We’ve been keeping our eye on all of the exciting new developments at Apple this month. While we’re excited about the Apple Watch and iPhone 6, we wanted to take a closer look at the iOS 8 update, which Apple is describing as “Huge for developers. Massive for everyone else.” The update will give users a more seamless experience with more options, and new ways to use technology everyone has come to love, like TouchID.
The update allows developers more access than ever before. Since it’s free and now available for iPhone and iPad devices, you can bet that third-party developers are scrambling to update their apps and create new ones. Simply put, according to Apple, users will be able to do things they’ve never been able to do before. So let’s break it down.
Games
Love your games? The iOS 8 update provides new technologies to game developers, which will allow an enhanced game playing experience for 2D, 3D, and highly immersive console games.
Health
It’s clear that Apple is looking to be a part of the wellness movement with the inclusion of a heart rate monitor and other similar features on the Apple Watch. iOS 8 allows for data sharing among health and fitness apps so that users can keep track of all of their stats in one location and choose what to share with third-party apps.
Home
In addition to health, Apple’s software update brings changes for the home, too. Use your phone to turn on the lights, adjust the thermostat or unlock the front door. How’s that for seamless integration?
iCloud
Apple’s iCloud can now store app data. Start an email on your iPhone that you want to finish on your iPad? Now you can. Have a high score on your iPad that you want to take with you on your iPhone? Done.
Photos
Taking photos with the iPhone has been incredibly popular since its first release and same for the iPad. With the iOS 8 update, the photography experience has received a lot of great updates. For example, users can edit photos with ease directly in the Camera roll. Additionally, developers can include their photo editing tools right into the Photos app. There are even new features that allow the user to control the camera manually and to take time-lapse videos.
Security
With all of these new technologies that allow for data collection and sharing, security is at the forefront of people’s minds. The new software update includes expanded use of Touch ID, which was released with iPhone 5. App-specific data can be accessed via fingerprint rather than entering a password—not to mention the exciting new ApplePay.
These are just some of the new features that come with the iOS 8 update for Apple mobile devices. We’re excited at all of the new possibilities. If you’re looking to have an app made for your business, we can help. Contact our team.