Apple iOS 9 expected to be smaller, more efficient

Jefferson Graham | USA TODAY

Show Caption Hide Caption Preview Apple's new IOS9 Apple is set to sneak peek IOS9, the latest upgrade to its mobile operating system, ata developer's conference in San Francisco. Jefferson Graham previews the new features.

LOS ANGELES — Every year, Apple introduces a new iPhone, and an update to its iOS mobile operating system.

At its Worldwide Developers Conference next week, Apple is expected to preview the latest version of iOS, version 9. Unlike previous years, it may run a little more smoothly and more efficiently than previous iOS versions, especially on older phones.

"A lot of people don't want to upgrade, because they don't think the new version will be stable," says Mark Gurman, a senior editor with 9to5Mac, a leading Apple enthusiast site. "That will change this year."

The previous iOS upgrade, released last fall, had many consumers complaining about battery and Wi-Fi issues with the new software.

Still, while many people initially fear the download, then eventually succumb, says Peter Csathy, CEO of Manatt Digital Media, a Los Angeles-based venture capital firm. "At the end of the day, they like getting the new features."

Some of the highlights of the new features, according to 9to5:

-- Faster operations, with a smaller upload. iOS 8 was a monster at 2 GBs. Apple has reportedly found a way to get the new version on phones without it taking so much space. "This will be a big improvement on older devices," Gurman says.

-- Better notifications. iOS will work with Calendar, Contacts and Passbook to reportedly provide better informed updates to your day and interests.

-- A new keyboard and font is in the works.

Tim Bajarin, an analyst with Creative Strategies, says the new operating system will have "tighter security" features. "Apple's goal is to make all of their devices the most secure on the market," he says.

Adoption rate of iOS 8 has been slower than with the previous iOS upgrades, perhaps because of consumer fear about their phones running more slowly or not at all after the upgrade.

Apple broke through to 82% of iOS devices using the latest operating system, an improvement from 78% after just 3 months for iOS 7.

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