Apple has used its Worldwide Developers Conference as an opportunity to preview the forthcoming version of its iPhone and iPad operating system.
iOS 6, which is now available as a beta version for iOS Developer Program members, will be launched officially this autumn. It contains more than 200 new features from iOS5, including a new Apple-designed map application, enhanced Siri voice recognition options and greater Facebook integration. In addition, a new built-in app called Passbook is designed to store electronic passes and tickets.
Scott Forstall, Apple’s senior vice president of iOS Software, said “iOS 6 continues the rapid pace of innovation that is helping Apple reinvent the phone and create the iPad category, delivering the best mobile experience available on any device. We can’t wait for hundreds of millions of iOS users to experience the incredible new features in iOS 6 including the new Maps app, expanded Siri support, deep Facebook integration, Shared Photo Streams and the innovative new Passbook app.”