iOS 9 is all about improving the overall performance and usability of the software, with Craig Federighi, senior vice president of Software Engineering at Apple, saying: "We wanted to elevate the 

foundations of the platform, such as improving battery life and enhancing performance."

Siri was at the forefront of the keynote, with Apple announcing that it's 40 percent more accurate and more intelligent than ever in iOS 9, having been given a "Proactive" overhaul.

In a bid to compete with Cortana and Google Now, Siri will be able to respond to more naturally-spoken queries and offer context-based intelligence. For example, it will show the Now Playing screen on the lock screen if it knows you've gone out for a run and likely will want to listen to Music.

Proactive Siri can also do things like suggest who unknown callers might be when a number pops up on your screen, and suggest apps that you tend to use during certain times of day. There’s also an API for search, adding support for third-party apps.

Apple has been keen to point out that this is all done privately and securely, with Federighi saying: "All of this is done on device, and it stays on the device under your control."

Asexpected, a new Maps app will debut in iOS 9, introducing public transport directions for the first time. This covers bus, ferry, subway, and train routes, and will be available in London at launch.

In a bid to challenge the likes of Flipboard, a new app called News app will arrive in iOS 9, replacing the existing Newsstand app, allowing users to create a personalised feed. A new Notes app will also debut in the next iOS, supporting images, doodles and check-lists.

A "Lower Power Mode" will feature in the next iOS update, allowing users to prolong their battery life by an additional battery life. In terms of performance Apple announced that it has also managed to reduce the size of iOS updates - with iOS 9 set to weigh in at just 1.8GB, as well as improving the security credentials of its mobile software.

HomeKit also got a mention, with iOS 9 set to allow users to control connected devices remotely via iCloud. Support for new sensors, including carbon monoxide sensors and security systems, has also been added. 

The iPad also took to the spotlight during Apple's WWDC keynote, with Apple announcing new multitasking features such as a Split View mode (below) and a new Slideover window, that allows you to check your messages while in another app by sliding from the right of the display, for example. The multitasking view has also been given a lick of paint, offering a full-screen view of open windows in iOS 9.

The firm also announced that the iPad keyboard can transform into a trackpad in iOS 9, by simply sliding two fingers over the keys.

Apple also announced during its WWDC keynote that Apple Pay is coming to the UK next month. The service will be supported by eight banks at launch including Halifax, HSBC and Natwest, and at a number of retailers such as Boots, Nandos and M&S.

Apple is killing the Passbook name in favor of a new app called Wallet, which integrates credit cards, debit cards, store cards, and loyalty cards in one place.

iOS 9 will be available as a public beta in July, and is available to developers now. It will be supported by all of the devices that supported iOS 8 when it sees a full rollout in the autumn, including the iPhone 4S and first-gen iPad Mini

SOURCE:THEINQUIRER