5 ‘new’ features in iOS 9 that warrant a closer look

From a smarter Siri to multitasking to features you won’t even be able to use right now, here’s what iOS 9 really brings to the table

Earlier this year in June, iOS 9 was previewed at WWDC 2015 to much fanfare. Among the many features presented at the time, there was much hype around their new multitasking and split-screen features, updated in-built apps, transit information in Apple Maps, and the regular slew of under-the-hood improvements to the mobile operating system.

But while there were in fact a few unprecedented innovations unveiled, so many of them appeared to be just so late to the game. So while abilities like ‘transit information in maps’ or ‘split-screen view’ are expected to draw sighs of appreciation and admiration, I can’t help but wonder why the fabled ‘reality distortion field’ still runs so strong even today. Truly, while many of these are new features for iOS users, it’s broadly known how prevalent they are in the mobile space.

So before we proceed to update our iOS devices with a shiny new operating system (I’ve been using an iPad for years, and I most definitely will,) I’m certainly not expecting it to be a ‘ this is going to rock my world’ type of event.

iOS 9 brings a long list of new features, all of which are succinctly listed here on Apple’s iOS 9 page. But let’s dig a bit deeper--many of these features may have been around for a while in other mobile devices, while some of them will not even be available to Indian iOS users for some time to come.

Here then is a list of things you may not know about these new features. For the fun of it, with each I’ve thrown in a handy ‘Ah factor’ rating that couples the effectiveness and uniqueness of that particular feature.

Improved note taking

The new Notes app now has the ability to convert to-do lists into checklists. You can also add in a photo, a map location or web link to a note (yes, just like Google’s Keep.) New here is the ability to sketch right into a note using your finger, complete with brush styles, colors and rulers.

There is also tighter integration between Notes and other in-built apps like the Safari Browser, Maps and more--hitting the Share button in these apps directly lets you share relevant content to an existing or a new note, and it’s now easier to locate information within notes using the Attachments Browser. Of course, all of this is synced to iCloud so they appear across all your devices. To reiterate, just like Google Keep.

Ah factor: 1/5

New Maps

The new update to Apple’s mapping app now integrates public transport information into the routing feature. So if you happen to be in New York, Chicago, Baltimore, China, Mexico City, London, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Toronto or Washington DC, you’re in luck. If not, it’s a feature you unfortunately won’t be able to use right away. Google Maps has had very effective transit routing in India for months (the Indian Railways even added their schedules to Google Maps Transit in May this year.)

Ah factor: 1/5

Multitasking

A lot has been tooted about this particular feature--the new iOS 9 now brings the ability to run apps in tandem and switch between them--a very necessary ability in today’s frantically paced world. But wait, the new multitasking-centric ‘Split View’, ‘Picture in Picture’ and 'Slide over' will not be available on all iOS devices. Picture in Picture and Slide Over is available only on iPad Pro, iPad Air or later and iPad mini 2 or later while Split View is available on iPad Pro, iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 4 only. Boo for device-preferential multitasking. Also, split screen app multitasking has been implemented in Android devices for years.

Ah factor: 2/5

Enhanced keyboard

The new keyboard in iOS 9 brings the ability to quickly select text, use the shortcut bar and access keyboard shortcuts. There are also new new language keyboards for Punjabi, Gujarati and Telugu, and extended support for Hindi with transliteration and “Hinglish” keyboards, which is pretty neat.

But many of these features have already been implemented excellently (and used extensively) in Android (and in fact in iOS 8 with third-party keyboard support) with apps like Swiftkey, Swype, SlideIt and the like. The ability to control the screen cursor using multitouch gestures--especially while selecting text--is actually pretty cool. Also the keyboard shortcuts that are created to work with physical keyboards should bring a laptop-like experience and efficiency when using an iPad as a mobile workstation.

Ah factor: 3/5

Siri evolved

Everyone’s favourite voice assistant in iOS sees an upgrade in iOS 9 with what looks like contextual awareness making an appearance. You can, for example, ask it something relatively complex like setting a reminder when you get into your car, or asking it to ‘remind you about it later tonight’ halfway through typing an email. So getting into the car and reminding you about it is an inference that Siri should be able to make, and process accordingly.

Siri is now also able to learn the kinds of apps you use and make proactive suggestions to searches even before you ask: typing the name of a singer or plugging in headphones might suggest you play a song, or frequently contacted friends may be auto-suggested while composing mails.

Startlingly similar abilities were demonstrated at Google I/O in May earlier this year with their ‘Now on tap’ innovation that’s as yet unreleased. So in this particular case, it appears Apple has beaten Google out the door.

Ah factor: 4/5

Performance, battery life and security

As with every OS update, these are three must-have factors or it really isn’t much of an update. Apple claims moving to iOS 9 will bring up to one hour of additional time before the next charge, a smaller update file size (1.3GB here, compared to 4.58GB for the earlier iOS 8 update,) and better optimization of the CPU and GPU for smoother overall system response. On the security front, two more digits have been added to your password making it that much stronger, along with the welcome introduction of two-factor authentication that prompts you for an additional passcode which is displayed on your browser or other connected iOS device.

Ah factor: Can’t say as yet. We’ll know when we experience this subsequently.

Have your own feedback to share after moving to the new OS? Hit the comments below  We’ve love to hear from you.