iOS 8, the mobile operating system that Apple presented back in June, got a release date: the 17th of September. iOS 8, which is touted by Apple as being the biggest release since the launch of the App Store, will be released to the public as a free software update come Wednesday, September 17.

“We’re excited for hundreds of millions of users to begin experiencing iOS 8, with incredible features that offer new ways to use your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch,” said Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering. “iOS 8 also creates an extraordinary environment for developers, providing them the ability to create amazing new apps like never before.”

iOS 8 – Main New Features

• iCloud Drive – safely store files in the cloud so you can easily access them form anywhere.
• Messages – Tap to Talk and share your voice, share multiple videos or photos at once, remove contacts from group messaging, leave group conversations, new option to not be disturbed, new option to leave a conversation entirely.
• Photos – powerful editing functionality is offered by the Photos app. It automatically straightens horizons, lets you adjust the light and color, lets you fine tune the contrast, and more.
• Health – it gathers info from various health and fitness apps and puts it together in a central location, thus providing a clear overview of your health and fitness data.
• Family Sharing – share photos, calendars, and purchases with up to 6 family members. Family members can browse and download each other’s iTunes, iBooks or App Store purchases.
• HomeKit – control devices around the house, like lights, thermostats, door locks and garage doors. Because Siri is integrated into HomeKit, you can control said devices with your voice.
• Predictive typing for Apple’s QuickType keyboard that takes into account the context (in which app you’re typing for example).

iOS 8 will power Apple’s two new models: iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus.

iOS 8 will be accompanied by the iOS 8 SDK which comes with more than 4,000 new APIs.