Those using older and more sluggish iPhones and iPads may get a helping hand from Apple again when iOS 9 is released. As Digital Spy reports citing 9to5Mac, the next update will be optimised for devices as far back as the iPhone 4S and first iPad mini.

This is apparently due to Apple's decision to improve stability with its latest iOS offering, rather than throwing loads of new features at discontinued devices that they are unable to handle.

The firm is said to be building a core version of iOS 9 that will meet the needs of older devices, rather than the same OS for the newest iPhones and iPads.

Those still using discontinued handsets and tablets by the company have often complained that iOS no longer runs smoothly, so this move would mark a change in direction for Apple.

Aside from news of older device optimisation, it is also reported that iOS 9 and OS X will come packing security features first and foremost.

Among them will be a Rootless system to defend users from malware and keep their data safe. More apps will apparently move over to the iCloud Drive to improve encryption, while Trusted Wi-Fi will encrypt data more heavily when using a non-trusted router.

The first official details about iOS 9 are likely to surface at Apple's Worldwide Developer Conference on June 8.