Apple Releases iOS 8 For iPhone And iPad

Apple is to make the latest version of its mobile operating system, iOS 8, available to compatible iPhones and iPads later today, bringing a range of new productivity, management and health features alongside closer integration with OS X Yosemite.

The update is compatible with the iPhone 4S or later, the iPad 2 or later, the iPad Mini and the fifth generation iPod Touch and will be delivered as an over-the-air (OTA) download. It will also come pre-loaded on the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, which will be released in the UK on Friday.

The company first detailed iOS at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June and is describing the software as “biggest release since the launch of the App Store”.

iOS 8 launch

“We’re excited for hundreds of millions of users to begin experiencing iOS 8, with incredible features that offer new ways to use your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch,” says Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering. “iOS 8 also creates an extraordinary environment for developers, providing them the ability to create amazing new apps like never before.”

A new health app and HealthKit platform aggregate data from fitness applications and accessories, while the messages app now lets users send voice memos and location data. A new QuickType keyboard promises smarter, contextual predictive text and a new photos application offers advanced editing tools.

iOS 8 also works closely with Mac OS X Yosemite, with instant hotspot and handoff features supported, and brings new management and security options for enterprise.

Other new features include iCloud Drive storage, support for connected devices with HomeKit and 4,000 new APIs for developers to create better applications and superior frameworks for games development.

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