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Apple will launch iOS 6, its first major software upgrade for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch, on Monday at its Worldwide Developer Conference in San Francisco.
The update has been rumoured for some time now, with various details ‘leaking’ online, but now we know it’s coming for sure. 9to5mac managed to grab a sneaky spy shot of several banners being put up at the Moscone Center ahead of the event, which kicks off tomorrow, and one clearly shows ‘iOS 6’.
Apple’s banners claim that iOS 6 is ‘the world’s most advanced mobile operating system’ – quite some claim. It’s the first major overhaul since the company announced iOS 5 during October of last year, along with the iPhone 4S, and it will pave the way for Apple’s sixth iteration of the iPhone.
So now we know for sure that the update is coming, but what will it contain and what will change? Well, here’s what we know so far.
Google Maps out, Apple Maps in
One of, if not the biggest change in iOS 6 will be in the Maps software, many believe. Apple’s partnership with Google for its Maps app will end to make way for a new solution that Apple has been working on in-house.
The Cupertino Company has acquired three mapping companies in the past few years to help build this, and the work will culminate in a new app for iOS. It’s expected to rock a new interface and a very impressive 3D feature.
Deep Facebook Integration
Apple added Twitter to iOS in version 4.0, adding the ability to tweet from within native apps such as Contacts and Photos. Facebook will now join the party, adding the ability to upload photos directly to Facebook, bypassing the Facebook app altogether.
Details are spotty right now, but many suggest that the integration of Facebook into iOS will go much further than Twitter does – think Facebook contacts, chat, email and much more.
Siri for iPad
The iOS 6 update is said to bring Siri to the iPad, thus ending the exclusivity that iPhone 4S owners have enjoyed for several months now. According to reports Siri will work in much the same way as it has on the iPhone, although it will not run full screen, leaving the user to be able to read and view the background around it.
Tune in Tomorrow
With Apple there’s bound to be plenty more in store at WWDC. These are only the heavily rumoured features, so for the complete lowdown you’ll need to tune in to Gadget Helpline tomorrow at around 6pm GMT as Apple’s major keynote goes live at WWDC.
Let us know your thoughts on our comments below or via our @Gadget_Helpline Twitter page or Official Facebook group.
Via: 9to5mac
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