Apple begins testing iOS 9: Phones running the next-generation software spotted online
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Apple's iOS 8 was dogged with problems from the start, so the tech giant will be hoping its successor doesn't suffer the same fate.
With this in mind, the firm has already started beta testing its iOS 9 software, according to numerous reports.
Searches and clicks registered by various analytics software are showing as originating from an operating system version dubbed '9.0'.
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Searches and clicks registered by various analytics software have been shown originating from an operating system version dubbed '9.0' (pictured). It was first spotted by Roman Zavrel from letemsvetemapplem.eu. He sent the report to Macworld, who similarly confirmed the test. The first of which was made back in October
The updated software was first spotted by Roman Zavrel from Czech site letemsvetemapplem.eu.
He sent the report to Macworld, who similarly confirmed visits to its own site were coming from an updated operating system. The first of which was made back in October.
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These visits are likely to have been made using prototype builds of the software, on existing Apple devices, ahead of a developer preview being released later this year.
Software updates are typically announced during Apple's Worldwide Developer's Conference, which last year took place from 2 to 6 June.
The dates of this year's WWDC haven't been announced, but it is likely to take place in the first half of June again.
Analytics can't reveal any details, in terms of features, that could be included in the software release, but, one student has created a concept video that shows how iOS 9 could work.
The video, by Hamburg-based Ralph Theodory suggests Apple may add more customisation options to iOS 9, to buttons and menu screens, as well as a Night Mode that could save battery life.
Users may also be able to close all apps in one go, rather than swiping them individually, choose how icons appear, and assign different tasks to the buttons and Touch ID sensor.
When Apple announced its Watch last year, images revealed the timepiece includes rounded icons, and Mr Theodory's iOS 9 concept features similar.
Elsewhere, the concept shows a Remote Fix mode that could help technicians repair a device remotely, and Siri Spell - a feature designed to help Siri become more attuned to the user's voice.
Reports yesterday revealed Apple is putting the finishing touches to its Watch ahead of an expected launch in March - and has released a test version of the software that will link it to an iPhone.
The latest release of iOS 8.2, expected to be launched within weeks, includes references to the much anticipated watch.
Analytics can't reveal any details in terms of features that could be included in the software release, but, one student has created a concept video that shows how iOS 9 could work (concept Settings pictured). The video, by Ralph Theodory suggests Apple may add more customisation options, to buttons and menu screens
Apple Watch will link via Bluetooth and a special app on user's iPhone.
In September, Apple was forced to pull a software update that upgraded users to iOS 8.0.1.
In some cases, the upgrade robbed users of signal, data service and the Touch ID capability, and Apple had to release an unscheduled update to correct the problem.
Apple unveiled iOS 8 in June. It was then released in September.
When Apple announced its Watch last year, images revealed the timepiece will include rounded icons (pictured). Reports yesterday revealed Apple is putting the finishing touches to its Watch ahead of an expected launch in March - and has released a test version of the software that will link it to an iPhone
Mr Theodory's concept features similarly rounded icons (pictured), dubbed Round Springboard. Elsewhere, the concept shows a Remote Fix mode that could help technicians repair a device remotely, and Siri Spell - a feature designed to help Siri become more attuned to its user's voice
Design-wise, the software looks similar to iOS 7, with flat icons and menus.
The search function on Apple's Photos app has been improved to make it easier to find photos, based on location, dates, or album name.
The Messages app in iOS 8 now lets users capture sounds to send in conversations, including voice notes, ambient sounds and music.
The new Messages app also takes on Whatsapp by additionally letting users send videos, start group conversations and enable Do Not Disturb to hide group notifications until a later time.
And, users can send their location to friends, which appear on an interactive map, and send multiple photos and videos from the Camera Roll.
Apple's iOS 8 software (pictured) was unveiled in June and was released in September. Shortly after, Apple was forced to pull its iOS 8.0.1 update. In some cases, the upgrade robbed users of signal, data service and the Touch ID capability, and Apple had to release an unscheduled update to correct the problem
WHAT WAS NEW IN IOS 8
The search function on Apple's Photos app (pictured) has been improved to make it easier to find photos, based on location, dates or album name. Users can fine-tune edits, and the latest smart composition tools automatically straighten horizons, and crop images
PHOTOS
The search function on Apple's Photos app has been improved to make it easier to find photos, based on location, dates or album.
Users can fine-tune edits, and the latest smart composition tools automatically straighten horizons, or crop the image.
The Messages app takes on Whatsapp by letting users capture sounds to send in conversations, including voice notes, ambient sounds or music
There are also smart adjustments that modify the overall light and colour in a photo to balance exposure, brightness and contrast.
Apple has now added time-lapse video modes, accessible through the Record button on the Camera app.
MESSAGES
The Messages app in iOS 8 takes on Whatsapp by letting users capture sounds to send in conversations, including voice notes, ambient sounds or music.
To play these sounds, users can either press the Play button, or hold the device up to their ear and listen like a phone call.
The new Messages app additionally lets users send videos, start group conversations and enable Do Not Disturb to hide group notifications until a later time.
Elsewhere, users can send their location to friends, which appear on a interactive map, and send multiple photos and videos from the Camera Roll.
There is also a Snapchat-style self-destruct button for video messages.
INTERACTIVE NOTIFICATIONS
One of the stand-out features mentioned by Craig Federighi, Apple's senior vice president of software engineering, at iOS 8's unveiling in June was the Interactive Notifications tool.
This feature let users reply to texts, emails, accept calendar invites, tweet and send Facebook messages straight from the notification banner.
This means they don't have to open the specific app, or leave the app they were already using.
With iOS 8, pressing the Home button twice opens the multitasking menu.
Along the top, users will now see the faces of people they've recently talked to, and by swiping to the right, their favourite contacts. This means they can call or text these people with one tap.
And when contacts send calendar invites, for example, they can be added to the diary from the top of the screen.
One of the stand-out features of iOS 8 is Interactive Notifications (pictured). They let users reply to texts, emails, accept calendar invites, tweet and send Facebook messages straight from the notification banner. This means users don't have to open the specific app, or leave the app they were already using
QUICKTYPE
In iOS 8, Apple has added support for more third-party keyboards and improved its own keyboard to add predictive text.
In iOS 8, Apple has added support for more third-party keyboards and improved its own keyboard to add predictive text (pictured)
As a user types, they'll see a choice of words or phrases the software thinks they will type next, based on past conversations and writing style.
The software can also distinguish between informal languages uses in the Messages app, for example, and more formal language when using the Mail app.
It also adjusts the style based on the person the user is communicating with, because their choice of words is likely more laid back with a spouse than with a boss.
FAMILY SHARING
With Family Sharing, up to six people in a family can share purchases from iTunes, iBooks and the App Store without sharing accounts.
This means family purchases can be paid with the same credit card, and a child's spending has to be approved from a parent's device.
Photos and family calendars can also be shared more easily, and everyone on the account can contribute photos to shared albums, for example.
HEALTH
The new Health app on iOS 8 features a dashboard showing all the user's health and fitness data.
Apple has also created a tool for developers called HealthKit, which syncs other health and fitness apps together.
The Health app puts all heart rate, calories burned, blood sugar, and cholesterol information in one place, and blood type and allergy information can be accessed from the Lock Screen, in case of an emergency.
Apple has also improved its Spotlight tool, (pictured) which searches for files and information on the device, and the web.The app now considers the answer, and uses context to provide the most relevant choices
SPOTLIGHT
Apple has also improved its Spotlight tool, which searches for files and information on the device, and the web.
The tool now considers the answer, and uses context to provide the most relevant choices.
When searching for a person, item or term, a Wikipedia snippet will appear. The new Spotlight identifies hot topics, and knows what's trending.
And typing the name of a restaurant reveals the closest branch, including phone number and opening hours, for example, too.
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