With the iPhone's impending launch, Apple's next operating system iOS6 has been given some spotlight. But with all the crazy rumors being thrown around, the features of the latest operating system are not always clear.
Here are the major features of iOS6 as we prepare for its launch with the iPhone and next iPad.
Multi-Platform Support
The release date or cost of iOS6 has yet to be announced, but you can bet that it will be available in coming weeks. The system is available for developers and there are rumors that September 12 may be the day it is finally available to customers. When that day comes users of the iPhone 4S, iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPad 2, new iPad, and the fourth generation iPod touch will have access to the new operating system.
The system will also launch with the next generation iPod touch, iPad mini, and iPhone 5.
Apple has not charged users for upgrades since the iOS3, so it is unlikely that they do that with iOS6.
Siri
Siri started off mainly as minor gimmick for iPhone users. But the latest upgrade will enable users to get sports game updates, make restaurant reservations, watch movie trailers, and even tweet by voice. Google's new map system (more on that later) will integrate with Yelp, enabling users to ask Siri to get business information also.
Siri will also be available to iPad users with updates and similar features.
Apple Map App
The new map app is the replacement for Google Maps and includes Flyover, which is a 3D mapping system that creates photographic three-dimensional satellite views over cities. It functions in almost all the same ways as your standard navigating system but takes away the Street View Available through Google.
New iCloud Features
iCloud is the cornerstone of any Apple OS upgrade. For iOS 6, Apple will now include "Documents in the Cloud" which integrates applications like Pages, Numbers, and Keynote. There will also be new content for calendar, contacts, and other downloaded products.
New Phone Features
"Remind me later" will allow you to skip a call and then... remind you to call back. You have the power to determine if the reminder should happen after a certain amount of time or when you leave a location or arrive somewhere.
Facetime also becomes available over 3G.
Users will also have an alarm clock app that will play your favorite song when you want it to wake you up. The current iOS5 has restrictions on the sounds that it will play on the alarm clock. The app enhancement will also be available for the iPad.
No More Youtube App
In case you haven't heard, the standard Youtube App will not be available with iOS6. Google is working on a downloadable one that is said to be a major upgrade over the previous incarnations on Apple devices.
Passbook
A completely new App from Apple that will enable users to book Airline tickets with certain airlines. Once the ticket is purchased, it will be sent right to the Passbook on the iPhone and when the user enters the appropriate location (since the iOS6 is location sensitive), it will display the barcode and ticket on the phone. As of now, there is no say on what companies support the app, but it will certainly go a long way toward Apple's plan to integrate with businesses and retail.