Apple first announced iOS 8 back in June at WWDC 2014. After a few rounds of beta releases, the company today announced that the iOS 8 launch is set for September 17 as a free download for the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.
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,” said 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.”
The latest version of iOS promises a “simpler, faster and more intuitive user experience” with enhanced Messages and Photos functionality, Family Sharing and improvements to the Apple QuickType keyboard including predictive typing. The new Health app will compile and present data collected from a range of apps and sensors via HealthKit.
Developers will get access to access to over 4,000 new APIs in the iOS 8 SDK. Major iOS extensions include new sharing options, widgets, custom actions, a set of Touch ID APIs, the new Metal graphics technology and Swift, Apple’s new programming language for iOS and OS X.
Apple will make iOS 8 ready for download on September 17. The free download and upgrade will be compatible with the iPhone 4s, iPhone 5, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5s, iPod touch 5th generation, iPad 2, iPad with Retina display, iPad Air, iPad mini and iPad mini with Retina display.
Source : Apple