Apple Unveils iOS 6, Mac Refresh at WWDC 2012

Posted on 06/11/2012 by Mr. Pink

As expected, Apple fired on all cylinders at the Worldwide Developer’s Conference today. Here’s a quick rundown of the main points from Tim Cook’s keynote presentation.

  • The iOS 6 beta is available for download starting today. It features more than 200 updates including a Siri overhaul that brings the iPad into the fold. Expect a full release in fall.
  • Apple is officially giving Google Maps the boot from iOS with iOS 6. The company has its own solution now – and it will have Siri support down the road.
  • Facebook is now fully integrated with iOS 6.
  • iOS 6 features a new Do Not Disturb feature for iPhone owners.
  • The rumors about Apple dropping iOS support on the first-gen iPad were true.
  • A brand new MacBook Air featuring an Ivy Bridge CPU and USB 3.0 is now available.
  • Several brand new ultra-thin MacBook Pro models featuring HD retina displays and beefy hardware profiles are now available.
  • You can now purchase a Thunderbolt to Ethernet adapter for $29.
  • Apple is giving the Mac Pro one last chance before they kill the line.
  • A new Smart Case that protects the front and back of your iPad is now available.
  • OS X Mountain Lion arrives next month for $20.
  • Apple is working with major car manufacturers including Honda, Toyota, and BMW on an initiative to integrate Siri into cars through a new system called Eyes Free.
  • You can now use FaceTime over cellular. No more WiFi restrictions!

Overall, it was an impressive showing this year. I’m still pissed about iOS 6 not supporting the original iPad, though. The decision has nothing to do with hardware capability.