On Wednesday, Apple released iOS 6 to the public, as expected. It includes over 200 updates and new features, and has been generally received favorably, with a few exceptions.
Reports of the new native Maps app have gone from the sublime to the well, ranting and raving. In my limited use thus far, it behaves exactly as it should (and even gave me a safety warning beforehand of the dangers of driving while mapping). Of course, it’s barely been two days, and my travel has largely revolved around the Interstate, which can be easily found on the map.
My guess is that it will keep improving (it must!), but I can understand that users are lamenting the loss of the perfectly-functional Maps app of the past.
Passbook has also been met with scrutiny, but its accessibility and usability will also very largely on where in the world you are. I’ll touch more on this next week as I use it more myself and more users weigh in. Perhaps Apple will respond in some way as well.
If you haven’t already upgraded to iOS 6 and you’d like to, please make a backup of your data beforehand. A few users have reported errors in installation (though some could have been due to the sheer number of updates happening on Wednesday) that required a full restore of the phone.
There’s a lot to love about this update, though. Already, my mail is much more useful. Do Not Disturb settings are ready and waiting for me to use them when I need to be undisturbed. Subtle color differences are a fresh change. Overall, my iPhone 4 seems faster and more responsive. (My iPhone 5 is on order — I’m waiting until our preorders are filled and we have ample stock!)
The native YouTube app is gone, though you can download the official YouTube app (free) in the iTunes Store, and it’s great. Get it here. (My son will be relieved that Old MacDonald’s Farm full of animals is still accessible to sing along to easily enough.)
iOS 6 is available for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch models (see details and full compatibility list here). New iPhone 5 and iPod touch (5G) ship with iOS 6 installed.
Here’s how you get the free update:
- Connect your device to iTunes
- Select “Check for Update”
Or, wirelessly connect:
- Go to Settings > General > Software
- Check for over-the-air updates