iOS 8 Update: Download Information for Apple iPhone, Release Date, Key Features, Specs, News
iOS 8, the sequel to last years' dramatic visual overhaul to Apple's mobile OS, is expected out this fall and boasts a host of new features that should enhance functionality.
Earlier this year, Apple introduced the update during its annual developer conference, WWDC 2014, and promised it will offer better Mac OS integration as well as new software kits to quell fragmentation in security and health applications.
While there was no direct talk at WWDC regarding the iPhone 6 or iWatch (both expected for fall releases this year), based on the tweaks made to last year's OS, it looks like Apple is laying the groundwork to move into wearable technology very soon.
According to Tech Radar, here are some quick facts and details about new iOS 8 features:
What is iOS 8?
The next version of Apple's mobile operating system.
When will it be released?
iOS 8 should be arriving on devices sometime in September of this year.
How much will it cost to upgrade to iOS 8?
Nothing. iOS is free to owners of certain Apple mobile devices.
Will iOS 8 Work With My Device?
iPhones - iOS 8 will work with any iPhone from the 4S and newer. So an iPhone 4 or anything before that will not be able to run the update.
iPads - iPads from the iPad 2 and newer will all run iOS 8, which is pretty cool since those have been around for a while. Any version of the iPad mini will also be compatible with the update.
iPods - iPod touch 5th generation will be compatible with iOS 8.
Downloading iOS 8 Beta
The beta version of iOS 8 is currently available for download by members of Apple's iOS developer program (membership costs $99 annually). Again, this isn't meant for average consumers to preview the new software; it's for developers in order to aid them in creating new iOS 8 applications.
Touch ID
iOS 7 introduced a revolutionary finger or thumb print scanner to restrict access to Apple products and App Store/iTunes purchases. With iOS 8, developers now have access to include the biometric scanner as an option to replace passwords. This will add an extra layer of security to apps that conduct financial transactions, like banking apps or PayPal.
Time Lapse Camera
Last year, Apple introduced slow motion video to the iOS camera. This year they've done the opposite with a new time lapse feature that will let you record long events and play them back in a fraction of the time.
Device Handoff
This new feature lets you move seamlessly from one iOS device to another and not miss a beat. Now projects or emails started on one device can be finished or continued on another. Pretty cool.
New Keyboard(s)
The new Quicktype keyboard features offer predictive text options above the keyboard while you type a message. And if you don't like the native keyboard, iOS 8 finally gives you other options. Apple announced at WWDC that iOS 8 will support third-party keyboards and extensions like Swype and SwiftKey.
HealthKit
And last there is HealthKit, a health and fitness suite meant to consolidate and streamline all of your health and fitness apps into one easy to use hub. Apple is partnering with some of the biggest names in health and fitness to make HealtKit the most helpful and useful mobile health app yet. Partners like Nike and MayoClinic have signed up to bring stats and info to the new hub, including a blood pressure monitor.
Those are the main new features in iOS 8, however, there are many more. For a full rundown of every new feature go here. And don't forget to check back with us as September gets closer for more iOS 8 news and coverage.