operating system is shaping up to be one of the biggest upgrades to the mobile platform Apple has released in years.
There is talk of deep Facebook integration, the launch of Apple’s own 3D mapping application (rumored to replace the existing Google Maps app), more cloud-based storage options for third party apps, new Mac OS X Mountain Lion-like features including a “Do Not Disturb” option for notifications and the addition of notification banners in iCloud.
9to5Mac says that another major iOS 6 addition will see enhanced Siri features arrive on the iPad.
“According to trusted sources, one of the tentpole iOS 6 features is Siri support on the iPad. Not just the Voice Dictation brought to the iPad with the third-generation models and iOS 5.1, but the complete Siri voice assistant,” says the blog.
Siri for iPad will not include the phone-related commands found on the iPhone 4S but is expected to support voice commands for activities including music playback, Calendar management, Safari and Wolfram-Alpha searches, Maps, Notes and Emails.
Siri for iPad could be among the many announcements Apple makes during its upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC).
“It is unclear if Apple will introduce Siri with the rest iOS 6 at the WWDC keynote on June 11,” says 9to5mac, “or if Apple is planning to save this feature for an assumed fall event that will likely detail the final changes to iOS 6 and to announce the next-generation iPhone.”
Additional WWDC rumors include a large-scale refresh of the company’s MacBook Pro, MacBook Air and iMac lines and the unveiling of Apple’s brand new TV OS.
WWDC will take place June 11-15 at Moscone West in San Francisco, USA.