Apple finally unveiled the next-generation mobile operating system – the iOS 8 – for its iPhone, iPad and iPod devices today.

Although the Cupertino-based company introduced the new mobile OS to the world, it will not be available for download until later this year.

If Apple follows last year's schedule for the iOS 7, then they are likely to release the download for the all new iOS in September 2014, along with the highly anticipated iPhone 6 and iPad 6 (or iPad Air 2).

Apple unveiled the iOS 7 at the WWDC in 2013, before following up with the download in September. However, the download was riddled with problems as millions of fans around the world attempted to log in at the same time, crashing the servers.

App developers will be able to download the iOS 8 beta version now, before its purported launch date of September. Click here to see how to download the iOS 8 beta.

The upgrade to iOS 8 will be available for free for all customers using an Apple mobile device.

With over 800 million iOS devices sold so far, with 100 million iPods, 200 million iPads, and 500 million iPhones, over a 130 million customers who bought an iOS devices in the last couple months bought their first Apple device.

In iOS 8, the notification center has been refined with interactive notifications. Reply right from pulling down the notification. Works on the lockscreen.

It also features a new Tab view with new sidebar like the Yosemite OS X.

Mail is easier, allowing you to access other emails while composing by just swiping down.

iOS 8 also improved spotlight search, keyboard (quicktype). Finally, Quicktype supports predictive typing suggestions. It also learns how you type to certain users, offering different predictive messages according to different people. Third party keyboards will also be able to be added through iOS 8's extension.

The Continuity feature is included in the iOS 8, to seamlessly work between the iPhone and iPad.

Messages: With group messaging, you can now add or remove people. The thread can be named, and you can also choose when to leave a thread.

A new 'tap to talk' feature allows you to just tap and record an audio or video message with just a swipe. The message self-destructs.

Messages can also be sent from a lock-screen.

iCloud Drive allows users to work across applications.

Device Enrollment program will allow you to automatically configured for your enterprise.

The all new HealthKit feature is a single place to composite profile of your activity and health. With health, you can monitor calories, sleep, and use third-party applications.

The app comes with integration with the Mayo Clinic app, which will check health readings. It can notify your doctor if the readings are not right.

Family Sharing – Automatically share photos, reminder lists, calendars, and find your kids' devices. The purchases of all your family members can also be accessed – this feature is up to six family members who all share the same credit card. When a kid tries to make a purchase, the app will prompt parents to approve of the purchase.

Photos + iCloud – all photos you take will now be available on iCloud across all your devices in original format and resolution. Your device will have access to all photos in the iCloud.

Touch ID: Third-party apps will be able to use Touch ID.

HomeKit - can control smart devices in your home