Apple's iOS 9 release date is not coming until this fall. Even so, details about the successor to the iOS 8 have begun circulating. More recent Apple devices will be getting iOS 9. These include the iPhone 6, iPhone 5, iPad Air 2 and iPad Mini 3.

Since early July, developers have received the iOS 9 beta. However, this version of iOS 9 is still undergoing testing. In short, most users may want to wait until iOS 9 is officially launched.

Battery Life Extended

Those who have tested iOS 9 beta report a boost to battery life for both the iPhone 6 and iPhone 5. Previously, iPhone users had to flip their device on and off to conserve power. With the new iOS 9, the device will close battery-draining functions to add another three hours of power. This battery extending feature will improve user efficiency in the future.

New Purchasing App

For those who are using iPhone 6, iOS 9 speeds up access to Apple Pay via the Wallet app. This application allows users to add passwords, credit cards and debit cards information that allows for faster transactions. For security, consumers will need to use the Touch ID function before making purchases.

Wallet replaces the previous Passbook app.

Siri is Improved

Users who rely on Siri will be pleased to find improvements. The personal assistant feature was first introduced in iOS 8. After installing iOS 9, Siri remembers what you were viewing. Consumers have the option to order Siri to give useful reminders based on what they saw previously.

In addition, Apple owners will be able to access photos and videos based on voice command using reminders such as time and location. According to Apple, Siri will be faster and more accurate with iOS 9.

Metal Technology Improves Performance

For now, Apple is keeping quiet about specifics regarding Metal Technology. Even so, the tech giant promises that Metal will enhance the performance in the Apple device. Improvements include smoother animations and transitions while accessing content. Other features include faster scrolling and faster render on web pages, PDF files and email.

Apparently, Metal will be available on both the newer iPhone 6 as well as older iPhone models that are using iOS 8.

16GB Devices, Easier to Use

More economically minded Apple consumers have purchased iPhones that have the lowest amount of internal storage - namely 16GB worth. The obvious drawback is that 16GB users cannot store nearly as much photos, videos and apps as those using iPhones with more storage capacity.  

Unfortunately, iOS 8 demanded 4.58GB of free space. In a situation where memory capacity is a big issue, losing this much space is detrimental. Fortunately, iOS 9 only requires 1.36GB of free space.

Also, Apple is testing a feature that will temporarily uninstall apps during iOS 9 update. Those apps will be reinstalled after update is completed. It remains unclear whether Apple will add this option in the final release version of iOS 9.