While you wait for iOS 9 [1] to arrive in the Fall with longer battery life [2], a new caller ID trick [3], and a slew of other features [4], you can download Apple's latest mobile software update now. iOS 8.4 comes out today, with a handful of updates, including the much-anticipated arrival of Apple Music [5].
Make sure to first clear out your phone's storage [6] to make room for iOS 8.4 and back it up [7] just in case. Ahead, we've rounded up a few reasons you'll want this update on your phone ASAP.
- Apple Music launch — Apple's big leap into streaming music is finally here [8], with a free three-month trial for every user. Within the app, you can try curated playlists based on your taste, Beats 1, the 24/7 live radio station, a social media platform to see what your favorite artists are up to, and plenty more.
- iBooks gets something new — A "Now Playing" feature for audiobooks arrives to the app, as well as numerous fixes related to purchases and the iCloud.
- "Effect power" is powerless — If you had a friend attempt to send you the "effect power" bug [9] that would crash your iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch, it should no longer happen thanks to a fix in iOS 8.4.
- Apple Watch bug fixed — There's also a bug fix for Apple Watch users, who won't have the problem of deleted apps reinstalling on the watch.
- Last chance to use Passbook and Newsstand — This is the last time you'll see Passbook and Newsstand — they will no longer be available on iOS 9. Instead, Wallet will soon be Passbook and News will replace Newsstand [10]. Both are similar products, so it won't be too much of a change.
While updating your iPhone is always a pain and feels like it takes forever, it's definitely worth it to at least try Apple Music. Besides, a new iOS update almost makes your iPhone feel a little new, doesn't it?