Top 13 iOS 9 Features
Photo of the iOS 9 logo and a list of compatible devices via businessinsider.com

iOS 9 is one of the most innovative OS updates Apple has put out, and it brings a lot to the table for the common user. Here's a list of the top 13 new features.

A Proactive Music App

Whenever you plug in headphones, connect a Bluetooth speaker, or plug into a dock, iPhone automatically knows that you're likely to listen to the Music app. It automatically launches and sets to the song you're most likely to be listening to that time of day. The app can quickly be opened either directly from the lock screen or from the bottom of the App Switcher. 

DJ Siri

Siri can now play any song by any artist, thanks to the addition of Apple Music iOS 8.4. Or, make a more broad request such as "Play the most popular songs from 1999" and watch her follow your commands.

The addition of an iCloud Drive app

If you want to access those Pages files you started on your iPad or watch that video you made on iMovie on your Mac, it's all accessible via the brand-new iCloud Drive app! But don't fret, the app isn't permanent and can be turned off via Settings> iCloud Drive> Show on Home Screen

Low Power Mode

Low Power Mode shuts down Mail fetch, Background App Refresh, Automatic Download, and various visual effects in order to extend your battery life. iPhone asks when the battery hits 20% (and again at 10%) if you would like to toggle on Low Power Mode. If turned on, it turns itself back off once the phone is charged back up to 80%.

Wallet shortcut

You can now launch the Wallet app when the phone is locked by double-clicking the Home button. You are then given the option to choose a card to use.

Quick Access to Selfies and Screenshots

Any and all screenshots are now automatically put into a 'smart' photo album respectively titled "Screenshots". Also, any photos taken with the front camera are automatically organized into a "Selfies" album.

Six-digit Passcodes

All iOS devices now have the option to change their passcode to a six-digit passcode instead of a four-digit passcode, making for over a million different possible codes and a much more secure passcode.

New Shift Key

Instead of just lighting up, the Shift Key now changes the capitalization of every letter on your keyboard.

"The Back Button"

If you're in one app and tap on a notification from another, you now have the option to quickly go to the previous app from a tiny little button at the top left of the screen, where the network connection is usually displayed.

Searchable Settings

Forget where you stop your screen from automatically turning off? Simply search it from the Search Bar in Settings and it'll find it for you!

Split View (iPad Only)

If you have an iPad Air 2, iPad mini 4, or an iPad Pro, you can run two apps at once on your screen! Simply swipe from the right side of the screen in landscape mode and a list of compatible apps pops up! You can use Split View in a 70/30 or 50/50 format.

Picture in Picture (iPad Only)

Also recently added was PiP capability for the iPad. Simply press the PiP button at the bottom-right of any video and go on doing whatever you please on your iPad while the video plays in the corner of the screen! You can even resize the video or temporarily slide it off the screen so only a small part of the video is visible, making for more room to do what you love.

Checklists, Sketches, and External Links in Notes

The Notes app now allows you to complete various new tasks.

Need help making a packing list? You can now add checklists and check off each item as needed. 

Want to amp up the organization of your notes? There's now a bunch of font styles, such as Title, Heading, Body, Check List, and various lists.

Don't have time to find a picture to add to your notes? Now you can sketch your own pictures!

Additionally, you can import links from external applications. For example, you can open a destination in Maps, tap the Share Sheets button, and add the location to the Notes app.


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Jack Griffin is an editor for the Technology and Music sections of VAVEL USA.

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