Now that Apple has finally released iOS 9 beta 5 to developers two days later than its usual Tuesday release schedule, everyone is installing it onto their iPhones and iPads to see what is new in this latest release. While new features are not always the name of the game at this point in the beta cycle, iOS 9 beta 5 brings with it more than some much-needed stability fixes.
We’ve been using iOS 9 beta 5 for a few hours now and we have a handle on the major changes and additional features that have arrived in this new release, which we’re going to outline below. Let us know if you’re using this fifth beta release of iOS 9 and importantly, if we’ve missed anything new in our list.
Let’s get started.
Keyboard Tweaks
Apple has again tweaked the way the Shift key is displayed as well as the icons used in places like the dictation button.
Wi-Fi Assist
Now, when this option is turned on in the Settings app, iOS 9 will use cellular data when the iPhone’s Wi-Fi connection is poor.
New Wallpapers
Apple has removed some iPhone 5c wallpapers and replaced them with some much more interesting ones. 15 new ones in total.
Siri Suggestions Interface Changed
Now, tapping a contact shows only icons for the mode of contact rather than icons and labels.
Wi-Fi Calling Comes To AT&T
Just as you might expect, those using an AT&T contract can now use Wi-Fi calling if they live in the right area.
CarPlay Interface Tweaks
Users can now like songs from CarPlay, and new, larger artwork is displayed on-screen.
Handoff & Suggested Apps Tweak On The Lock Screen
Now you will only see icons for installed apps, rather than those on the App Store.
Shuffle All Option In Music App
A new option to shuffle all your music can be found at the top of the Music app.
Text Replacement
Just a new name for the old Shortcuts feature we have had as part of iOS for some time now. The new name matches the Mac, however.
New Wi-Fi Animation
Disabling Wi-Fi now sees the icon fade away rather than disappear one signal arc at a time.
Regulatory Info
If you really like to see those regulatory logos, then you can now do just that from Settings > General > Regulatory in addition to its previous hidden location in Settings > General > About > Legal.
You can check out all of the above mentioned changes in action in the video embedded below:
In our early testing, iOS 9 beta 5 seems more stable, and certainly more usable as far as speed is concerned than previous incarnations. We’ll have to see if we stumble upon any new problems as we use the software more.
You may also like to check out:
- Apple Releases iOS 9 Public Beta 3
- Download iOS 9 Beta 5 And Install On iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 5s, 5c, 5, 4S, iPad, iPod touch [Tutorial]
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