During its keynote kicking off WWDC 2015, one of the highlight Apple announcements was iOS 9, which will be available this fall. According to Apple, in this upcoming release, iOS devices become more intelligent and proactive with search and improved Siri features. New multitasking features designed specifically for iPad provide users that ability to work with two apps simultaneously, side-by-side or with the new Picture-in-Picture feature, to keep watching a video while browsing the web, composing email or using any other app.
iOS 9 APIs and tools for developers include:
- Extensible search that deep links directly to content within third-party apps.
- GameplayKit and Model I/O for building better games and ReplayKit for recording gameplay.
- New HomeKit profiles for motorized windows and shades, motion sensors and home security systems.
- Wireless CarPlay and support for auto manufacturers to develop apps within CarPlay.
- New HealthKit data points for reproductive health, UV exposure, water intake and sedentary state.
The announcement of Swift 2 also brings new features and performance improvements that produce faster apps. The Swift compiler and standard library will be made available as open source later this year. ‘
The iOS 9 beta software and SDK are available immediately for iOS Developer Program members, and a public beta program will be available in July. iOS 9 will be available this fall as a free software update for iPhone 4s and later, iPod touch 5th generation, iPad 2 and later, iPad mini and later.
Other Announcements:
OS X El Capitan introduces enhancements to window management, built-in apps and Spotlight search. Metal, Apple’s newest graphics technology, is integrated into El Capitan, delivering system-wide performance gains and enabling games and apps to tap into the full power of Mac graphics processors.
The developer preview of OS X El Capitan is available to Mac Developer Program members now. Mac users can participate in the El Capitan Beta Program in July and download the final version for free from the Mac App Store this fall.
Also introduced was watchOS 2, the first major software update for Apple Watch. Developers can now take advantage of hardware features of Apple Watch including the Digital Crown, Taptic Engine and heart rate sensor, along with software APIs to build new app experiences. Available to Apple Watch users this fall, watchOS 2 also includes new watch faces, third-party app information as watch face complications and new communication capabilities in Mail, Friends and Digital Touch.
Rounding out the announcements was Apple Music, News App for iPhone & iPad, and Apple Pay updates including availability in the UK.