WWDC 2012: Apple shows the future of iOS with the unveiling of iOS 6

Apple today previewed iOS 6, introducing over 200 new features to their mobile operating system, and released a beta version to iOS Developer Program members. iOS 6 will be available to iPhone, iPad and iPod touch users this fall as a free software update. New iOS 6 features include: an all new Maps app with Apple-designed cartography, turn-by-turn navigation and a new Flyover view; new Siri features, including support for more languages, easy access to sports scores, restaurant recommendations and movie listings; Facebook integration for Contacts and Calendar, with the ability to post directly from Notification Center, Siri and Facebook-enabled apps like Photos, Safari and Maps; Shared Photo Streams via iCloud; and Passbook, the simplest way to get all of one’s passes in one place.

A preview for whats coming

“iOS 6 continues the rapid pace of innovation that is helping Apple reinvent the phone and create the iPad category, delivering the best mobile experience available on any device,” said Scott Forstall, Apple’s senior vice president of iOS Software. “We can’t wait for hundreds of millions of iOS users to experience the incredible new features in iOS 6 including the new Maps app, expanded Siri support, deep Facebook integration, Shared Photo Streams and the innovative new Passbook app.”

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Maps
iOS 6 includes an all new Maps app with vector-based map elements that make graphics and text smooth, and panning, tilting and zooming incredibly fluid. New turn-by-turn navigation guides one to their destination with spoken directions, and the Flyover feature has photo-realistic interactive 3D views. Real-time traffic information keeps one updated on how long it will take to get to their destination and offers alternate time-saving routes if traffic conditions change significantly. Additionally, local search includes information for over 100 million businesses with info cards that offer Yelp ratings, reviews, available deals and photos.

Siri
Siri, now available for the new iPad as well as iPhone 4S, includes language support for English, French, German and Japanese, and adds support for Spanish, Italian, Korean, Mandarin and Cantonese. Siri is optimized for use in 15 countries and helps one get even more done with just their voice, whether it’s finding the latest sports scores or making restaurant reservations. One also can ask Siri to update their status on Facebook, post to Twitter or launch an app. Additionally, Siri takes hands-free functionality even further with a new Eyes Free mode, enabling one to interact with their iPhone using nothing more than your voice.

Notifications

Facebook Integration
Built-in Facebook integration is the best ever in a mobile device, allowing you to sign in once and post from Notification Center, Siri and Facebook-enabled apps, including Photos, Safari and Maps. One’s Facebook friends’ information is kept up to date across all their iOS devices, automatically updating details in Contacts when they change, and scheduling events and birthdays in their Calendar. One can also “Like” content directly from the App Store and iTunes and see what their friends recommend.

Sharing
With more than 125 million users already enjoying iCloud, iOS 6 introduces new ways to share photos with friends and family using Shared Photo Streams. Simply select the photos one wants to share, pick which friends they want to receive the album, and the Shared Photo Stream album is instantly available on their iOS devices, iPhoto and Aperture on their Mac, via the web or even through Apple TV. A user and their friends can leave comments on or “Like” any photo in a shared album.

A ton of new features are previewed before the fall release

Passbook
The new Passbook app is the simplest way to get all your passes in one place, such as boarding passes and baseball tickets. Passbook lets one scan their iPhone or iPod touch to use a coupon, get into a concert or check into their hotel. Passbook automatically displays their passes on the Lock Screen based on a specific time or location, so when you walks into your favourite coffee shop their loyalty card appears and they can scan it to buy a coffee or check their balance. Passbook can even alert one to last minute gate changes or flight delays at the airport.

Guided Access
Building on Apple’s commitment to provide innovative solutions for education and accessibility, iOS 6 introduces Guided Access. This new feature allows a parent, teacher or administrator to disable hardware buttons to lock an iOS device into a single app, especially useful for test taking or helping someone with a disability stay focused on learning. Guided Access also includes the ability to confine touch input to certain parts of the screen.

Additional new iOS 6 features include:

• Enhancements to Safari, the world’s most popular mobile browser, such as iCloud tabs, offline reading lists, photo uploads and full screen view
• Support for FaceTime calls over cellular networks
• The ability to set up a VIP Mailbox, making it easier to quickly view messages from important people you designate as VIPs
• The option to decline incoming calls with a quick message, set a callback reminder and enable a new Do Not Disturb option
• A whole new set of improvements and services specifically for iOS users in China, such as improved text input and built-in support for popular Chinese services including Baidu, Sina Weibo, Youku and Tudou.

Availability
The iOS 6 beta software and SDK are available immediately for iOS Developer Program members at developer.apple.com. iOS 6 will be available as a free software update for iPhone 4S, iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, the new iPad, iPad 2 and iPod touch (fourth generation) this Fall. Some features may not be available on all products.