New in OS X: Get MacRumors Push Notifications on your Mac

Resubscribe Now Close

Apple Releases iOS 8 With Continuity, Third Party Access to Keyboards/Touch ID, Family Sharing, and 'Health' App

Wednesday September 17, 2014 10:55 am PDT by Juli Clover
Apple today released iOS 8 to the public, making the download available to all users who have an iPhone 4s or later, iPad 2 or later, 5th-generation iPod touch, or iPad mini. The update can be downloaded via iTunes or through an over-the-air update accessible by going to the Settings app and tapping General ---> Software Update.

While iOS 8 is currently available for download, it may take a few minutes for the update to propagate to all users due to demand. In past years, Apple's servers have been overwhelmed with traffic.

iOS 8 includes the same general design elements introduced with iOS 7, but introduces several under-the-hood improvements. Improved integration between Apple devices, both mobile and desktop, is a major focal point of iOS 8, with Apple introducing several new "Continuity" features designed to connect the iPhone, iPad, and Mac "like never before." This video walks through the major new features:


The operating system also includes interactive notifications, app widgets in the Notification Center, and Messages improvements that let users manage group conversations for the first time.

Third-party access to both the keyboard and Touch ID has been enabled, and Apple has implemented its own keyboard improvements, in the form of its QuickType predictive keyboard. A new Health app is included with iOS 8, aggregating health and fitness data from a variety of apps and devices, and a new Family Sharing feature lets families of up to six people share apps, music, books, and more.

Our iOS 8 roundup has a complete rundown of all of the major new features introduced in iOS 8, and our separate features roundup showcases all of the smaller changes and additions made to the operating system throughout the beta testing period.

In addition to being released to the public today, iOS 8 will also come pre-installed on the iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6 Plus, which will be available beginning on Friday, September 19.

[ 552 comments ]


Top Rated Comments

(View all)

Avatar
AppleFan115
58 months ago
I knocked over an old woman as I was running home to get on my wifi network, so I could download iOS 8.

My only regret is not getting home sooner.
Rating: 49 Votes
Avatar
MacFather
58 months ago
Digitimes reports that Scott Forstall is sticking with iOS 6 for another year.
Rating: 23 Votes
Avatar
MentalFloss
58 months ago

I knocked over an old woman as I was running home to get on my wifi network, so I could download iOS 8.


That was you?? Because of you, I am now in the hospital with a broken hip, and I am trying to get them to delay my surgery, because the iOS 8 download over their crappy Wifi network is so slow!
Rating: 17 Votes
Avatar
Richardgm
58 months ago
To everyone asking: It's the same build as GM.
Rating: 15 Votes
Avatar
dave420
58 months ago

Is this a joke? It needs 5.7 GB free space on the 5S and 6.9 GB on the iPad Air


The joke is on the people with an 8 GB 5c. Delete all your apps and photos so you can install the update.
Rating: 14 Votes
Avatar
xjames
58 months ago
big wheel keeps on turning

Rating: 14 Votes
Avatar
D.T.
58 months ago
Updated! My iPhone is now waterproof!!
Rating: 14 Votes
Avatar
wope
58 months ago
Anyone else getting "Update Requested... Your software update request has been received. You will be notified when the update has been downloaded and is ready to install."

Normally, when I hit download it begins immediately.
Rating: 12 Votes
Avatar
oiuh151
58 months ago
Ugh, why do you need 5.8 GB of free storage for the OTA update? :rolleyes:
Rating: 11 Votes
Avatar
DudeDad
58 months ago
Could you guys stop trying to update...I'd like to do so and your attempts are causing me great delay. ;)
Rating: 11 Votes

[ Read All Comments ]