Apart from a few hiccups, Apple's iOS 8 operating system brought in significant amounts of improvement compared to iOS 7. And even while the updates are being rolled out for iOS 8, the company is already rumored to be working on its successor, iOS 9. 

At the moment, Apple has not given an exact date or timeline when it is going to showcase its iOS 9 update. However, if the Cupertino tech giant is sticking to the original time pattern that it followed in the previous year, chances are that the iPhone maker will be showcasing its software offering to the public during the company's WWDC 2015, which takes place in the month of June. 

Similar to Google, Apple has also been on an acquisition spree, purchasing companies such as Embark and HopStop. The aforementioned names are the elements that the company could use to improve its Maps service for the iOS 9 platform. Furthermore, Apple's acquisition of WifiSLAM can also be used to facilitate the use of indoor navigation technology in the new operating system. 

In addition, the iOS 9 could also provide functionality to Apple's Siri, as the personal assistant and knowledge navigator will be able to function within third-party applications, resulting in different apps taking advantage of voice commands. Furthermore, the OS will no doubt be featuring better security contingencies compared to iOS 8 in order for users to further secure their credit and debit card details while using Apple Pay. 

Apple's upcoming operating system update, iOS 8.2, will reportedly be rolled out when the company releases the Apple Watch. The company has already given its WatchKit SDK (software development kit) with iOS 8.2 beta to developers in order to optimize and refine apps that will play along nicely with the wearable. With the release of the smartwatch, Apple will presumably move swiftly to announce its iOS 9, along with a flurry of Apple products.