Apple's developer conference kicks off on Monday, where we'll get a look at iOS 9, the next version of Mac OS X, and hopefully a few surprises.
There have been plenty of rumors about what Apple might introduce, but when it comes to iOS 9, several reports indicate that Cupertino has been spending most of its time making improvements under the hood. Stability seems to be the name of the game rather than major, headline-grabbing new features.
That's not to say there won't be any wow moments. Apple fans are sure to find something they like. But Apple apparently wants to make sure this iOS rollout is as smooth as possible, on newer and older devices alike.
Typically, Apple releases iOS to developers at WWDC, but the general public doesn't get its hands on the mobile OS until the fall with the launch of new iPhones. Before Tim Cook and Co. take the stage in San Francisco on Monday, though, here's what the PCMag staff hopes they'll introduce.
Split-Screen Multitasking
I asked for this last year and the year before. Could 2015 be the year we can finally operate two apps at the same time on iPad? 9to5Mac says yes, and I seriously hope they're right.
Improved Music Player
"While I like iTunes Match and find it worth the $25 per year, playlists don't sync well in the cloud and sometimes disappear altogether on me. And sometimes I can't create new ones -- or if I do on the desktop, the phone never sees them, despite everything being enabled in Settings. It's very wonky on my iPhone 6 Plus. I get the feeling Apple hasn't tested iCloud and iTunes Match much in a subway environment, where LTE signal appears and disappears. Apple nailed it with local music downloads and syncing with a wire years ago, but I've never seen that level of stability on the streaming side yet." - Jamie Lendino, ExtremeTech Editor
Public Transit on Maps
Lead Analyst for Software, Michael Muchmore, would like to finally see public transit directions within Apple Maps. If the rumors are true, he won't be disappointed.
Widgets
"As someone who is only recently reacquainted with iOS via my iPad, I think the OS would definitely benefit from some live widgets (or 'tiles' in Windows Phone-speak) that would allow you to monitor an app without opening it (e.g. see your email inbox or your Twitter feed)." - Evan Dashevsky, Features Editor.
Apple did embrace widgets somewhat in iOS 8, but only in the notifications drop-down menu, where it allowed users to customize what they see there.
Apple did embrace widgets somewhat in iOS 8, but only in the notifications drop-down menu, where it allowed users to customize what they see there.
Most Used Apps Front and Center
Similarly, Lead Analyst for Security Neil Rubenking said he'd like the ability to automatically have his most-used apps on the first screen.
Remote App Installs
"I want to install apps remotely via the Web, like Android and Windows Phone can do." - Michael Muchmore
He also wants the ability to see file folders, photos, docs, and music when you plug your iOS device into a computer’s USB port.
He also wants the ability to see file folders, photos, docs, and music when you plug your iOS device into a computer’s USB port.
Easier Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Access
"I can swipe up to summon toggles for Wi-Fi, airplane mode, and more, but I wish I could quickly select Bluetooth devices or Wi-Fi networks without having to drill through the Settings menu." - Max Eddy
Better Third-Party Keyboard Integration
"Third party keyboards were let in the door last year (I think?) but they still feel sloppy. Swype-style gesture typing is great on Android, and baked into Google and Samsung's default keyboards. I'd like to see it integrated into Apple's keyboard, or just better support for third-party keyboards." - Max Eddy
Michael Muchmore echoed that request, asking simply for "a swipey keyboard that isn’t crap."
Michael Muchmore echoed that request, asking simply for "a swipey keyboard that isn’t crap."
Wireless Charging
Apple has been slow to embrace wireless charging, so iPhone owners must use bulky charging cases for any sort of cord-free power-ups. Will that change this year? Stay tuned.
iMessage in the Cloud
"I want Messages on the Web, as part of iCloud.com (Android has this with Gchat and Windows Phone has with Skype chat)" - Michael Muchmore
Built-In Barcode/QR Scanning
"It's really dumb that I have to open a specific app to read a QR code or a bar code. I'd like Apple to bake-in this technology, and make it accessible to users and developers." - Max Eddy
Tighter Cross-Platform Integration
"I want to be able to copy text on my phone and paste it into a document on my computer. I want to seamlessly swap photos and songs between the two. I want my phone or tablet to recognize immediately when my Apple TV is turned on, and offer up an on-screen remote on the spot." - Max Eddy
Apple ID Flexibility
"I’d REALLY like to be able to merge two Apple IDs, or 'hand off' apps purchased under one ID to another. (Yes, due to a mix-up at the very start of my iPhone experience I have some (non-free) apps on a different account)." - Neil Rubenking