We know that the next Apple iPhone 5 is expected to launch in September 2011, but what about the next generation Apple iOS 5? Apple said they are going to unveiled the latest iOS to the public in the WWDC 2011 event on June 6th-10th. Rumor has already spread on the web and many people are expecting the new iOS to have awesome features.
If Apple is really promise to deliver the iOS 5 with many new enhancement and cool technology, it could become the most popular mobile operating system of the year. With the rising popularity of Android, Apple iOS is actually lack behind in some features like Wireless Sync which already have in Android device.
Now, lets take look on what feature to be available on iOS 5.
1. Over-The-Air iOS Upgrade
Don’t want to use iTunes to download latest iOS? If the next iOS 5 is able to make iPhone to download the iOS upgrade via 3G or WiFi, it will make it easy for iPhone user. We don’t need to stick with our computer to download and install latest update. We can upgrade the iOS while we are enjoying cup of coffee at Starbuck.
2. Smaller iOS Upgrade File Size
Why we have to download the full iOS update every time? Imagine downloading 600MB for every single minor new release and bug fixes, we are using a lot of bandwidth space for that. Bug fixes can be update by applying small incremental patches instead of updating the whole iOS.
Downloading and installing smaller file size can increase user experience of iPhone user. Not only it can decrease the time spend on downloading and upgrading, user will be very happy to upgrade every new release.
3. Radial Menus – Not available
Radial Menus is an evolution of iOS which brings a different kind of engagement with the user. It will popup up with relevant options for finger swipe and let you perform unique swiping experience.
4. Apps Update in The Background
This is something lack in the Apple iOS. Normally, when we are updating the apps, we need to wait for the progress to finish. What will happen if the user click “Update All” not accidentally? The Apps update cannot be run in the background process and user have to wait for the update process.
Instead of waiting, Apple can make it to support multitasking in the background process. User can continue their work or replying message when updating the apps. Although, it is logical that it will drain battery life faster, but apps updating is not a daily routine task. Therefore, it is not a big issue during the updating period.
5. Widgets
Apple should work on widget SDK just like what Android has. Easily access to weather and updates on the home screen is a great feature of the future iOS. It give user to glance at the useful information on the same screen without needing to open any apps.
6. More Access to Photo Library
Many users complain the photo library on iPhone is not user friendly and troublesome. In order to create photo album on iPhone, they have to follow through a lot of steps and it cannot be done on the iPhone itself. It rely on iTunes to complete simple tasks too much.
For the current iOS version, user is unable to remove photos in custom albums created by themselves. They have to go back to their computer, remove from the folder and sync it back to iPhone. Apple should consider minimize the steps to create and remove photos on iPhone instead.
7. Ability to Roll Back iOS Version – Not available
In certain case like the user don’t like the latest iOS version, they can roll back to their existing iOS instead of forcing user to upgrade every time. User should have freedom to choose what version of iOS they want to install on their iPhone with simple steps.
Another emergency case like apps not support the latest iOS version. User can roll back their iOS version to make their apps working fine without waiting for develop to release new version of apps. They could become handy in emergency time.
8. Download More Than One Apps Simultaneously
This is great feature added on iOS 5. In previous version, user have to wait for an app to finish download and install before can proceed to the next app update. By allowing multiple apps to be downloaded at the same time, it is good for user who has fast internet connection speed. They can download all the app updates faster than ever.
9. Multitasking Gestures in iPad
Using up to five fingers on iPad. Swipe up to reveal the multitasking bar, pinch to return to the Home screen, and swipe left or right to switch between apps. This new feature is supported on iPad only.
10. Tabbed browsing in Safari on iPad
Another nice feature on iPad. Ability to have tabbed control in Safari just like what you have on your computer. The Safari browser is now more intelligent than ever.
Official Apple iOS 5 video
Article by Alvin Lim Fong Yee
has written 661 articles on Limfy.com
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{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
I don’t know about the over-the-air OS update. When you update via your computer, iTunes will back up your iPhone/iPad/iTouch before installing the update. What if you are updating via WiFi at Starbucks and something goes horribly wrong? You are then SOL until you can get back to your computer to do a restore. Doesn’t seem worth the risk.
One thing I wish was different settings for battery and plugged-in (and location-specific settings). I would love to be able to sync via WiFi when I am at home, the iOS device is plugged in during the middle of the night. I don’t want to sync during the day when the battery might be low and just as I am getting ready to head out of the house. Or, when I am at home, I don’t want my screen password lock to be on, but when I leave home, I want a screen lock password to be on.
One major need a better notification manager. Perhaps an app listing all notifications, (that would auto-delete them after they are a week old).
And maybe a plug-in architecture for services that could be accessed by any application that chooses to. Similar to the Print feature. For example, things could be sent to other Apps and other Apps could define what types of data they accept: text, rich text, HTML, photos, movies, etc. This could be helpful for Apps such as Text-to-Speech apps, Evernote, To-Dos, etc. and would allow Apps to send things to other Apps without having to open the second App.
Hi Charles. Thanks for your comment. You make a point in WiFi update. However, there are sources saying that Apple bought CloudMe online file storage. What if Apple is able to make the future iOS sync in the cloud? That would be an awesome feature. Your important files are automatically backup and you can access it at anywhere. You can play favorite songs stored in this service too.
Location-specific and battery indicator sync settings – This is a great feature! It will become an intelligent device and save battery life. The other feature you mention are good also. Notification manager to check for missed notification. It will be easily to manage to-do list.
plug-in architecture for services that could be accessed by any application that chooses to – This one will be difficult to achieve because of the security concern. Any app can transfer unlimited data to another app without their knowledge and causes another app to crash.
wait so is there going to be voice control integration????
Voice control still coming to iOS 5 but only work with first-party apps.
2011 WWDC event has unveiled the key features of iOS 5. I like the Notification center, iMessage, PC Free etc of the 10 key iOS 5 features. I’m eagerly waiting for the iOS 5 release date and see the rest of the 200+ new features.
Yeah. iOS 5 has many new features. Can’t wait to test on it
over the air jailbreak would be nice
Can we bluetooth to any other phones and not just iPhones? And will there be a car kit available WITH!! An external aerial. Also will the service/reception be stronger than the iPhone 4.