Apple has unveiled its latest mobile operating system, iOS6, at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference.
The operating system, which runs on its iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch devices, will no longer include Google Maps software. The new Apple’s mapping app will provide turn-by-turn directions, live traffic updates and Siri – to answer questions.
It will also include ‘flyover’ images taken by helicopters hired by the company to fly over major cities.
Apple will instead run its own mapping app, which has a high-quality 3D mode, on the platform.
Apple’s updated iOS software is being released in beta on Tuesday, and will be available for general consumers by the autumn, chief executive Tim Cook said.
It will be a free update for owners of either an iPhone 4S, iPhone 4 or iPhone 3GS – as well as users of the latest iPad, the iPad 2 and fourth generation iPod touch.
With the next Apple’s iOS 6 software users will be able to update their Facebook status by talking to their phones.
Additional features include “eyes free” a feature on which Apple said it had worked with car manufacturers to integrate a “Siri button” to activate the iPhone’s voice-operated assistant.
For the first time on Apple’s devices, video calls will be able to be made over a cellular connection, rather than relying on wi-fi or another mobile internet source.
Users will also be able to ‘Like’ movies and apps in Apple’s iTunes store, Apple executive Scott Forstall said in San Francisco at Apple’s annual developers’ conference.
Siri, Apple’s voice-command application, will add a host of new languages, including Spanish, Korean and Mandarin Chinese, Forstall said.
‘She’ will also be able to launch applications and movies – all at the user’s command.
The switch to its own mapping platform will provide Apple with even more opportunities to monetise its users, said Carolina Milanesi, an analyst for Gartner, who attended the event in San Francisco.
Macbook revamp
The company also announced revamped models in its Macbook Pro and Macbook Air ranges.
Its new Macbook Pro is 0.71 inches thick, with a high-resolution Retina display. It utilises Intel’s Ivy Bridge processor.
Its slimline Macbook Air range has also been upgraded with enhanced graphics and processing capabilities.
Both will offer a free upgrade to OS X Mountain Lion, the latest version of the Mac operating system which is set for release in July.
Among its features is enhanced synchronisation between desktop, laptop and mobile, thanks to iCloud, the company’s cloud-based storage service.
Once again, predictions that Apple was set to announce a long-rumoured television failed to materialise.