Apple Inc.'s iOS 9 To Focus On Stability, Optimization Over New Features

The annual release cycle of iOS may come with a slew of new features. But some developers have argued the update frequency has come at the cost of stability for Apple’s mobile operating system. With iOS 9, Apple may be going back to the basics, placing priority on stability and optimization over introducing features.

Since the iPhone’s introduction in 2007, Apple has released major software upgrades annually, usually coinciding with the launch of a new version. While most of those upgrades were focused on introducing a slew of features to the mobile OS, iOS 9 is expected to have a number changes aimed at fixing bugs as well as boosting the operating system’s performance, according to unnamed sources speaking to 9to5Mac. Internally, iOS 9 is said to be codenamed “Stowe,” taking the name of a Vermont ski resort.

Previous major versions of iOS have received similar internal code names referring to alpine getaways, including iOS 8 “Okemo” and iOS 7 “Sochi.” But none has been designated as an official title. OS X code names have followed a similar code name pattern, except with wines.

The only exception to this rule is OS X 10.6, which retained the name Snow Leopard throughout the entirety of its development. 9to5Mac has likened iOS 9 to Snow Leopard, noting the OS X version was also touted as one focused on stability and optimizations rather than a feature-packed update.

Apple is looking to reduce the size of its software updates, which kept many iPhone and iOS users with limited space available from upgrading to iOS 8 over-the-air upon its release in September.

At this time, Apple hasn’t officially announced the successor to iOS 8. But if the company follows its past trends, we can likely expect an announcement for iOS 9 in June during the Worldwide Developers Conference, followed by a public release of the software in the fall.