The following code works fine before iOS8.4.1 (includ 8.4.1). While it ruturns nil in iOS9.0.1. Is it a bug or there is a public annoucement for this change? I tested with two iPads.
let url = NSURL(string: "http://www.mapshots.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/mapshots-ag-studio-agricultural-mapping-software-logo.png")
let data = NSData(contentsOfURL: url!)
NSLog("Data length @%", (data?.length)!)
This is an issue related to ATS(App Transport Security Protocol) changes made by Apple in iOS 9. By default iOS9 disregard communication with http protocol. Your URL should be https. However you can include exception for specific domains in your app or you can allow all http communication to be allowed from within your app.
Check the Documentation for full details.
To Allow all http domains from your application, you should add
<key>NSAppTransportSecurity</key>
<dict>
<key>NSAllowsArbitraryLoads</key>
<true/>
</dict>
But as Apple has recommended these new settings, you should chose to add exception for this specific domain in your app rather than allowing all http domains. Check this thread to achieve this.