IOS 8

iOS 8

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Other names
Original author(s)
Developer(s)	Apple Inc.
Initial release	September  17, 2014 (2014-09-17)
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iOS 8 is the eighth major release of the iOS mobile operating system developed by Apple Inc., being the successor to iOS 7. It was announced at the company's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on June 2, 2014, and was released on September 17, 2014. iOS 8 introduced several new features and improvements over its predecessor, focusing on enhancing user experience and providing developers with more tools to create innovative applications.

Features

Continuity

One of the hallmark features of iOS 8 is Continuity, which allows users to seamlessly transition between their iOS devices and Mac computers. This includes features like Handoff, which lets users start a task on one device and continue it on another, and the ability to make and receive phone calls and text messages on a Mac or iPad when an iPhone is nearby.

HealthKit

HealthKit is a new framework introduced in iOS 8 that allows health and fitness apps to communicate with each other. It provides a central repository for health data, enabling users to track their health metrics and share them with healthcare providers. The Health app aggregates this data and presents it in a user-friendly interface.

HomeKit

HomeKit is a framework for communicating with and controlling connected accessories in a user's home. It allows users to configure their home environment and control devices using Siri voice commands. HomeKit supports a wide range of devices, including lights, thermostats, and locks.

Extensions

With iOS 8, Apple introduced Extensions, allowing apps to extend their functionality to other parts of the system. This includes widgets in the Notification Center, custom keyboards, and the ability to share content between apps more easily.

iCloud Drive

iCloud Drive is Apple's cloud storage service, which was enhanced in iOS 8 to allow users to store any type of file and access it from any device. It provides a more traditional file system-like experience, making it easier to manage documents and data across devices.

Family Sharing

Family Sharing is a feature that allows up to six family members to share purchases from the iTunes Store, App Store, and iBooks Store without sharing accounts. It also includes features like shared photo albums, calendars, and the ability to track each other's locations.

Improved Messaging

The Messages app in iOS 8 received several enhancements, including the ability to send audio and video messages, share locations, and manage group conversations more effectively.

QuickType

QuickType is a new predictive text input feature that suggests words and phrases as users type, based on their past conversations and writing style. It supports multiple languages and adapts to the user's typing habits over time.

Reception

Upon its release, iOS 8 received generally positive reviews for its new features and improvements. However, it also faced criticism for initial bugs and performance issues, particularly on older devices like the iPhone 4S. Apple addressed many of these issues in subsequent updates, including iOS 8.1, 8.2, and 8.3.

Also see

• iOS 7
• iOS 9
• Apple Inc.
• iPhone
• iPad
• iPod Touch