Monday is the day! The day when we find out all about the upcoming latest and greatest version of iOS. What can we expect from the new version of our favorite mobile operating system? What improvements are coming our way? Everything right now is conjecture, and rumor. I’m going to say which features I think are possible, probably, or iffy. (And yes, that is a technical term.) Then Monday afternoon, or Tuesday morning, you can all have the pleasure of tearing me a new one.
Facebook Integration: This will be similar to how the Twitter integration currently works in iOS. Put your login info in once, and it can be used across any
Facebook integrated app. No more exiting the game or social app to login to Facebook, then hopefully return to the app you were trying to use. Ah streamlining, you are my goddess.
(Multiple reports on this one, let’s call it “probable”.)
Apple’s own Map App: According to
reports, Apple is also, (and quite unsurprisingly), planning to push the new Maps platform on developers, strongly encouraging devs to embed Apple’s own mapping system into their apps.
(This is everywhere you look, so again, this is a “probable”.)
Do Not Disturb Mode, Safari tab syncing, and VIP Mail Recipients: Users will be able to set notifications to “
Do Not Disturb“. No more notifications popping up when you’re trying to work. The Safari tab syncing will be through iCloud, so your Safari tabs will sync across all devices and computers. VIP mail recipients will put a star next to email received from certain groups of people.
(We’ve only seen this a few places, but… “possible”.)
Full Siri Functionality to the iPad: The
iPad version of Siri will not be full-screen like the iPhone, however. Instead, it will slide in from the top, much like Notification Center currently works in iPad. Also, despite the fact that the iPad isn’t designed to be held near your face, like the iPhone, the accuracy of Siri on the iPad is reportedly just as high as on the iPhone.
(Yeah, I like this as a “probable”. I’ve seen this reported quite a few places, and I just really want it.)
Airdrop-like File Sharing Between Macs and Devices: This is
just a rumor, but man, I am SO keeping my fingers crossed for this one! According to the report, the next iPhone will feature the Broadcom BCM4334 radio chipset, which includes support for WiFi Direct and
Bluetooth 4.0. This could see the device include a form of
AirDrop – a wireless file sharing feature introduced in OS X Lion.
(Sounds like if this one is for real, it’ll be an iPhone 5 only deal. Hmmm… “possible”.)
Completely Revamped iOS “Stock” Apps: Another
rumor to be sure, but why not revamp the apps if the next iPhone will have a taller screen as rumors have said. While you’re at it, add some new functionality. Stop swimming, and you die.
(50/50 on this one, I think it mostly depends on whether there is a taller screen on the iPhone 5, so let’s call it. “possible”.)
iOS 6, Now With Even More iCloud! - Yeah, this is one I think Apple has to go for. iCloud has been like you’re average beauty contestant, flashy, pretty, but with no there, there. Let’s hope we see more functionality for Apple apps, and third-party apps. Let’s go beyond having iCloud as a place to put our browser favorites and some files. How about an iCloud browser? (Let’s go “probable” on some type of iCloud improvements. “Iffy” on whether it will actually be a giant leap forward.)
Widgets! Widgets! Widgets! - I like this as a “probable”. This is something everyone wants for iOS 6, and I’m thinking we’ll see some sort of Widgets for at least the lock screen. Maybe we could include the easily accessible switches for toggling, wifi, bluetooth, and adjusting screen brightness?
Well, that’s what we see, what do you see? What’s coming on Monday? Tell us in the comments section below.
