Everything that’s new in iOS 6

Apple has just announced iOS 6, the next version of its operating system for mobile devices. It will run on iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S while on the iPad it will only be available on the iPad 2 and the new iPad. The first generation iPad is not supported, which we believe is because it is no longer sold in stores. Read on to find what’s new in iOS 6.
First of all, Siri has gotten smarter having learnt new sports and also the ability to open third-party apps. It can also score movie and restaurant reviews, all of which we have covered in detail here. Also, as expected there is Facebook integration just like Twitter, which was announced in iOS 5. It will be integrated with contacts and calendar, along with the ability to directly post updates from the Notification Center. It will also be integrated with Safari and will have geo-location support for checking in to places. Read more about Facebook integration here.
The biggest feature, however, will be Apple’s own Maps instead of Google Maps that has been present since the first iPhone in 2007. Apple’s maps will be integrated with Siri, will have turn-by-turn voice navigation, 3D maps and much more. Read more about new maps here.
It also adds the ability to have a shared photo stream where users can select photographs and share them with select contacts. Of course, with Facebook integration users will be able to like photographs in a shared photo stream.
Safari has also been updated with iCloud tabs, a new sharing button that enables users to share stuff on different services including Twitter and an offline reader tool.
The mail app has received some much-needed updates including the ability to mail photos directly from the mail compose screen. Users will also be able to create multiple signatures and have a VIP mailbox that keeps mails from important people that have been marked as VIP.
Another much wanted feature, which has been present on most Symbian and Android phones for years is the ability to decline calls with a text message. Users will be able to choose from multiple pre-configured messages or create a custom message.
There is also a Do Not Disturb function that users can activate for pre-defined time spans. This feature won’t light up the display whenever there is a new message in the Notification Center.
Apple is making iOS available to registered developers today and will be available to consumers at large later this fall or in other words, when Apple announces the next generation iPhone.