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Apple unveils iOS 9 at WWDC
It wouldn't be a software development conference without some software, so please be upstanding as we welcome iOS 9 to the world. There are two themes to this year's update: a Snow Leopard-style series of behind-the-scenes performance tweaks as well as a raft of new "intelligent features." The first is pretty understandable, while the second looks to bring some of Google Now's much-trumpeted smarts to your phone and tablet. That means that, at least on paper, Siri will now be smart enough to predict the sort of information that you'll want before you start looking for it.
What to expect from Apple at WWDC 2015
Didn't we just wrap up a developer conference? Never mind that -- Apple's WWDC kicks off in earnest on Monday, June 8th, and we'll be there to liveblog the finer points of the morning's keynote (and bring you some sweet hands-on coverage too, if we get the chance). With just three days left on the calendar before Tim Cook and company take the stage at Moscone West in San Francisco, let's take a nice, leisurely run through what we expect Apple to show off once the weekend draws to a close.
Apple is reportedly working on its answer to Google Now
Apple has made some efforts to give you relevant info when you need it (such as iOS' Today screen), but it hasn't really had a response to Google Now, which brings you everything from timely directions to cheap flights. According to 9to5Mac's sources, however, that's going to change soon. The crew at 1 Infinite Loop is reportedly working on Proactive, an effort to unite Siri, contacts, schedules and apps in a way that surfaces info at just the right time. A revamped Spotlight search screen in iOS will automatically fill with content based on your schedule and habits. If you're going on a trip, for example, it'll pop up your Passbook ticket when it's time to go; if you always check Facebook in the morning, you'll get an app shortcut. There are also promises of restaurant suggestions showing up at meal time.
9to5Mac: Apple's working on iOS tweaks for 12-inch iPad
Still holding out for a larger iPad? Well, you're certainly not alone. Thanks to new details from 9to5Mac, it looks like Apple's prepping for a reveal as well. The site has a solid track record when it comes to rumors, and it reports that both hardware and software tweaks are in the works for the 12.9-inch slate. Two models, code-named J98 and J99, are reportedly in the testing phase alongside tweaks to Apple's mobile OS to outfit the extra screen real estate. As you might expect, the difference between the two is one is WiFi-only and the other carries both WiFi and cellular connectivity. Among the changes to iOS is a split-screen feature that could be announced for current iPad models as early as WWDC in a few weeks.
Apple's next big iOS update could get a public beta test first
Worried that the next iOS update could repeat last year's glitchy rollout of iOS 8? We imagine the folks in Cupertino feel the same way, and according to a report from 9to5Mac, they plan to avoid it by adding public beta tests to the mix. Specifically, the move will mirror its early test of OS X Yosemite, with iOS 8.3 getting a preview in mid-March, and then iOS 9 over the summer. Those willing to risk some stability to help out can sign up for the AppleSeed program here although that doesn't assure inclusion -- the test will reportedly be limited to 100,000 people.
iOS 9 reportedly focuses on under-the-hood upgrades
If you feel that Apple is upgrading iOS a little too quickly, you're not alone -- there are concerns (if sometimes overstated) that it's focusing too much on interface revamps and extensions over making things work well. There may be relief in sight, however. Sources for the historically reliable 9to5Mac claim that iOS 9 will have a "huge" emphasis on behind-the-scenes fixes and performance optimizations. That's not to say there won't be any spiffy new features, but this could be more of a tune-up (in the vein of OS X Snow Leopard) than a breakthrough release. Apple likely won't confirm anything until its next Worldwide Developer Conference sometime in mid-year. If the tipsters are on the mark, though, the new iOS could be good news for anyone who feels that Cupertino hasn't been living up to its "just works" reputation as of late.
