iOS 6: All you need to know

Apple’s latest upgrade to its iOS mobile operating system has canned Google Maps and seen the introduction of more than 200 new features.

It will be available for general download in September to iPad, iPhone and iPod users. A preview is available now for developers.

Read on for the list of most notable features.

Maps

Following months of speculation, Apple confirmed it has dumped Google Maps as the default global mapping application on iOS 6.

It has been replaced with Apple’s home-grown Maps app, which offers turn-by-turn navigation, destination searching, Siri-integration for commands, real-time traffic information, and fly-over in 3D mode views. The Maps app is based on TomTom data.

Facebook

Apple has integrated Facebook into iOS devices allowing users to post status updates, photos, and links from within other iOS applications.

The Facebook integration lets users sign in once and post from the Notification Centre, Siri and Facebook-enabled apps such as Photos, Safari and Maps, as well as store Facebook friend information in Contacts and Calendar across all iOS devices. 

Siri

The voice assistant Apple first debuted with the iPhone 4S is now available across all iOS devices in the latest update. It has upgraded the personal assistant with the ability to open other applications and post on Twitter and Facebook.

Apple is also working with car manufacturers on its “Eyes Free” feature – a dedicated Siri button in cars allowing users to access their device and Siri without taking their eyes off the road.

Email

Apple has cleaned up its notorious email application with the introduction of VIP designation and the ability to add files from within the email application.

Users can now prioritise email by sender and, more importantly, attach photos, videos or other file in to emails from within the app.

Passbook

Apple has created an app that lets users store all their tickets, passes and coupons. The company gives the example of a user’s loyalty card appearing on their lock screen when the user walks into a coffee shop – Passbook displays the voucher then lets the user scan it via their iDevice. 

FaceTime

Apple has upgraded its FaceTime video call technology to work over 3G connections. FaceTime was previously only available via wi-fi.

The updated FaceTime also now combines a user's phone number and Apple ID, giving the option of answering via either their phone or FaceTime app on phone or Mac.

Safari

The refreshed Safari includes the ability to share open tabs from an Apple desktop to an iOS device via iCloud – as long as the desktop is running OS X Mountain Lion.

Safari also now offers offline reading lists, photo uploads and full screen view.