Apple Announces iOS 8 at WWDC with Improved Notifications, More [Update]

Craig Federighi announced iOS 8 during the Keynote address at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference Monday. The new version includes an improved Notification Center, gestures for quickly responding to messages, an updated version of Safari for the iPad, and more.

iOS 8

iOS 8 Screens

"iOS 8 offers simpler, faster and more intuitive ways to use your device with incredible new features like iCloud Photo Library, a new Messages app, the QuickType keyboard and an entirely new Health app," Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering, said in a statement. "We're also giving developers amazing new tools to make managing your health and your home from your devices an integrated, simple and secure experience."

iPad users can now start a Mail message then easily jump out of the entry view to read other messages. The OS update also offers more powerful searching, iCloud Drive support, improved enterprise support, voice memo support in Messages, QuickType which learns your writing style and suggest words in context.

Apple has also added significant improvements to Notification Center, including a Today view that has some features Android users enjoy in Google Now. Developers can add widgets for their apps in Notification Center (with user control over which ones are installed), more information, and the ability to interact with apps in Notification Center.

Safari is also getting an upgrade that includes a new tab view for iPad users and enhanced Spotlight searching from within the app. Even more important for some users is the ability to add third party keyboards to the OS.

Since TMO is attending the event, expect more coverage throughout the week, and follow along with our live keynote coverage.

[Update: This article was updated with additional information and screenshots. - Bryan]