Apple released iOS 9 beta 2 for public testing, which included bug fixes, improvement in speed and new features. (Photo : Facebook)
True to its word, Apple starts rolling out iOS 9 and the new mobile operating system is indeed up for grabs for all compatible iPhones, iPads and iPods beginning on September 16. But before jumping in, it's best to read the quick reminders below.
What devices can upgrade?
As replacement for iOS 8, iOS 9 is designed for all Apple devices running on the former, meaning iPhones that can upgrade to the software include the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus and going as far back as the iPhone 4S, which was the iOS flagship in 2011. The 6S and 6S Plus will of course unbox with iOS 9 so no need for active effort to upgrade.
Two iPod models also qualify for jump to iOS 9, namely the iPod Touch fifth and sixth generation. As for the regular iPad and iPad Mini, the OS can be installed on the original Mini and later versions while the iPad 2 up to the fourth generation are marked as eligible. The first iPad Air and iPad Air 2 will also upgrade to iOS 9. And like the 6S and 6S Plus, the 2015 iPads - the iPad Pro including - will be originally powered by the latest iOS build.
How to upgrade?
Apple will deploy iOS 9 in two ways - via OTA or over the air and through iTunes. The easiest way is OTA route as the jump can be performed wirelessly though experts remind that users need to ensure that their device battery meter is high or full if possible. It's crucial too that there is enough storage space, which is especially true for iOS devices with only 8GB of internal memory.
Good thing that iOS 9 will only need 1.3GB of free space so most should be able to jump by way of OTA. The steps are easy - tap Settings, General then Software Update. The software, when available, will start to download then install.
Still for those lacking in space, the safest route is hooking up on a PC or Mac with the ITunes installed. Then launch the iTunes (in most cases the app will automatically open), proceed to the Summary tab and Check for Update. One key advantage in choosing this option is the assurance that the device is charging up while getting iOS 9.
When to upgrade?
The iOS 9 server will surely be busy in the immediate hours of its going live so experts recommend that it pays to wait or at least upgrade during the dead hours, late night, to avoid bottlenecks.
Cool new features
And when iOS 9 is up and running, here are a few of the cool new features to watch for:
- Low Power Mode. Apple claims this feature will extend battery life by at least a few hours even for old iPhone and iPad models.
- Back button. Taking a page from Android, Apple presents a software solution to the lack of back key on iOS devices. The iOS 9 back button is located top-left corner of the screen that when tapped will take users to the immediate prior app window.
- Supercharged Siri. Siri is significantly boosted up in iOS 9 to fend off the rising threats coming from Microsoft Cortana and Google Now.
- Multitasking. As promised, Apple is bringing multitasking functions to most devices, the iPad specifically, running on iOS 9. Split View will allow users to run two applications at the same time - looking and working on them simultaneously.
Picture in picture is an old TV trick that Apple brings to the iPad. It functions the same way - one app screen is maximized on the screen while the other is minimized.
