Smarter Siri, better battery life in iOS 9

Apple’s iPhones and iPads got free software updates last week, including battery improvements and a smarter virtual assistant.

Battery life:

Besides under-the-hood improvements, a low-power mode will reduce or turn off nonessential tasks such as visual effects and automatic downloads.

The phone also won’t check for mail or update content for apps in the background as often.

Siri suggests frequently used contacts and apps and nearby businesses, taking into account whether it’s evening or lunchtime.

If you have a device with fingerprint ID, you’ll be asked to create a longer passcode as a backup, with six digits instead of four.

Because you’ll need to enter your passcode less often, it might as well be stronger.

In some cities, including New York and London, Apple sent teams to map out subway entrances for more precise directions to and from stations — helpful when stations stretch for blocks underground.

Apple Pay will now work with store-branded credit cards and loyalty cards, though it’s up to merchants to decide when they’ll start accepting them.

Though Apple’s larger-screen iPad Pro for business customers isn’t coming until November, existing iPads get the new iPhone features, along with others geared toward improving productivity:

Swipe left from the right edge to run a second app, such as Maps to look up directions or Notes to jot down reminders.

Place two fingers on the on-screen keyboard and start sliding around the screen to move the cursor around.