Apple set to knock Google Maps off iPhone as it unveils new operating software

Apple has unveiled a series of new products and services - but kept eager fans hanging on for signs of the next iPhone model.

The U.S. electronics giant made a slew of announcements at its Worldwide Developers' Conference (WWDC) in San Francisco including an improved MacBook computer range.

But while those hoping to hear the release date for the iPhone 5 were left disappointment, anyone who already owns an iPhone or an iPad had a reason to get excited with the launch of Apple's iOS 6 mobile operating software.

The system will also replace Google Maps with its own app. The Google app has been on the iPhone for the past five years.


The heart of Apple's mobile products, this latest iOS will come with more than 200 new features when it launches in the autumn, expected to be at the same time as the iPhone 5.

And some of the features even give a hint of what might be expected from that smartphone including NFC wireless mobile payment technology.

At WWDC Apple announced a new app called Passbook, which can store travel, cinema and other event tickets. If the iPhone 5 goes on to include NFC it will allow users through gates, turnstiles and onto buses and trains simply with a tap or wave of the handset.

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.'

However, there was disappointment for owners of the original iPad, who won't be able to download and use iOS 6. This model won't be supported to run the new software, but it will be available for the older iPhone 3GS model as well as the latest iPod touch devices.

Last night app developers across the globe were busy downloading their advance beta copies of iOS 6 in a bid to learn all its intricacies to start creating apps and software that will take advantage of its features.

They include all-new Maps and navigation software created entirely by Apple to take on Google's massively-popular version. It includes a topdown 3D birds-eye-view of an area including three dimensional models of major landmarks, illustrated by Apple yesterday with a look at Sydney and its famous Opera House.

Apple senior VP of iPhone software Scott Forstall demonstrates Flyover, part of the new map application featured …

And with the current iOS 5 software already including deep integration with Twitter, it seems a natural follow-up that iOS 6 will do the same for Facebook, putting the social network's contacts and calendar straight into your iPhone directories and adding the ability to post straight from the Notification Center and apps like Photos.


Siri, Apple's talking virtual personal assistant, is also now coming to the iPad thanks to iOS 6 while FaceTime video calling will be available using the mobile phone 3G networks rather than just working over Wi-Fi.

Other neat new features include the chance to designate emailers as VIPs so you see their messages first and a Do Not Disturb option to allow you to block certain calls and text messages while still receiving others.

Ernest Doku, technology expert at uSwitch.com, said: 'With iOS6, Apple has taken the core features and functions of the iPhone to the next level.

'Video calling over 3G with FaceTime is a long-awaited string to the iPhone's bow, and smart features like a dedicated inbox for VIPs underline Apple's eye for detail and a focus on improving the consumer experience.
 
'Now all that remains to be seen is if the new iPhone can get us all queueing around the block again.'