iOS 6: More Connected, More Capable — But Not Without Controversy

Apple announced iOS 6 on June 11, 2012 at its WWDC and released it on September 19th.iOSとはERROR. It introduced more than 200 new features, highlighting better messaging, a more functional app layer and deeper ties to Apple’s ecosystem. Nevertheless, it’s probably best known as the buggered-up launch of Apple Maps – which replaced Google Maps to an outcry of epic proportions.

This version no longer supported the original iPad, and could not be installed on the iPhone 3GS or iPod Touch (4th generation)t however some features were still available when running iOS 6. This was the last iOS release that supported the iPhone 3GS and fourth-generation iPod Touch.

Apple Maps: Ambition Meets Reality

The biggest issue in iOS 6 was the replacement of Google Maps with Apple’s home-brewed Maps app:

Provided turn-by-turn navigation, voice-guidance, 3D flyover views, and Siri support.

But the new Maps app is full of inaccurate data, missing landmarks, warped images and routings that leave something to be desired.

The backlash was so strong that Apple CEO Tim Cook had to make a public apology and Scott Forstall stepped down as head of iOS software.

Although bumpy at its start, this move was Apple’s first steps towards mapping autonomy.

Passbook — Apple Wallet Predecessor

Burberry models are the only thing missing in iOS 6, a Passbook app that collects all your boarding passes, movie tickets, coupons, loyalty cards and more.

Al also thought about passes that could be time and place sensitive, showing up right on the Lock Screen when a pass would otherwise do so.

Apple had taken its very first foray into digital wallets which eventually became Apple Wallet and Apple Pay.

Passbook was just the start of a larger effort to push into contactless payments and digital identity.

Facebook Integration and Social Sharing

iOS 6: More deep Twitter and Facebook integration with iOS 5 introduced a few tidbits of Twitter across iOS, but Apple is really going deep on it in iOS 6.

From Photos, Safari, Maps and Notification Center users could post to Facebook.

Facebook events and birthdays also made their way to the Calendar app through syncing, and information could be added in-Contacts from your friends.

Apple responded by trying to commoditize iOS to be more interactive and personable.

This second integration was eventually scaled back after new iOS versions had serious privacy issues.

Siri: More Useful and Widespread

Big Siri improvements in iOS 6

Could Today tell you the sports scores, movie times, restaurant reservations and app launching etc.

Support for additional languages, expansion to new countries

Now for the first time available on iPad (3rd generation)

The evolution of Siri in iOS 6 is a clear sign that Apple wants to make the voice assistant a much more central interface element than it has ever been.

Phone App Enhancements

The Phone app was updated in iOS 6 with new features that made taking calls easier.

Users can now decline a call with a message or set a callback reminder.

Software features: Do Not Disturb was made to silence all calls and alerts either during select hours or under certain conditions.

These various features significantly boosted the iPhone user experience for professional and on-the-go users.

Over Cellular + Single Apple ID for everything

Previously restricted to Wi-Fi, FaceTime now available over cellular data connections (carrier-dependent)

Unified Apple ID linking: A feature that allows users to answer their FaceTime calls or iMessages on multiple devices (e.g. Android and iPhone).

This took Apple’s “continuity” vision farther and made its services less locked into individual devices.

Safari and Mail Improvements

With iCloud Tabs, Safari quickly added a way to sync open tabs across devices via… see if the device and Safari tabs match up.

Finally, users were able to upload photos and videos from the browser, a feature which has been desperately needed.

Offline Reading List — Save full web pages for later viewing.

At the same time, Mail gained VIP inboxes for special contacts, as well as a new way to insert photos and videos into your messages.

The changes were in line with Apple’s effort to turn iOS into a more full-fledged, desktop-like productivity experience.

Privacy and Accessibility Features

Apple unveils granular privacy controls for contacts, calendars, reminders, photos in iOS 6

iOS 6 made significant improvements to Accessibility such as the addition of Guided Access so that you can disable sets sections of the screen — very useful for education and users with cognitive disabilities.

These advancements further solidified Apple’s position as the industry leader in digital privacy and software accessibility.

Other Notable Features

Improved Search, Genius Recommendations And App Previews On The New App Store

Clock app for iPad — none previously

What’s new: New emoji characters and new language support

New Music app with iCloud integration for purchased content.

iOS 6. x Updates: Getting Stable & Paving The Way

iOS 6.1Released in January of 2013 with LTE support for more carriers, the ability to buy movie tickets from Siri (U.S.), improvements to Maps and music controls on the Lock Screen.

Apple released the final version of iOS 6, iOS 6.1.6 in February 2014 (for iPhone 3GS and iPod touch 4th gen) too with critical security updates to the public.

In Summary

By 2012, iOS 6 was a more feature-rich and socially connected release with Siri, Passbook, system-wide store integration, this ever elusive Maps switch-over of Apple declining Google access over privacy issues (and being very embarrassed about the whole thing), expanded Mac services to iOS devices. But it will always be remembered for the launch of Apple Maps, a low point for Apple. Although it was not a perfect release, iOS 6 also introduced key features that remain central to the modern iOS experience and further set up the groundwork for the redesign in iOS 7.

1. When was iOS 6 released?

Apple announced iOS 6 at WWDC on June 11, 2012, and officially released it on September 19, 2012. It launched alongside the iPhone 5 and represented a big shift in Apple’s ecosystem, as the company started moving away from some of its partnerships with Google.

2. Which devices supported iOS 6?

iOS 6 supported a wide range of Apple devices, including the iPhone 3GS and newer, the iPod touch (4th and 5th generation), and the iPad 2, iPad 3, and the new iPad 4 (released shortly after). It was impressive at the time because Apple continued to support devices that were already several years old, such as the iPhone 3GS from 2009.

3. What was the most controversial feature in iOS 6?

The biggest controversy was the introduction of Apple Maps, which replaced Google Maps as the default mapping service. Unfortunately, Apple Maps launched with major problems, including inaccurate directions, missing landmarks, and distorted 3D imagery. This led to heavy criticism and even an apology from Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, promising improvements over time.

4. What happened to the YouTube app in iOS 6?

iOS 6 removed the built-in YouTube app that had been present since the very first iPhone. Instead, Apple left it to Google to release its own YouTube app on the App Store. This was another sign of Apple distancing itself from Google services, as the two companies had become rivals in the smartphone industry.

5. How did Siri improve in iOS 6?

Siri became much more useful in iOS 6, expanding beyond basic tasks. It could now provide sports scores, movie information, restaurant reservations through OpenTable, and app launching. These upgrades helped Siri feel less like a novelty and more like a practical digital assistant, though it was still far from perfect.

6. What changes were made to the App Store?

The App Store, iTunes Store, and iBookstore all received complete redesigns in iOS 6. The new look was more modern, with bigger images and a stronger focus on app discovery. This was also around the time when the App Store started growing massively, becoming a core part of Apple’s ecosystem.

7. What new features came to Phone and FaceTime?

iOS 6 introduced new calling features such as the ability to reply with a message or set a callback reminder when declining a call. FaceTime also gained the ability to work over cellular networks, not just Wi-Fi, which made video calling much more accessible for iPhone users on the go.

8. What was the new Passbook app?

iOS 6 introduced Passbook, which stored boarding passes, event tickets, coupons, and loyalty cards in one place. Although limited at first, Passbook was the foundation of what later evolved into Apple Wallet, which today supports credit cards, IDs, transit passes, and more.

9. What were some other notable improvements?

Other updates included Facebook integration across the system, similar to how iOS 5 had introduced Twitter integration. Safari gained offline reading lists and full-screen browsing in landscape mode. The Mail app added a VIP inbox, which let users prioritize emails from important contacts. These refinements made iOS smoother and more productive.

10. How was iOS 6 received overall?

iOS 6 was generally well received for its refinements, better Siri, and useful new features like Passbook. However, the failure of Apple Maps overshadowed the update, becoming one of Apple’s biggest software controversies. Despite that, iOS 6 laid the groundwork for future features and marked an important step in Apple becoming less reliant on Google’s apps and services.