Apple iPhone - 5 new iOS features

Apple iPhone 5 is likely to be launched today, but those using previous-generation iPhones also have reasons to cheer. The company will release its latest mobile operating system, iOS 6, which will be available for iPhones launched since 2009, as well as the new iPad and iPod touch.

The company is expected to provide more details about the mobile operating system's features when it hosts the event tonight, but till then, here are some key features of iOS 6:

1. Maps: Google out, Apple in - Apple's mobile devices will have a mapping programme, built in-house. In the past, Apple has given prominent billing to Google's mapping app. Apple's new Maps application will have a voice navigation feature. It will have real-time traffic data and offer alternative routes as traffic conditions change.
   
   It will also include "flyover" three-dimensional images taken by helicopters hired by the company to fly over major cities. Apple's map programme will be integrated with its Siri virtual assistant so that you can ask for directions and pose other questions.
   
   Facebook will be integrated with Apple's online app store so that you can declare that you "like" specific apps there, as well as songs and movies in iTunes. Events in Facebook's calendar and birthdays of Facebook friends will also appear on your phone's calendar.
   
   
2. Deeper Facebook integration - The new software promises better integration with Facebook. The upgrade will enable you to log into Facebook just once, and then you will be able to post to the social network from a variety of apps. You can also post about websites directly from Apple's Safari browser.
   
   Facebook will be integrated with Apple's online app store so that you can declare that you "like" specific apps there, as well as songs and movies in iTunes. Events in Facebook's calendar and birthdays of Facebook friends will also appear on your phone's calendar.
   
   
3. Siri upgraded - iOS 6 will add enhancements to Siri, which will also coming to the iPad for the first time. Siri is supposed to get better at fielding questions about movies, restaurants and other things and will now be available in more languages and more countries.
   
   Apple says it is partnering with Yelp so that Siri can include ratings and prices of restaurants when you ask her about places to eat. The company is also partnering with OpenTable to make reservations.
   
   Apple also says it's working with car manufacturers to let you use a button on the steering wheel to talk to Siri, allowing you to keep your hands on the road. Apple says General Motors, BMW AG and Daimler AG's Mercedes are among the automakers that have promised to offer Siri integration in the next 12 months.
   
   
4. More control over calls and messages - Don't want to be disturbed? Apple's new software will give you more options for preventing messages and text notifications from disturbing you at night, for instance.
   
   You can control how and when you get back to people. If you can't call someone back right away, you can set a reminder to call that person back later or have a text message sent directly to the caller.
   
   There's a "call when you leave" feature that reminds you to call back when you are leaving a building or office. The phone can detect when you are leaving.
   
   
5. Passbook - Apple's new Passbook feature will be a central place to keep your boarding passes, tickets and gift cards. When you get to a Starbucks, for instance, the device will bring up your gift card if you have one and if you have the location feature turned on. Likewise, when you get to a movie theater or a match, the ticket will pop up. Passbook will also alert you to gate changes and flight delays once you have a boarding pass stored.