iOS 9 on iPhone 5s is finally here. After rolling out the latest OS update and allowing users to test it on their devices for months, today Apple has finally released the latest version of its smartphone OS. The iPhone 5s is a relatively new device and is not on the list of iPods, iPhones and iPads that have some life left and not received the update. In fact, anyone with an iPhone 5s nearby can go into the device’s settings and get the update right away.
The iOS 9 update includes a new app, tons of new features, and major upgrades to pre-existing apps people use every day. Newsstand is gone and its place is the News app. Apple Maps provides transit directions, making it much more useful in areas where driving directions aren’t as important as taking the train, bus, or subway. There are even some minor visual tweaks.
Here’s how iOS 9 worked for me on the iPhone 5s and what you can take away from my experience so far.
iOS 9 on iPhone 5s Upgrade: Installing the Upgrade
Apple has practically invited the smooth update process for smartphones. For years, iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch owners have been able to count on the company to make big changes more smoothly than its competitors. Apple’s winning stream came to an end when it rolled out a major update to iOS that broke calling and messaging for some. I’m happy to report that it didn’t break anything after installing iOS 9 on the iPhone 5s. It turns out that continuing the installation was the main problem. 
To read: iOS 9 Software Update Failed Error Issues Release
During the first hour it was available, I was unable to download the iOS 9 on iPhone 5s update in any way. I followed the normal procedure for updates. I went to General Settings, my iPhone 5s, to install the update. Instead of receiving the update, I got an error message “Software Update Failed”. Other than connecting me to settings and explaining that an error occurred while trying to download iOS 9, my iPhone 5s didn’t provide any further information.
To read: How to Install iOS 9?
I thought it had something to do with millions of people crashing into Apple servers at the same time. The download worked when I tried again an hour later. After 20 minutes, I downloaded the update and accepted Apple’s Terms of Service. About half an hour later, I got the iOS 9 on iPhone 5s upgrade ready for me to explore.
iOS 9 on iPhone 5s Upgrade: New Features
There are lots of visual tweaks in iOS 9 on the iPhone 5s. Changed icons for wallet and a few more apps. The multitasking menu you get when you double-press the Home button replaces the interface it previously had in favor of a deck of cards flowing from left to right with a thumb swipe.
The update doesn’t do much to change the look and feel of iOS, but it basically improves all scenarios where you’ll be using your iPhone 5s. Notes sync across devices and allow users to scribble with their fingers or pen. The new Notes app was the first thing I tried and it worked exactly as Apple promised.
News is another upgraded app. When you first open the app, Apple asks for your preferences regarding media outlets and topics. It then automatically pulls down articles from your favorite sources. It also asks if you want to receive emails about interesting articles.
Strangely enough, I’m most excited about the new battery options. With iOS 9 on iPhone 5s, you can finally put your iPhone into a mode that saves battery life and replaces your apps. The Battery area, accessible from the Settings app, has a Low Power Mode switch and a detailed breakdown of which apps and activities are draining your battery life faster. As a part-time Windows Phone user, I appreciate that Apple has finally added these.
Windows Phones also have Cortana, and Siri can finally compete with the iOS 9 for iPhone 5s update. Siri now allows iOS 9 users to set reminders based on time or location. I told Siri “remind me to call the bank in five minutes” and she did. Swipe down on the home screen and Siri suggests apps and can search for media on your device. These app recommendations are based on your habits. This app was first on the list because I got a lot of GroupMe messages. Swiping right on the home screen allowed me to look at the contacts of the people I contacted the most.
There are dozens of other features. Must Be Mobile it already has a detailed review of the entire operating system here.
To read: iOS 9 Review – Should You Upgrade?
iOS 9 on iPhone 5s Upgrade: Bugs
Roughly five hours of uninterrupted use so far and I haven’t run into any serious issues with iOS 9 yet. Almost everything is going well.
I say almost because after the update I noticed that my iPhone 5s screen looks more aggressive in dimming its screen. Depending on your situation, some might argue that it’s not a bug.
I listened to music using Apple’s streaming service, connected the iPhone 5s to my car, and tried every app and game I normally launch. The update didn’t break anything I installed. It will definitely break any jailbreak you might have on your iPhone 5s though.
iOS 9 on iPhone 5s Upgrade: Should I Install?
There’s a lot to appreciate in the iOS 9 update for the iPhone 5s. Battery saver settings are great and updates to Siri are well received. Definitely not a big enough change to guarantee that the update won’t be installed.
If your device is jailbroken, I don’t see much that would make you want to give up the features you jailbroken your device for.
