9 Eye-Catching Features in Apple's iOS 8

iOS 8 doesn't change the look and feel of the OS too much, but does tweak some existing features. Here are some of the most intriguing updates

After months of speculation, Apple finally unveiled the next version of its mobile operating system, iOS 8, at June's WWDC.

Developers have been testing out the beta version of the software for the last few months, but the average iOS hasn't been able to get their hands on the software - until today. Later this morning, Apple will release iOS 8 to the public. It will work with the iPhone 4s, iPhone 5, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5s, iPod touch 5th generation, iPad 2, iPad with Retina display, iPad Air, iPad mini, and iPad mini with Retina display. It will also come pre-loaded on the new iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus when they are released this Friday.

But what's included in iOS 8? Apple provided a sneak peek during its WWDC keynote, and a number of the rumored features were, in fact, true: a Shazam integration that lets you play "find (and buy) that tune" with Siri; a Health-related app for keeping tabs on your activity; and HomeKit, which will let smart home device makers sync up their gadgets with iOS devices.

But Apple still had a few tricks up its sleeve, and unveiled some iOS 8 upgrades of note. Since iOS 7 was such a dramatic departure from iOS 6, this update doesn't change the look and feel of the OS too much, but does tweak some existing features. Check out the slideshow for some of the ones we're most excited about trying out on our own iPhones and iPads.