Apple HealthKit will now start tracking “reproductive health, which will be definitely prove beneficial for consumers. With the iOS 9 update, the iPhone's Health app will be able to track a woman's period and ovulation. Apple also announced a bunch of other new HealthKit metrics as well, such as UV exposure and how often you're seated.

Apple Pay and Passbook

Apple Pay will now be called Apple Wallet in the iOS 9. It will come to the UK next month and Apple Wallet will surpass 1 million retail locations that accept it sometime within the next mont. Apple also said that you will also now be able to add store credit cards and rewards cards (in addition to bank debit and credit cards).

The new partners in the list will be Pinterest, which is launching Buyable Pins, so that you can buy products directly from Pinterest. Buyable Pins are iOS-only for now and coming later this month.

Security & Privacy

With iOS 9 getting more intelligent and personal, security and privacy also gets a boost. Apple said that it is enabling a two-factor authentication step for your ID. It will make your Apple device more secure so that you can use it without getting worried about your personal information. With two-factor authentication, when you sign in from a new browser or on a new device, you’ll be prompted for a verification code. This code is automatically displayed on your other Apple devices or sent to your phone. Enter the code and you’re quickly signed in — and any unauthorized users are kept out.

The passcodes you use on your Touch ID–enabled iPhone and iPad will now have six digits instead of four. So now with one million possible combinations — instead of 10,000 — your passcode will be a lot tougher to crack.

Boost to battery life 

Apple said that applications and key technologies have been made more efficient to trim battery usage across the entire operating system, — so you get more battery life for the things you do every day. Apple has also added a new Low Power mode that lets you extend your battery life even further.

Android Migration

iOS 9 will come with Move, an application to wirelessly switch from your Android device to your new iOS device. It securely transfers your contacts, message history, camera photos and videos, web bookmarks, mail accounts, calendars, wallpaper, and DRM-free songs and books. And it will help you rebuild your app library, too. Any free apps you used — like Facebook and Twitter — are suggested for download from the App Store. And your paid apps are added to your iTunes Wish List.