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iOS 6
iOS 6 running on iPhone 5
DeveloperApple Inc.
OS familyiOS
Source modelClosed, with open-source components
Released to
manufacturing
September 19, 2012; 11 years ago (2012-09-19)
Latest release6.1.3 / March 19, 2013; 11 years ago (2013-03-19)[1]
Kernel typeHybrid (XNU)
LicenseProprietary EULA except for open-source components
Preceded byiOS 5
Official websitewww.apple.com/ios/whats-new/

iOS 6 is the latest major version of the iOS mobile operating system from Apple Inc. The latest version of iOS 6 is 6.1.2. It was preceded by iOS 5 (final version was 5.1.1).

History

iOS 6 was previewed on June 11, 2012 during WWDC 2012, with release announced for Fall 2012. Following the pattern of previous iOS releases, older devices are no longer supported, specifically the iPod touch (3rd generation) and the iPad (original). Supported devices on this release include the iPhone 3GS or later, the iPod touch (4th generation) or later, the iPad 2 or later, and iPad mini.

On September 12, 2012 at San Francisco's Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, among other items unveiled, Apple announced three iOS related items; the release of the next generation of iPhone, called iPhone 5, the newly redesigned iPod Touch (5th generation), and the expected final release of iOS 6.0.[2] The September 19 release date of iOS 6 was announced at this event.[3]

While the iPhone 5 comes with iOS 6 starting September 21, other units will require an over-the-air update or an install through iTunes.[3] An update to iTunes version 10.7, which was released on September 12, is necessary to install the iOS 6 update on a device.[4]

The release of iOS 6 is Apple’s fastest beta-to-product development for its mobile OS.[3]

Features

Two notable apps that iOS 6 removed are Google Maps and YouTube.

The built-in Maps app uses Apple's new vector-based engine that eliminates the lag present while downloading bitmaps from Google's servers, making for smoother zooming. New to Maps is turn-by-turn navigation spoken directions in certain countries, 3D views in some major cities and real-time traffic.[4] Turn-by-turn navigation is only available for iPhone 4S or later and iPad 2 or later with cellular capability, while 3D views are only available for iPhone 4S or later, iPod touch 5th generation, and iPad 2 or later.[5]

Another change includes the inability to download Podcasts through the regular iTunes application. Instead, users are prompted to download the official Podcasts App in order to continue.

iOS 6 brings the retrieval of documents such as boarding passes, admission tickets, coupons and loyalty cards through its new Passbook app. An iOS device with Passbook can be scanned under a reader to process a mobile payment at participating locations. The app has context-aware features such as notifications for relevant coupons when in the immediate vicinity of a given store.[4][6]

Apple’s Siri intelligent personal assistant was improved to include the ability to make restaurant reservations, launch apps, dictate Facebook or Twitter updates, retrieve movie reviews and detailed sports statistics.[4] Siri, which previously was only supported on iPhone 4S, is also now supported on iPhone 5, iPod touch 5th generation, and iPad 3rd generation, iPad (4th generation) and iPad mini.[5]

Facebook comes integrated through Apple’s native apps with iOS 6. Facebook features can be directly accessed from within native apps such as Calendar which can sync Facebook events, or use Facebook’s like button from within the Apple App Store.[4]

New privacy settings are available to the user. In addition to location services, the following have been added in iOS 6: photos (already partially restricted in iOS 5), contacts (address book), calendars, reminders, bluetooth sharing, Twitter, Facebook, and Sina Weibo. iOS 6 also comes with a "Limit ad tracking" user control in the general settings menu to allow users the option to prevent targeted advertising. Apple's Advertising Identifier replaces the company’s existing UDID standard. Advertising networks not yet using Apple's Advertising Identifier device identifier standard would not be affected although Apple will require the standard in the future.[7]

Problems

In iOS 6, Apple replaced the previous Google Maps-based application with its own Maps, and was faced with poor reception from critics and users, with inaccurate or incomplete data, no support for transit maps, and low-quality satellite imagery.[8][9] Apple was also faced with criticism from Ireland's Minister for Justice and Equality Alan Shatter when a map incorrectly marked Airfield, a farming area in Dundrum, Dublin, with an icon indicating that it was an airport.[10] Apple CEO Tim Cook later issued a letter on Apple's website apologizing for the "frustration caused by the Maps application".[11]

In September 2012, a privacy expert with the software company Abine expressed her concern that in spite of new targeted ad opt-outs, advertisers could still identify users based on other data and Apple could curate user databases for marketing or to sell to others.[7] Also that month, several users have reported a higher-than-normal data usage after iOS 6 upgrade, causing some to be heavily billed for data largely exceeding their data plan.[12][13][14]

The iOS 6.1 update released on January 28, 2013 has generated reports of decreased battery life and issues with signal strength.[15]

Version history: portable iOS devices

Obsolete Discontinued Current Beta
Table of versions: iOS 6.x – portable iOS devices
Version Build Baseband Release date Features
iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPod Touch (4th generation), iPod Touch (5th generation), iPad 2, iPad (3rd generation), iPad (4th generation) and iPad mini

6.0

10A403 P3 P4 P4D P5 T4 S2 S2C S2D S3 S3L S3D
10A405 P6
10A406 T5
05.16.07 P3

1.00.16 P6 3.0.04 P5
2.0.02 S3D S3L 04.12.02 S2C 3.0.04 S2D 04.12.02 P4 3.0.04 P4D

September 19, 2012; 11 years ago (2012-09-19)

Not all features available on iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPod Touch (4th generation), iPod Touch (5th generation) and iPad 2.

  • Siri (iPhone 4S and later, iPod Touch (5th generation), iPad (3rd generation) and later, & iPad Mini only)
  • Siri now available on iPad (3rd generation) and iPod Touch (5th generation).
  • Additional country and language support for Canada (English and Canadian French), China (Mandarin), Hong Kong (Cantonese), Italy (Italian), Korea (Korean), Mexico (Spanish), Spain (Spanish), Switzerland (Italian, French, German), Taiwan (Mandarin), US (Spanish).
  • Local search works around the world.
  • Siri can now provide information on sports leagues such as NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, WNBA, NCAA basketball and American football, the Premier League, MLS, and more. Ask for player stats, team rosters, game schedules and team standings.
  • Siri can provide information on movies like find movie reviews, ask about actors and actresses, play a movie trailer, get showtimes for movies and find a theater/cinema.
  • Yelp! built-in reviews and launch to open up more information and create reservations with OpenTable.
  • Restaurants are listed by reviews and nearest with more information.
  • Apps can be launched by saying "run <app name>" or "open <app name>".
  • Siri can send Tweets and update Facebook status.
  • Siri can read items from Notification Center.
  • "Eyes Free", allowing car companies to build-in Siri integration; with a mic button on steering wheel, and for launching Siri functions, and screen disabling during Eyes Free mode.
  • Share to Facebook from Share button and apps can access Facebook accounts; similar to Twitter integration in iOS 5.
  • Integrated into Notification Center.
  • Integrated in Siri and APIs for third-party apps.
  • Contacts synced from friends' contact information on Facebook.
  • Facebook Events and birthdays in Calendar.
  • "Like" button on apps and content from the App Store and iTunes Store.
  • Icon matches Twitter's new logo.
  • New app that manages a user's boarding passes, movie tickets, retail coupons, loyalty cards, etc. in one app.[16]
  • Store coupons and gift cards in a wallet-like app (e.g. Apple Store, Starbucks, Target, etc.).
  • Passes are updated in real time if changes are made (e.g. spending money on a store card, flight time, gate change, etc.).
  • Passes are location and time-based, appearing on the lock screen when relevant.
  • Update Facebook status or Tweet from new widget.
  • Message previews can now be toggled on/off for alerts.
  • Calendar now shows the current date in the title bar.
  • Shows ending times for Calendar events.
  • Added "Do Not Disturb" for Notifications. (See Settings, below, for more information)
  • Photos
  • Shared Photo Streams. Photos can be shared with other contacts. Photos shared can be commented on and liked. Notifications are enabled for when a contact shares a photo with the user.
  • New sharing menu using new icons. Has options for Twitter (with new icon), Facebook, Weibo (when Chinese keyboard is enabled), as well as Copy, Use Wallpaper, Print.
  • Videos can be uploaded to Youku and Tudou when the Chinese keyboard is enabled.
  • Constantly shows a button to create new Albums.
  • Music
  • New streamlined UI with white and black themes.
  • Late Night Mode equaliser.
  • Settings
  • "Bluetooth" moved to top of Settings list.
  • Added "Do Not Disturb" mode, allowing users to avoid calls and notifications unless calling parties are on the user's Favorites group. A crescent moon icon will appear in the status bar when enabled. Has no effect when the screen is on.
  • Added in Notifications: Government warnings and AMBER Alerts (toggle on/off).
  • New Privacy Controls. Apps must now ask for permission to access the users photos, calendars, contacts and reminders.
  • Revised Settings icon, similar to that of the OS X System Preferences app icon.
  • New gear animation in the Settings app shown whilst downloading an over-the-air update.
  • Usage: Time Since Last Full Charge now available for all devices.
  • Enable 3G under Cellular setting (iPhone).
  • Maps menu for changing voice volume, map label language, label size, and distance units (iPhone 4S and later, iPad 2 and later, & iPod Touch 5th generation).
  • Settings categories now separated into groups on iPad.
  • "Advertising" option added under "About", just above "Diagnostics & Usage" to enable or disable advertising networks from serving you "targeted ads".
  • Phone
  • Adds phone icon on lock screen for additional ignoring options, similar to the camera sliding icon on the lock screen in iOS 5.1.
  • When ignoring a call, the user can message the caller or set a Reminder to call them back later or send one of three customizable quick SMS response.
  • Phone call doesn't take up the entire lock screen when a call is incoming.
  • New white themed UI for dial pad.
  • Turn-by-turn Navigation with Siri Voice powered by TomTom (iPhone 4S and later, iPad 2 and later, & iPod Touch (5th generation)), voice directions (iPhone 4S and later only).
  • Maps are now Apple-sourced instead of using Google sources.
  • 3D overview for maps (iPhone 4S and later, iPad 2 and later, & iPod Touch (5th generation)).
  • Satellite view.
  • Flyover view for maps gives 3D satellite view (iPhone 4S and later, iPad 2 and later, & iPod Touch (5th generation)).
  • New Map icon.
  • Lock Screen integration for turn-by-turn navigation (iPhone 4S and later, & iPad 2 and later), voice directions (iPhone 4S and later only).
  • Yelp! integration available for businesses provides reviews and information on the business. Allows the user to launch Yelp! app from Maps.
  • Info cards of businesses.
  • Traffic crowd sourcing with anonymous data sent from all iPhones, also adds events of traffic slow-down. Re-routing around traffic accidents and road work.
  • Tapping search bar will automatically give you directions from current location to back home, can be changed.
  • Make FaceTime calls over cellular (iPhone 4S and later, & iPad (3rd generation) only) (some carriers require data sharing plan, e.g. AT&T).
  • Mail
  • VIP inbox stars important emails from user defined VIP group members.
  • Flagged emails inbox.
  • Attach photos and videos quickly with a long-press.
  • Open password-protected Microsoft Office documents.
  • Added Pull-to-Refresh gesture to update Mail accounts.
  • Per account Signatures.
  • Holding the Compose button now shows a list of all draft messages, rather than just the most recent draft message.
  • Email addressed used can now be removed from the Recent list
  • Search All Fields.
  • Custom Vibrations for Text Message Notifications.
  • Reminders
  • Manual Reader.
  • Manual location based reminders.
  • Location based reminders (iPad (3rd generation); previously only available for iPhone 4 & iPhone 4S) (option removed in Golden Master).
  • Fullscreen landscape mode (for iPhone and iPod Touch).
  • iCloud tab syncing across iOS devices and Macs.
  • Offline reading list caches the user's reading list for later use, even when not connected to the Internet (not available for iPhone 3GS and iPod Touch (4th generation)).
  • Smart App Banners: Banners on mobile webpages prompt users to download the website's native App Store counterpart in the App Store.
  • Faster JavaScript engine.
  • Apps in search results.
  • Support for photo upload via Camera Roll to web forms with <input type="file"> elements.
  • Support up to 25 open tabs on iPad.
  • Bookmarks window now displays tabs along the bottom of the window for switching between viewing "Bookmarks", "History" and "Reading list"; previously was just listed all in one source list (iPad 2 and later only).
  • Bookmarks button changes to Reading list icon with a progress bar when updating the Reading list for offline use (iPad 2 and later only).
  • Long press the "Back" or "Forward" button to reveal the browsing history (for iPhone 3GS and later, iPod Touch (4th generation) and later. Previously only available for iPad since iOS 5.x).
  • New UI.
  • Darker theme.
  • Applications can be purchased from within apps.
  • Installing an app no longer returns the user to the home screen the app will download and install while continuing to browse the store.
  • Updating an app no longer requires the iTunes password to be entered.
  • Tap the screenshots of App to enter Full Screen mode.
  • Open the app that have been already installed by tapping the "Open" button.
  • Developer page on the bottom of App details Screen.
  • Update History on the bottom of App details Screen.
  • Related item on the middle of App details Screen.
  • Share sheet button on the right top of App details Screen.
  • Install free apps without an Apple ID.
  • New UI.
  • Darker theme.
  • Content can be purchased from within apps (previously available since iOS 5.0).
  • Accessibility
Guided Access:
  • Allows user to lock exiting of the app in Single App Mode.
  • Allows users to disable certain controls within a specific app.
  • Locks the home button from being used to act like a kiosk.
Speak Selection
  • Allows selected text to be read using the same Text-To-Speech that powers VoiceOver.
  • Allows speech rate and dialect to be changed and words to be highlighted as they are read.
  • When in use, infers language from context, and when no context is available, offers a choice. Pause/resume is available.
  • Personal Dictionary synchronisation.
  • Passbook synchronisation.
  • Clock
  • Set a song as an alarm sound.
  • Clock app for iPad.
  • Weather
  • New UI.
  • Stocks
  • Historical data can be viewed for the past 5 and 10 years when in landscape mode.
  • Apple's integrated app removed, due to an ended licensing deal with Google.
  • Game Center challenges.
  • Facebook friends integration.
  • Opportunity to delete games without deleting the apps from a device.
  • Camera
  • HDR improvements.
  • Darker theme (iPhone & iPod Touch only).
  • Panorama Mode (iPhone 4S and later, & iPod Touch (5th generation) only).
  • Ability to take pictures while recording video (iPhone 5, & iPod Touch (5th generation) only).
  • Face detection is now on the iPad 2
  • Add Facebook events and friends' birthdays into Calendar.
  • Security
  • Other
  • Lost Mode: If an iOS device is lost, Lost Mode triggers an attention grabbing sound, prompting the person who finds the iPhone to call a specific number set by the owner remotely.
  • Additional features for China (Baidu search engine replaces Google, etc.).
  • Weibo Integrated (when Chinese Keyboard enabled).
  • VoiceOver improvements.
  • Custom Vibrations for Alerts.
  • Global Network proxy for HTTP.
  • IPv6 support for Wi-Fi and LTE.
  • Auto Correction for every keyboard.
  • Bluetooth MAP support.
  • Improved keyboard layouts.
  • New Thai keyboard (full keyboard).
  • French, German, and Spanish dictionaries. (Download necessary at time of first use)
  • "Made For iPhone" specification for hearing aids.
  • A blue "New" ribbon over newly installed apps.
  • Status bar reflects the color of the top-most banner in 3rd party apps. (iPhone and iPod Touch only)
  • Spotlight lists name of folder an app is located in.
  • Setup for iMessage & FaceTime added to initial device first time setup.
  • Folders now let you store up to 16 apps. (iPhone 5 and iPod Touch (5th generation))

6.0.1

10A523

10A525 P6 10A8426 M1C

05.16.07 P3

1.01.00 P6 3.0.04 P5
2.0.02 S3D S3L 04.12.02 S2C 3.0.04 S2D 04.12.02 P4 3.0.04 P4D 2.03.09 M1C

November 1, 2012; 11 years ago (2012-11-01)

Bug fixes, security update

  • Fixes a bug that prevents iPhone 5 from installing software updates wirelessly over the air
  • Fixes a bug where horizontal lines may be displayed across the keyboard
  • Fixes an issue that could cause camera flash to not go off
  • Improves reliability of iPhone 5 and iPod touch (5th generation) when connected to encrypted WPA2 Wi-Fi networks
  • Resolves an issue that prevents iPhone from using the cellular network in some instances
  • Consolidated the Use Cellular Data switch for iTunes Match
  • Fixes a Passcode Lock bug which sometimes allowed access to Passbook pass details from lock screen
  • Fixes a bug affecting Exchange meetings
  • Adds Finger-Rejection [17]

6.0.2

10A551 P6 1.01.00 P6 December 18, 2012; 11 years ago (2012-12-18)

iPhone 5 and iPad mini only Bug fix

  • Fixes a bug that could impact Wi-Fi

6.1

10B141

10B142
10B143
10B144

05.16.08 P3

3.04.06 P5 3.4.01 P6
2.0.02 S3D S3L 04.12.02 S2C 3.0.04 S2D 04.12.05 P4 3.0.045 P4D

January 28, 2013; 11 years ago (2013-01-28)

333

  • Maps
  • Larger "Report a Problem" button in Maps
  • Editing place's pin in Maps allows one to switch map type between Hybrid and Standard
  • New music controls on lock screen when you double-press home button
  • Siri can now purchase movie tickets via Fandango (USA only)
  • LTE now works with several European, African, American and Asian carriers (supports 36 new iPhone carriers, 23 new iPad carriers)
  • Individual songs can once again be downloaded or deleted when using iTunes Match
  • New, persistent Passbook pass explaining service functionality
  • Wi-Fi Signal intensity improved
  • Battery life improved
  • Song's total time's position moved from right to under the title, can display longer song title.
  • Corrupted songs and videos can now be deleted
  • Reduced audio signal clipping with some call and tower combinations
  • Fixes an ActiveSync issue where email does not work consistently with Exchange clients. (This was usually related to moving between Wi-Fi and cellular networks)

6.1.1

10B145 3.4.02 P5 February 11, 2013; 11 years ago (2013-02-11)

iPhone 4S only Bug fix

  • Fixes an issue that could impact cellular performance and reliability
  • Fixes an issue where Siri does not work properly

6.1.2

10B146 3.4.25 P6 February 19, 2013; 11 years ago (2013-02-19)
  • Fixes an Exchange calendar bug that could result in increased network activity and reduced battery life.
Version Build Baseband Release date Features

Version history: Apple TV (2nd generation) onwards

Obsolete Discontinued Current Beta
Table of versions: iOS 6.x – Apple TV (2nd generation) onwards
iOS version Apple TV Software Build Release date Features

6.0

5.1 10A406E (5201) September 24, 2012
  • Shared Photo Streams - Accept invitations for Shared Photo Streams, browse photos and comments, and receive notifications of new content.[18]
  • AirPlay - Send audio content from Apple TV to AirPlay-enabled speakers and devices (including AirPort Express and other Apple TVs). Also includes the ability to require an onscreen code to use AirPlay with your Apple TV.[18]
  • iTunes account switching - Save multiple iTunes accounts and switch quickly between them.[18]
  • Trailers - Search movie trailers. In the United States, see show times for local theaters.[18]
  • Screen savers - New Cascade, Shrinking Tiles, and Sliding Panels screen savers.[18]
  • Main menu - Reorder icons on the second page by holding down the select button on the remote.[18]
  • Subtitles - SDH support for the deaf and hard-of-hearing as well as improvements to viewing and selecting subtitles.[18]
  • Network configuration - Support for setting up advanced network options using configuration profiles.[18]
  • Stability and performance - Includes general performance and stability improvements.[18]
  • Adds support for AirPlay mirroring between iPod touch

6.0.1

5.1.1 10A831 (5433) December 12, 2012
  • Adds support for Up Next with iTunes 11 or iTunes Match.
  • Includes performance and stability improvements with the iTunes Store, AirPlay, Netflix, iTunes Match, and wired ethernet connections.

6.1

5.2 10B144b (6010.96) January 28, 2013
  • Enhances support for Up Next with iTunes 11 and iTunes in the Cloud.
  • Adds support for Bluetooth keyboards.

See also

Notes

^P1 iPhone (original)
^P2 iPhone 3G
^P3 iPhone 3GS
^P4 iPhone 4
^P4D iPhone 4 (CDMA version)
^P5 iPhone 4S
^P6 iPhone 5
^T1 iPod Touch (1st generation)
^T2 iPod Touch (2nd generation)
^T3 iPod Touch (3rd generation)
^T4 iPod Touch (4th generation)
^T5 iPod Touch (5th generation)
^S1 iPad Wi-Fi only
^S1C iPad Wi-Fi + 3G
^S2 iPad 2 Wi-Fi only
^S2C iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G GSM
^S2D iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G CDMA
^S3 iPad (3rd generation) Wi-Fi only
^S3L iPad (3rd generation) Wi-Fi + 4G (LTE) (AT&T/global version)
^S3D iPad (3rd generation) Wi-Fi + 4G (LTE) (Verizon version)
^S4 iPad (4th generation) Wi-Fi only
^S4L iPad (4th generation) Wi-Fi + 4G (LTE) (AT&T/global version)
^S4D iPad (4th generation) Wi-Fi + 4G (LTE) (Verizon version)
^M1 iPad mini Wi-Fi only
^M1C iPad mini Wi-Fi + 3G
^A2 Apple TV (2nd generation)
^A3 Apple TV (3rd generation)

References

  1. ^ http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1639
  2. ^ Pollicino, Joe (2012-09-12). "Apple's September 12th event roundup: iPhone 5, new iPods, iOS 6, Lightning and everything else". Engadget. Retrieved 2012-09-13.
  3. ^ a b c Donna Tam (12 September). "Apple's iOS 6 release date: Start your downloads on Sept. 19". CNET. Retrieved 19 September 2012. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  4. ^ a b c d e Matt Peckham (12 September 2012). "Apple iOS 6 Here Next Week, iTunes Update Today, New iTunes in October". Time. Retrieved 19 September 2012.
  5. ^ a b "What's New in iOS 6". Retrieved 21 September 2012.
  6. ^ Christopher Versace (11 September 2012). "Apple, iOS 6 & Mobile Payments - One More Thing for the iPhone 5?". Forbes. Retrieved 19 September 2012.
  7. ^ a b Seth Rosenblatt (14 September 2012). "Ad tracking 'blocker' comes to iOS 6". CNET. Retrieved 19 September 2012.
  8. ^ "New Apple maps app under fire from users". BBC News. Retrieved 20 September 2012.
  9. ^ Claburn, Thomas. "Apple iOS 6 Maps App Flops". InformationWeek. Retrieved 20 September 2012.
  10. ^ "Apple gives Dublin a new 'airfield'". Irish Times. Retrieved 20 September 2012.
  11. ^ "A letter from Tim Cook on Maps". Apple. Retrieved 2 October 2012.
  12. ^ "iPhone 5 and iOS 6 users claim 'data use and bills rocket'". The Guardian UK. Retrieved 18 October 2012.
  13. ^ "ATT iPhone Customers Hit With Massive Data 'Sipping' Bug". The Huffington Post. Retrieved 22 October 2012.
  14. ^ "Mysterious iOS 6 Cellular Data Usage: A Deeper Look". TidBITS. Retrieved 24 October 2012.
  15. ^ Smith, Josh. "Bad iOS 6.1 Battery Life, Other Bugs Plague iOS 6.1 Users". Gotta Be Mobile.com. Retrieved 10 February 2013.
  16. ^ Revel, Byte. "iOS 6 Boasts Some Great New Features". Byte Revel. Retrieved 20 July 2012.
  17. ^ [1]
  18. ^ a b c d e f g h i "About Apple TV (2nd and 3rd generation) software updates". Apple Inc. Retrieved 11 October 2012.