There wasn’t, perhaps, quite the palava last year when iOS 5 notched up an incredible number of betas before finally being released, but it’s fair to say – as with any OS release – Apple has again found itself having to work tirelessly in order to ready iOS 6 for its scheduled drop date.
It gives me great pleasure to reveal, that if you’re one of the many iPhone, iPad and iPod touch users waiting for iOS 6, that Apple has just pushed the final version of its latest and greatest mobile operating system, and you can grab it right now from the direct links provided at the foot of this post.
Of course, the software links are merely there for archive purposes; your best bet is most certainly downloading via iTunes or – if you’re using iOS 5 – the Over-The-Air option found under Settings > General > Software Update on your iOS device.
Those lucky individuals who’ve ordered and are awaiting the new iPhone 5 needn’t worry about any of this just now, since your device will come pre-loaded with iOS 6, and all the perks therein.
Apple has worked hard on trying to improve the iOS experience in general with iOS 6, and although there doesn’t really seem to be that one "groundbreaking" new feature within the software, there are plenty of solid new entries to the fray. Passbook, which allows vouchers and tickets to be stored, utilized and updated digitally, will undoubtedly be advocated by many big firms, so it looks as though that particular feature will be an instant hit.
Also new and exciting is the default iOS Maps offering. Having ditched Google’s omni-present Maps app, Apple has teamed up with C3 Technologies to offer some stunning 3D mapping options, and with turn-by-turn navigation also included as standard, it will be interesting to see whether the likes of TomTom, manage to stay afloat over at the App Store.
With the new YouTube iOS app also thrown into the mix (available at the App Store right now, might I add), the world’s slickest mobile ecosystem is now smoother and more responsive than ever before.
Please note, iOS 6 and corresponding updates are currently only installable on the following devices:
- iPhone 5 GSM
- iPhone 5 CDMA
- iPhone 4S
- iPhone 4 GSM
- iPhone 4 CDMA
- iPhone 3GS
- iPad 3rd-generation (GSM, CDMA, WiFi)
- iPad 2 (GSM, CDMA, WiFi)
- iPod touch 4th-generation
- iPod touch 5th-generation
Unless you’re running one of the above, I’m afraid you’ll need to upgrade your hardware before you can experience the all-new iOS 6. A viable option could be to wait for the anticipated iPad Mini – set to arrive next month at a groundbreaking price – which will most certainly be running iOS 6.
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