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10 Reasons to Upgrade to iOS 6

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Earlier this month, Apple rolled out its new iOS 6 operating system for the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. However, there are likely owners out there who are reluctant to make the upgrade. We’re here to help you over the fence.

iOS 6 is Apple’s new operating system and it brings more than 200 features to owners of the iPhone 3GS and up, iPad 2 and up and the fourth generation iPod touch.

And while iOS 6 brings a lot of new features to the table, many owners might be opting to stay on their current operating system. Maybe it’s because they’ve heard bad things about the Apple Maps application that replaced Google Maps, maybe it’s because they aren’t sure whether it runs well on the iPhone 3GS. My girlfriend just didn’t want to deal with the “hassle” of installing it and learning about the new features.

Whatever the case may be, we’re here to help with 10 reasons why you should seriously consider upgrading your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch from iOS 5 or below to Apple’s new iOS 6.

More Siri Features

Many iPhone 4S owners though of Siri as more of a gimmick rather than a useful tool in daily life. However, with iOS 6, Apple has made some remarkable steps towards making Siri a credible feature in iOS’ arsenal.

Two features that might convince iPhone and iPad owners to make the upgrade include Siri’s ability to give out information about sporting events and the ability to check movie times and locations.

For example, I asked Siri for the score of the 49ers game and she gave me this weekend’s results. Had the game been live, she would have given me that info as well.

siri

In addition, you can now ask Siri about movie times in your area, which is a quick and painless way to set up a date with your significant other.

I should also mention that iOS 6 also brings Siri to the iPad.

Do Not Disturb

One of my favorite features that is found only in iOS 6 is something called Do Not Disturb which allows you to turn off Notifications and calls in order to get a better night’s sleep or get work done.

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Do Not Disturb is a one of the better features of iOS 6.

iOS 6 allows you to schedule my Do Not Disturb time as well so you don’t have to constantly set it. There is also a feature that you to customize who you can receive calls from when the feature is turned on which is perfect in case of an emergency.

Thus far, I’ve used this every single day I’ve had iOS 6 installed on my iPhone and I’ll be using it for the years to come I’m sure.

Works Great on iPhone 3GS

Many of those who are on the fence out there are likely owners of the iPhone 3GS, a device that is over three years old. iOS 5 was by no means amazing on the iPhone 3GS and thus, owners may be feeling a reluctance to upgrade.

Read: iOS 6 on iPhone 3GS: Final Impressions and Performance.

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iOS 6 works great on the iPhone 3GS.

I’m here to tell you that iOS 6 runs beautifully on the iPhone 3GS. I’ve spent a week with the software on my iPhone 3GS and it’s a much better overall experience than iOS 5.

The performance is faster and smoother, there is way less lag, and of course, you get access to most of the features of iOS 6 including Do Not Disturb, Passbook and more.

Google Maps Are Coming to iOS 6

One of the biggest gripes that current iOS 6 users have had is with the buggy Apple Maps that replaced Google Maps as the native maps application on the iPhone and iPad in iOS 6. They are missing several familiar feature as well including street view, bike routes and native public transit directions.

Read: How to Get Google Maps in iOS 6.

The bugs and missing features might be keeping some of you on iOS 5 or below. Don’t let them stop you from upgrading to iOS 6.

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A full-fledged version of Google Maps should hit iOS 6 in a few months.

First of all, the Apple Maps aren’t terrible and they will certainly get better. Second, there are plenty of viable alternatives in case you can’t stand Apple Maps. Third, Google Maps is still available through the browser.

And four, a Google Maps app for iPhone and iPad will likely be coming to the App Store in the future. So don’t the lack of Google Maps hold you back from iOS 6.

YouTube App is Replaceable

Another app that was taken away with iOS 6 is the native YouTube application. However, don’t let that stop you from snagging iOS 6 either.

Read: How to Get YouTube Back on the iPad in iOS 6.

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Jasmine is a great alternative to the YouTube app.

Google has already released a standalone YouTube app for the iPhone that can be downloaded from Apple’s App Store right now and while iPad owners don’t have the same type of app, Jasmine for iPad is a perfect alternative. In fact, I might even like Jasmine more than the official YouTube application.

New Sharing Options Are Fantastic

Another fantastic feature found in iOS 6 is the new sharing option that allows you to easily share your content through email, social networks, and more.

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For instance, if you take a photo or video, users can now tap the share button and the software presents a neat interface that allows you to quickly and easily share that video or photo in a number of ways.

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iCloud Tabs is a fantastic way to share between your iPhone and iPad.

Another feature that I’ll toss under the sharing blanket is the ability to share webpages between your iPhone and iPad. Owners who have both devices can use a feature called iCloud Tabs which allows you to look at a webpage you’ve been looking at on the iPhone on the iPad.

Panorama Mode

With iOS 6, Apple has included a feature called Panorama mode with the camera which allows users to shoot beautiful panoramic images.

It’s only available for the iPhone 4S and iPhone 5 but it’s only found in iOS 6 and it’s certainly a reason to make the upgrade to iOS 6 especially for those who love to shoot photos of concerts or when traveling.

Below is an example of a photo shot in Panorama.

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Panorama mode is just one reason to upgrade to iOS 6 for iPhone 4S users.

Smarter Phone App

While texting, apps and browsing the web are prevalent uses on the iPhone these days, people actually do still use the device like a phone. And one of the things that iOS 6 offers is a much improved Phone application that comes with several tools that will come in handy for those who still receive phone calls.

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When a friend calls, iOS 6 users are given a host of options to deal with that phone call. Users can answer or, if they’re busy, the app allows users to set a reminder to call back or even send a quick message so the person knows that they’re not being ignored.

It has come in handy a couple of times for me already and I’m sure will time and time again.

Love Using Facebook

Facebook lovers are absolutely going to want to upgrade to iOS 6. That’s because Apple has finally baked deep Facebook integration into iOS with iOS 6.

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By syncing up your Facebook account with your iPhone, you’ll be able to have Siri post content on Facebook for you. Facebook events are now integrated into the calendar. And contacts from Facebook friends is automatically put into contacts. You can also swiftly share your photos with your friends you love.

Needless to say, those who spend a lot of time on Facebook are definitely going to love what iOS 6 brings to the table.

Better Mail App

Last but certainly not least, with iOS 6, Apple has launched a much improved Mail application. It’s a huge upgrade over the previous versions of the app.

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It lets you set up a VIP Inbox which allows you to easily get to mail from the most important people in your life. Adding photos is easier than it ever has been and the ability to swipe down to refresh is a godsend.

28 Comments

28 Comments

  1. Mal

    09/26/2012 at 7:00 pm

    I have an iPad and the unexpected loss of my you tube pissed me off. Never again. I can care less about these crappy updates now.

    • Ashley

      09/27/2012 at 6:33 am

      Me too, I loved youtube, and all my favourite videos are gone now! I’m pissed off as well.

      • Marilyn

        09/27/2012 at 10:00 am

        Like I said Jasmine is great and I didnt lose any videos , subscriptions or favs

      • Ginny

        09/30/2012 at 2:17 pm

        Just look under your bookmark bar there should be a folder there.
        Jasmine is fine but I don’t have an account so I can’t fave anything. Also anybody have the problem of restricted feeds that pop up before videos?

      • Ke

        11/08/2012 at 3:41 pm

        You still can find under safari bookmarks tap

    • Marilyn

      09/27/2012 at 9:58 am

      I just downloaded Jasmine. Works great and my faves r still there

    • Yesyesyes

      10/06/2012 at 5:38 am

      I agree. Adam mills is an idiot and iOS 6 sucks balls.

  2. Carmen

    09/26/2012 at 8:03 pm

    Nice article, but I kept getting hung up whenever I read “iPhone 3GS”. There is no iPhone 3GS! There is an iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S, which are both 3G, so presumably the author is referring to the iPhone 4S when he writes “iPhone 3GS”, but this inability to get the model designation right doesn’t instill much confidence in his technical expertise.

    • Carmen

      09/26/2012 at 8:08 pm

      Well don’t I feel like an a-hole! I own an iPhone 4S and wasn’t aware of there being an older iPhone 3GS. My apologies to the author for commenting before knowing.

      BTW, I read some of Adam Mills other articles and he’s one my favorite tech writers when it comes to the iPhone.

    • Tom

      09/26/2012 at 8:15 pm

      Actually there was an iPhone 3GS, it was the “update” to the 3G and included a camera and other new features. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IPhone_3GS. So now you can go back to having confidence in the author.

    • Adam

      09/27/2012 at 4:28 pm

      Dude, there is so an iPhone 3GS!

  3. Dude

    09/26/2012 at 8:55 pm

    Thanks for the review. Well done.

  4. Magesh

    09/26/2012 at 10:15 pm

    Hi i have my iphone 3gs and i updated to IOS6..i dont have an idea of jail break. Please explain.

  5. tpm40

    09/26/2012 at 11:16 pm

    Apple maps aren’t terrible? Entire cities in the wrong location isn’t terrible? Wow.

  6. Marilyn

    09/27/2012 at 10:07 am

    Where is the app for Siri for Ipad2

    • Adam

      09/27/2012 at 4:29 pm

      They didn’t give Siri to the iPad 2… Only the iPad 3, the iPhone 4S, and the iPhone 5 have Siri, which sucks.

  7. Marilyn

    09/27/2012 at 10:08 am

    Panorama view on camera for Ipad2???

  8. Malaysian boy

    09/27/2012 at 9:27 pm

    My iphone4 cannot update ios 6.. Why!!

  9. Stevany

    09/29/2012 at 11:46 am

    My facebook application notification doesnt make any sounds even if somebody leaves comments or message . This happened since i downloaded ios 6 in my iphone 4. Anyone can explain?

  10. Jeremy Klatt

    10/01/2012 at 3:30 am

    technically, you are incorrect. there is indeed an iphone 3gs. it is the iphone model that was released about a year before the iphone 4. so the author isnt getting it wrong, YOU are. research the iphone, you have much to learn young one.

  11. Charles

    10/01/2012 at 8:56 am

    I noticed something earlier in the music app of iOS 6! Right above and below the name/artist/album of a song that is playing, there is a white streak that moves according to how you hold your phone, if you tilt your phone left, the streak moves left!

  12. Ham Za

    10/01/2012 at 12:37 pm

    Now I know I’m deffo not updating my iPad! This felt like it was written by an iZombie…

  13. 4mal

    10/02/2012 at 8:52 am

    no kidding. this guy must be on the iDole… seriously misguided advice

  14. Bob

    10/02/2012 at 11:23 pm

    Yeah, well done the people STILL pointing out there is an iPhone 3GS. The guy realised his mistake & corrected themselves so why even bother commenting to confirm what they’ve finally worked out?!

  15. Vicki

    10/05/2012 at 11:40 am

    Ok I updated now I can not open my e-mail…. Any ideas??? Not sure why u need e-mail I can not open it anyway

  16. Dave

    10/08/2012 at 9:39 am

    Holy crap! Updated to ios6 just now!!! Lost loads of photos!!! It sucksssssssssssss! I wish I never did!

  17. Cheese Us

    11/13/2012 at 5:56 pm

    I have an ipad and There isnt a single thing about ios6 that was added that i care about.

    The maps now suck, the podcasts are messed up and youtube is gone. Using google maps in the browser is a butchered inelegant pain compared to before. I cant zoom on the street view which is hard to get to now and dropping and moving pins sucks.

    This was a downgrade. Siri is a silly gimmick… Back in my day we knew how to google, ten miles uphill both ways etc.

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