iOS 6 release dateApple's promised that iOS 6 will come out in the Fall (it means Autumn, bless it). Its release will likely pre-date Apple's next iPhone by a week or so.
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Apple has said that iOS 6 will work on the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S, as well as the iPad 2 and new iPad, and the fourth-generation iPod touch. That's a healthy selection of gadgets, and it's good to see that Apple's not leaving the iPhone 3GS behind just yet.
iOS 6 features
Without further ado, here's what you have to look forward to in iOS 6.
Maps
Apple's gone its own way with iOS 6, ditching Google in favour of its own maps service. The maps offer a 3D view of buildings, making it easier to remotely get to grips with where you're headed. Flyover sets the app to pan scenically around locations, though it's not clear exactly what function this tool performs, apart from looking dead flash.
More than 100 million businesses are listed in Apple's Maps app, with reviews and ratings popping up when you tap on individual buildings. A brand-new feature is turn-by-turn navigation, so the app also functions as a sat-nav. This works with Siri, so you can bark a location at your phone, and Siri will find you driving directions.
Once more, it's not clear how this app will work in the UK. We'll know more as we move toward the iOS 6 launch date, so stay tuned.
New Siri features
Siri is getting a much-needed update, and will be arriving on the iPad in iOS 6. Siri also now knows all about sports. If you have baseball or american football-related questions that's great, but whether Siri will be able to tell you UK footie results remains to be seen -- Apple did say the UK Premiere league would be featured though.
Siri knows more about restaurants too, having partnered with Yelp, and more about movie showings. Again though, as Apple has no deal with a provider of local information in the UK, it's impossible to know yet how useful these new features will prove.
One useful tool however is Siri can now launch apps. So bark 'launch Spotify' and Apple's robot butler should oblige. Car manufacturers like BMW, Mercedes, Land Rover, Jaguar, Audi, Toyota and Honda will be integrating Siri into cars, with a button on the steering wheel. That should make it easier to use Siri while you're driving, in a feature dubbed, Eyes Free.
Facebook integration
Much like iOS 5's Twitter integration, having Facebook baked into the next version of iOS means you'll be able to do things such as, 'Like' apps, or post photos to Zuckerberg's social network straight from the Photos app. Facebook events and birthdays will appear in the Calendar app.
You can update your Facebook and Twitter status right from the iOS notification bar too, saving you precious seconds.
Phone app changes
A new tool will remind you to call or text people back later, or you can set reminders that will tell you to call someone when you leave your current location. There's also a 'do not disturb' feature -- push notifications will be muted and the screen won't light up, which means you can sleep in peace. You can ignore calls from certain folks, and set it so that if someone calls multiple times, they'll get through, because it could be an emergency.
Facetime over 3G
At last, Apple's video calling service is no longer restricted to Wi-Fi calling only. That doesn't bode well for the Skype iOS app.
Safari app
The Safari app now uses iCloud to remember tabs you're checking out on other devices. An Offline Reading List lets you download articles, so you can peruse them later, which could be useful for those who travel by train and frequently lose signal. With iOS 6, you'll be able to see webpages in full screen if you tilt your iPhone on its side.
Photo Stream
You can now share photo streams with other people, which means you can see all the photos your buddies take, if you choose to let them into your secret circle of trust.
VIPs
Messages from people you really want to hear from will be highlighted on your device's lock screen, and there's one VIP mailbox for messages from these special folks. A much-needed message feature lets you pull up to refresh messages.
Passbook
This one's brand new -- Passbook collects all of your tickets and passes in one bit of software. Gig tickets, coupons, boarding passes or things like your Starbucks card could be added to this app.
Updates to the events you have in Passbook get updates, so for example if your flight is delayed, you'll see that in the app. Currently this is only confirmed for US airline United Airlines.
Security will be an issue for this app -- customers will want to know that their tickets and passes are completely secure.
Guided Access
This accessibility feature means that parents can disable on-screen controls, making it impossible to exit an app. Single App-mode meanwhile could stop students from exiting a test application, for instance.
Other niceties include 'Lost' mode for Find my iPhone, which lets you send a phone number to your lost mobile. Send your home number, and anyone who picks up your waylaid blower could call it to find the owner. iOS 6 will also let you use multiple email signatures, so you don't subject your buddies to your boring business signature.
iOS 6 & Mountain Lion Feature List & Expected Release time frame.
