Back in June, at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference, exec Craig Federighi introduced some big changes to iOS, the iPhone and iPad operating system. Now, it appears the company has few cool additions to add to the mix with iOS 8, the latest version of the software.
The public has known we’ll be getting things like apps that play better together, custom keyboards and notifications. This new dynamic duo of iPhone 6 devices will offer roomier screens to display more characters and texts in apps like Messages, which now also gets the ability to quickly send little voice notes.
In the case of the bigger iPhone 6 Plus, the extra space allows for friends’ faces to populate the Messages app, and a new landscape mode that puts the screen into a two-pane display for apps like Messages and Mail. (iPad and iPad mini users will find this really familiar.)
The homescreen also gets a landscape view now, with a side-oriented dock. Plus users also get some benefit from a keyboard with extra keys, like dedicated buttons for copying and pasting.
Both devices will have a new health app, enhanced notifications, and other updates in the iOS 8 software.
See also: Apple Unveils iPhone 6 Plus, A 5.5-Inch Phablet
Perhaps most interesting, the company revealed details about its new one-handed features—which may prove absolutely necessary for four-inch iPhone owners trying to make the adjustment to a massive phone. With the new reachability function, you just double tap the Touch ID button, and the entire display slides down, allowing you to reach the top buttons. In Messages, the bottom right corner now offers a one-touch controller fit for a single thumb. And QuickType suggestions for words you’re trying to type, which are reachable with one hand.
iOS 8 will be available for download on September 17 and work with:
- iPhones 4S, 5, 5C, 5S
- iPod Touch 5th generation
- iPads 2, 3, 4, Air, mini, mini with Retina Display
