The iOS 8 Review
by Brandon Chester on September 17, 2014 1:00 PM EST
As another year goes by we see a new iPhone and a new version of iOS to accompany it. We also got a preview of the Apple Watch which will be going on sale next year. Our reviews of both new iPhones will be coming soon, with a look at new iOS features specific to those devices like ApplePay. But with iOS 8 rolling out today to millions of existing iOS users across the iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch, it's worth taking a look at what Apple is bringing to the users that are already in the iOS ecosystem.
This year brings the eighth iteration of Apple's mobile operating system, and with it comes features that users and developers have desired on iOS for many years. On the surface, iOS 8 seems like a minor update compared to the massive visual overhaul that iOS 7 brought. Indeed, there's no new design language, and no enormous changes to existing apps. But under the hood, with its features for application extensibility and continuity across the devices in Apple's ecosystem, it's a massive update that will be revealed over time as developers begin to take advantage of Apple's new features and APIs. If iOS 7 was the biggest update for users since the original launch of iOS and the iPhone 7 years ago, then iOS 8 is the biggest update for developers since the launch of iOS (at the time called iPhone OS) 2.0 and the App Store.
What's unique about iOS is the developer beta process that Apple runs in the time between announcement and release. While Google has taken a step into this area with the Android L developer preview, and Microsoft provides betas for Windows Phone 8.1, no mobile operating system operates on the 2 week beta schedule that iOS does. This cycle is interesting because it gives insight into Apple's development process on a smaller scale than looking at the changes from one major version of iOS to another. With iOS 7, developers became even more involved with this process as Apple began to really listen to the feedback given by people beta testing their software.
For example, the font weighting that we currently have is much heavier than what was originally demoed at WWDC back in 2013. It took many betas for Apple to eventually settle on what was a good balance between appearance and legibility. Likewise with iOS 8, I have observed many changes as Apple has gone through the different beta versions. The design of contact circles in the app switcher went through three or four different versions before Apple eventually settled on their current appearance. The buttons in Notification Center had a similar number of changes. Unfortunately, even when using iOS 8 betas on a daily basis it's difficult to keep track of all the changes made over time. What's most important to consumers is the end product though, and so with the exception of some features like SMS Relay, this review takes a look at the changes when making the jump from iOS 7.1.2 to iOS 8.0.
With that all said, lets dive into iOS 8, starting with the app that users use most.
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SirPerro - Thursday, September 18, 2014 - link
Why? Everybody uses whatsapp now, even iOS users. And no need to contact them in the first place.iMessages would be fine if more than a 10% of the people had it, and if whatsapp didn't exist
samsonjs - Wednesday, September 17, 2014 - link
Everyone I know who uses iOS (i.e. most people that I know) uses the Messages app and thus has and uses iMessage. I don't have to get them to sign up for anything or install an app, I just send them a message the same way I used to send them an SMS and now it uses iMessage and has higher-res photos and all the other goodies that come with it.Why wouldn't I use it?
Ancillas - Wednesday, September 17, 2014 - link
That's the same argument for Android users. Hangouts integrates with SMS, so why wouldn't they use it? The difference is that iMessage isn't an option for Android users, but Hangouts *is* an option for iOS users.steven75 - Wednesday, September 17, 2014 - link
It's a huge difference. Installing an app and creating an account vs neither. Not to mention Google's problems with privacy invasion.Impulses - Wednesday, September 17, 2014 - link
Not really, the only difference lies in that Apple pre installs the app (doesn't Hangouts come with most phones now tho?) AND automatically logs you in with your Apple account which most people blissfully ignore. If Google integrated Hangouts to that degree there'd be a pitchfork mob over it.Impulses - Wednesday, September 17, 2014 - link
I know you meant that comment as an iPhone user and Hangouts would never be pre-installed, but you're basically assuming everyone should use an iPhone if your argument is his revolve around that single point.WinterCharm - Wednesday, September 17, 2014 - link
Wrong again. The difference is that apples app is the only messaging app installed and it seamlessly switches between SMS and iMessage WITHIN the same app. It's not about having the app installed. It's about seamless integration.grayson_carr - Wednesday, September 17, 2014 - link
Um, actually you are wrong again. On Nexus Android phones, Hangouts is the only messaging app installed and it seamlessly switches between SMS and Hangout messages WITHIN the same app. Some Android manufacturers include their own messaging app as well, but Hangouts is ALWAYS included on Android phones and seamlessly integrates with SMS on any Android phone, within the Hangouts app.Impulses - Thursday, September 18, 2014 - link
Hangouts can do that too, within Hangouts, iMessage just happens to come preloaded and Apple pre logs you in. If Microsoft pre logged you into an Outlook account on a Windows PC the EU would have their ass, but Apple can get away with it.retrospooty - Wednesday, September 17, 2014 - link
Exactly the same. You haven't used hangouts have you? because you dont seem to know it works EXACTLY the same as iMessage, only universally.