A Look Into iOS 6

Apple operating updates for fall

By Yardi Blog Staff on Jun 18, 2012 in Technology | 1 Comment

Your favorite Apple devices – the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPad 2, third-generation iPad, and the fourth-generation iPod touch – get a makeover with the new iOS 6 upgrade that will be rolled out this fall. The announcement, made during the keynote speech to the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference, went into some detail about what we can expect from the newest iteration of the popular operating system:

3D maps. This is a big leap forward for Apple, and a shot across Google’s bow in the increasingly bitter rivalry between the two companies. Designed completely in-house, the new iOS 6 maps function utilizes a vector-based engine to render locations – this means ultra-crisp graphics, fast and smooth panning & zooming, and ample incentive to explore. Functionality includes turn-by-turn navigation, real-time traffic information and alternative routing, fly-over mode with photo-realistic 3D views, full Siri compatibility, and a host of local search options.

More Siri. You’ve probably already seen the cute commercial featuring John Malkovich chatting with Siri. iOS 6 expands Siri’s range of functions. Instantly receive sports scores, stats, and schedules. Find movie locations, showtimes, and much more. Browse restaurants with a host of sorting options and make reservations effortlessly. More languages supported than ever before. Full social networking without having to type a word.

Updated phone & email. New calling features allow you to respond to declined calls with a text message or a reminder, or turn on a “Do Not Disturb” sign that only lets through your most important callers. Email interface is streamlined for ease of reading & writing.

New Passbook app. Keep all of your boarding passes, retail coupons, movie tickets, loyalty cards, and more all in one place. At-a-glance organization of balances, important dates, and updates. Leave your wallet at home.

Speaking of social networks… Facebook is fully integrated into iOS 6. You never have to leave your current app to share photos, post your location, view calendar events, or stay in touch with friends.

FaceTime over cellular. FaceTime expands to cellular networks, in addition to Wi-Fi – now use it wherever you are, on any device.

And all the little things… Nothing earthshaking here, just a few nice touches among the hundreds of little-noticed updates packed into iOS 6:

• The sharing menu, music app, and iTunes/App Store all receive a facelift, for a more streamlined and appealing look.
• The settings menu includes a privacy center that lists all of your apps that have requested your location, contacts, calendar info, reminders, and photos. Track & control access simply.
• Store non-standard words on iCloud, for use across your devices… never have your nickname for your boyfriend annoyingly auto-corrected again.
• Like, tons more emojis!

Apple fans, are you excited? Is this the first step in retaking the high ground from Android? Do you look forward to sitting in your lavish study like John Malkovich and having Siri tell you jokes? One nice thing – you won’t have to wait in a long line at the Apple Store to get this update as soon as it goes live. The exact arrival date is still up in the air for “this fall,” although Apple fans may remember that iOS 5 came out on October 22 last year… perhaps a similar date is planned for iOS 6.