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iOS 9 to Support Legacy iPhones and iPads

Maura

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9to5 Mac has a really interesting report today that outlines some of the big changes that Apple has in store with its forthcoming iOS 9 and OS X 10.11 software. 9to5 Mac says that it has heard from multiple sources in the know that Apple’s engineers have concentrated on achieving Snow-Leopard-style stability focus for both iOS 9 and OS X 10.11 in 2015.

It turns out that Apple executives were not in favour of a total pause on new features, which is what the engineers would have preferred, but did agree to hold back some features that had initially been planned, in favour of quality assurance.

Talking specifically about iOS 9, which 9to5 Mac says is codenamed “Monarch,” it’s expected to feature the Apple Watch’s new San Francisco typeface as its system-wide font, as well as a new Home app for managing HomeKit devices, split-screen views for iPad apps, and an upgraded version of Apple Maps with mass transit directions now included.

9to5 Mac says that Apple has also been working on some important security enhancements for both operating systems, including a new initiative called “Rootless,” which is re-architected Apple apps with file encryption via iCloud Drive, and a new “Trusted Wi-Fi” feature, which enables easier connection to trusted wireless routers.

Rootless is apparently a “huge,” kernel-level system for both OS X and iOS, which will forbid even admins from accessing certain protected files on their Apple devices.

It is thought that this could have significant effects on the ability to jailbreak iOS device.

And last but not least, it seems that iOS 9 will support some legacy iPads and iPhones, in particular A5-based devices, with Apple restructuring its software engineering process to more effectively support older hardware.

Source: iOS 9 OS X 10.11 to bring quality focus smaller apps Rootless security legacy iPhone iPad support 9to5Mac
 
Not too surprised about the A5 support, the vast majority of iOS devices out there are still running on the A5. The iPad 2 ,is the most common iPad in the market. If the rumours are to be believed, Apple had agreed to support the iPad 2 for 10 years after release in order to secure huge purchases from Educational Institutions in the US. Does that mean that iOS 14 will work on the iPad 2 ? Don't know, but its pretty obvious that consumers aren't upgrading their tablets as frequently as their iPhones and the A5 is still being used in newer products (ie the Apple Watch).
 
As long as Apple writes a special version of newer iOS versions that doesn't overtax the hardware the iPad 2 should continue to work with those newer iOS versions for several more years.
 
Sounds good. Honestly, we've never had much trouble with our older devices regarding the latest OS but stability is a great thing to hear about when talking operating systems.

Who knows, perhaps this kind of thing will boost sales of tablets? People seeing that older devices get some love could trigger some new buyers. Ya never know.
 

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