X

iOS 8: What to expect (pictures)

Apple's next version of iOS should be announced soon, but what will it have? Here are our best guesses.

Scott Stein
I started with CNET reviewing laptops in 2009. Now I explore wearable tech, VR/AR, tablets, gaming and future/emerging trends in our changing world. Other obsessions include magic, immersive theater, puzzles, board games, cooking, improv and the New York Jets. My background includes an MFA in theater which I apply to thinking about immersive experiences of the future.
Scott Stein
apple-wwdc-2013-keynote-ios7-hero-0418_610x488.jpg
1 of 14 CNET

iOS 8: What will be new?

Apple's iOS 7 was a complete graphic overhaul and introduced a lot of new apps. iOS 8 may not be as dramatic, but there are plenty of areas for improvement.

healthbook-book.jpg
2 of 14 9to5Mac

Healthbook

The most-rumored new feature of iOS 8, Healthbook could be a hub for collecting medical and fitness data in one place, like Passbook aimed to do for tickets and gift cards. Maybe it’s the first step towards an Apple wearable, or maybe it’s a way to connect better with lots of fragmented health gadgets and apps.

coc39applecarplay2.jpg
3 of 14 CNET

More for CarPlay?

CarPlay was just launched this winter, and offers access to a fair number of iOS features directly from a compatible car’s dashboard display. It might be too soon for further CarPlay changes, but there might be a bigger influx of apps.

10_APPLEMAPS_iOSOverview.jpg
4 of 14 CNET

Better Maps

Apple’s own Maps app has had some growing pains, to say the least. There could be some big changes in iOS 8, including the return of public transit information.

iOS_7_iTunes_Radio_best_610x406.jpg
5 of 14 CNET

Stand-alone iTunes Radio app

Apple’s free streaming iTunes Radio is nestled in the Music app, but may get its own stand-alone debut along with added features and a new design. Maybe there's an outside chance of music subscriptions, too.

ios7_notifications.jpg
6 of 14 CNET

Improved notifications

Notifications were redesigned in iOS 7, but it’s still hard to figure out the difference between "all" and "missed."

multitaskingair.jpg
7 of 14 9to5Mac

Split-screen apps and multitasking

iOS 7 on the iPad isn’t much different than iOS 7 on the iPhone. But adding a way to multitask better and have side-by-side apps, like can already be done on Samsung and Microsoft tablets, would be much appreciated.

Logitech_G_Powershell_35832650_11.jpg
8 of 14 CNET

Improved controller/Apple TV gaming

Last year, iOS 7 allowed third-party game controllers for iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch. That initiative still feels like a half-step. Perhaps iOS 8 will allow smoother connection to an Apple TV for gaming, too.

Logitech_Ulrathin_Keyboard_Cover_for_iPad_Air_35833115_03.jpg
9 of 14 CNET

Support for more peripherals

You can connect a keyboard to an iPad, but not a mouse or trackpad. Could additional peripherals make iOS 8 even more friendly to transformative accessories?

iOS_7_AirDrop.jpg
10 of 14 CNET

AirDrop working with Mac

AirDrop allows surprisingly effective sharing of files across nearby iOS devices, but it still doesn’t work with AirDrop on Macs. That needs to change.

iPhone_battery_charge.jpg
11 of 14 Apple

Better battery life management

Could iOS 8 help battery life on iOS devices? Mavericks on Mac was lean and mean, and improved performance. Let’s cross our fingers for the same thing on iOS.

voicememo_tn.jpg
12 of 14 CNET

Refined voice memo app

Some rumors have suggested Voice Memo could get another overhaul. If it results in an app with killer interview transcriptions, count us in.

large-hero-ait-siri3-2.jpg
13 of 14 CNET

Siri with Shazam and more

Siri gets a little smarter every year. At least a few significant additions are almost guaranteed, but including Shazam for music recognition could be the start of new added services.

iworkipad.jpg
14 of 14 CNET

iWork and iCloud improvements

Recent iWork cloud updates have focused on collaboration and storage size. And iCloud could and should see further improvements on iOS 8, not just for office work, but for other apps.

Maybe a larger-screened iPhone 6 could help, too.

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos