Apple's iOS 9 Beta: What to Expect

Get the first look at Apple's operating system update.

ByABC News
July 10, 2015, 11:05 AM
Apple's iOS9 new updated features includes an improved and faster Siri.
Apple's iOS9 new updated features includes an improved and faster Siri.
Apple

— -- Adventurous Apple users can download the beta version of iOS 9 ahead of its release date this fall. Apple's beta release marks the first time the iPhone maker has offered a major iOS preview to consumers.

Expect an advance look at some of the features Apple debuted at the Worldwide Developers Conference in June, including a smarter Siri, the Apple News app and Health Kit updates, among others. However, as with any public beta, there is a risk.

It's recommended iOS 9 testers download the update to a secondary device as a safeguard to ensure a primary iPhone or iPad isn't effected by any potential bugs. Since the software hasn't been commercially released, Apple warns it "may contain errors or inaccuracies and may not function as well as commercially released software."

Still interested? Head over to Apple's Beta Software Program to sign up and download iOS 9.

Here's a look at some of the new features you can expect:

Smarter Siri

Siri can pick up context throughout your day.

In iOS 9, Siri will be able to pull up results for requests such as "Show me photos from Utah last August" and "Remind me to grab my coffee off the roof of my car when I get in."

Siri will also know to pull up music when headphones are plugged in or start an audio book a user has been listening to when they're in their car, among a slew of other context-based features.

HealthKit

HealthKit, which launched with iOS 8, will include new tracking capabilities for reproductive health, hydration and sun exposure.

Added Search Intelligence

When a user performs a search, iOS 9 can "search deep" within your apps, according to Apple. For example, even if you can't remember which app you saw an apple pie recipe in, if you type "apple pie" in the search field, the recipe will pop up, making for a for a seamless user experience.

The added intelligence is done only on the device level and stays within the user's control, according to Apple. Any requests that require a search, such as traffic conditions, won't be tied to a user's Apple ID.

Multi-Tasking

Apple is bringing multi-tasking to the iPad with iOS 9, including the ability to work in two screens at once or even watch a video with "picture in picture" mode.

Recognizing that some people use iPads as computers, quick-type iOS 9 shortcuts will also be added.

Low Power Mode

Low power mode in iOS 9 lets users extend the battery life of their device by an extra hour before charging.

Other energy savings come from little changes, including sensors that let your iPhone know if it's face down on a table, allowing it to save power even if the phone receives a notification.