iOS 8
Apple CEO Tim Cook introduces the IOS 8 operating system during his keynote address at the Worldwide Developers Conference in San Francisco, California June 2, 2014. REUTERS/Robert Galbraith Reuters

Apple has taken a huge leap with its iOS 8 when it announced its direction towards a more flexible platform. Analysts believe that the upcoming OS will herald a new wave of consumer app experimentation and discovery. This spells some downsides and upsides to app developers and owners but most see Apple to thrive with its iOS 8. Analysts believe it can also be a game changer. Nonetheless, with competitors like Google's Android L looming, can Apple maintain a leading position? Will the iOS 8 be a more preferable option than other mobile OS?

Apple's iOS 8 announcement offered people a preview of what the company wants out of its mobile platform. More than the features, analysts also highlight the right timing and execution to be key factors to iOS 8's success. According to Venture Beat, the iOS 8 focuses on in app marketing. This means Apple has been working on increasing its targeted reach and viability.

A consensus over the Advertising Identifiers (aka IDFAs) prompted focus on improved retargeting. It has spread across mobile platforms along with top social media players like Twitter and Facebook. Both social media platforms have cited the massive number of mobile users. The development of media channels and IDFA standardization makes it an ideal time for the iOS 8 upgrade. Fiksu's iOS adoption tracker also points out that in the previous year, around 60% of iOS users switch to iOS 7 in a span of 10 days. The iOS 8 shows promise in greater adoption for more comprehensive and major updates.

Apple's iOS 8 also promises a new Handoff feature that will allow people to continue their work across multiple platforms conveniently. According to The Mirror, people can start working on one device but switch or pass quickly to another through the iOS 8. Individuals will be able to access majority of the iPhone features using Mac's OSX Yosemite. They can even work over their phone calls and text messages via the Mac. This will increase the strength and uniformity of Apple's ecosystem which Android has yet to achieve.

Apple is set to release the iOS 8 this September 17.