Apple iOS 6: The 5 Most Anticipated Features

Apple's poised to unveil its next-generation iPhone and iPod touch devices during its September 12 media event, but those may not be the only products showcased. The tech world fully expects iOS 6—Apple's updated mobile operating system that was first unveiled in June during Apple's June Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC)—to launch the day of the event or shortly afterward.

iOS 6 will be a free download, compatible with iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPod touch (fourth generation), iPad 2, and new iPad (third generation), but some features aren't available on all devices due to either hardware limitations or being iPhone and iPod touch-centric. That means if you have an incompatible device, you'll either have to stick to the older operating system or upgrade to a new device.

iOS 6's overall feature set isn't quite as game-changing as iOS 5's, which brought iCloud, iMessage, Notification Center, wireless syncing, and more to the iOS platform. But version 6 adds numerous potentially useful features that may make the update essential if you own a compatible iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. Apple's iOS 6 Web page lists several features—either new or improved—that are designed to enhance your iOS experience, but we're highlighting the five that are the most attractive.

If you're ready to check out our five most anticipated iOS 6 features, dive into our slideshow that details what you should fire up when the operating system is available for download. Let us know if you agree or disagree with our iOS 6 most anticipated feature selections by leaving a comment below.

Facebook Integration

New to iOS6 is operating system-level Facebook integration, and it works similarly as the Twitter integration that arrived in iOS 5. From the Settings menu, you will be able to enter your Facebook credentials, and the social network will be baked into the operating system. You'll be able to update your update, post links or photos to your wall, and add location-based information. You'll even be able to use Siri to update your Facebook status without touching the virtual keyboard.

iCloud Tabs

Safari's main enhancement looks like it will come in the form of iCloud Tabs, which display links to Web pages that you have open on other Apple mobile devices. If you were reading, for example, PCMag.com on your iPod touch, you will be able to continue where you left off on a different iOS device by launching Safari and tapping the iCloud icon.

Maps

Maps is Apple's in-house replacement for the soon-to-be exiled Google Maps. At first glance, Maps looks very similar to Google's offering with its turn-by-turn navigation, local search, and traffic reports, but it differs in one major area: Flyovers. This new feature renders major cities with photo-realistic 3D models that you will be able to pan, zoom, tilt, and rotate in order to get a better view. Maps' Siri compatibility means that pretty soon you'll be able to plot trips using just your words.

New Call Options

iOS 6 will add new calling options that offer more flexibility over how you handle incoming calls that you don't want to pick up. Instead of simply declining a call, you'll be able to reply to it with a text message or create a callback reminder to notify yourself at a later time to reach out to the person who rang. Apple is also adding a Do Not Disturb Option that ensures you won't be bothered when you choose to enable it, save for contacts that you've set up as exceptions.

Passbook

Passbook is an iPhone and iPod touch-exclusive app—at least for now—that will act as a tidy central hub for all your passes and tickets. Instead of handing over a paper ticket, coupon, boarding pass, or gift card to be scanned, you'll simply whip put your device, which will display the appropriate item when you stroll into the appropriate store or airport. The success of this app, unlike the others mentioned in this story, will rely heavily on third-party support. The list of companies standing behind the technology is likely to be unveiled September 12, but two are already known: American Airlines and Delta.

About Our Expert

Jeffrey L. Wilson

Managing Editor, Apps and Gaming

Since 2004, I've written about consumer tech for many publications, including 1UP, Laptop, Parenting, Sync, Wise Bread, and WWE. I now apply that knowledge and skill set as the managing editor of PCMag's apps and gaming team.

The Technology I Use

As a member of the App & Gaming team, I use a wide variety of apps and services. Google Drive is an essential file-syncing service for moving documents between team members in this work-from-home era. Scrivener has been an invaluable writing tool as I rework my fiction manuscript. YouTube Premium and YouTube TV deliver hours of entertainment (though I only use the latter service during the F1 and NBA playoff seasons).

In terms of hardware, I use a Lenovo Thinkpad Carbon X1 laptop for work and an Origin PC tower for playing PC games. I also have a Steam Deck, which lets me play my favorite titles under a shade tree. Of course, I have a smartphone, and the Google Pixel 9a is my handset of choice.

My main input devices are the Das Keyboard 4 Professional and Logitech MX Vertical Ergonomic Mouse, though I bust out the Hori Fighting Commander Octa or Hori Fight Stick Alpha when mixing it up in fighting games. I have a thing for arcade sticks. I collect Neo Geo AES games, too, but only if I can find the carts on the (relative) cheap.

For video and music consumption, I fire up my Lenovo Tab P11; it has a sharp screen and great Dolby Atmos-powered speakers. My Kindle Paperwhite has received much use, too. I have a standalone, Sony Blu-ray player connected to a TCL television when it's time to go full cinephile. I'm also a vinyl guy, so the Bluetooth-enabled Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT keeps the wax spinning.

My first computer was a Commodore 64. Long live BASIC and retro computers!

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