New Apple mobile software to get maps, Siri update

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - A new iPhone is getting much of the attention, but Apple’s older phones will get a software upgrade this fall as well. A new operating system sports a different mapping service and a built-in bond with Facebook.

Apple has said that its iOS 6 software will sport more than 200 new features, though some won’t be available on all devices. It will be a free upgrade for iPhones released since 2009, as well as last year’s and this year’s iPad models. It will also work with newer iPod Touch devices.

And of course, it will be on the new iPhone 5, which Apple Inc. is expected to unveil on Wednesday. The company may provide more details then on when the software update will be available for older phones.

Here are some highlights of iOS 6:

_ Maps.

Apple’s mobile devices will have a mapping program, built in-house.

In the past, Apple has given prominent billing to Google Inc.’s mapping app. But the two companies have increasingly become rivals as people buy more devices running Google’s Android operating system. Google also has been keeping some features, including turn-by-turn directions spoken aloud, exclusive to Android.

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. Google has been dispatching its own planes to produce similar 3D images.

Apple’s map program will be integrated with its Siri virtual assistant so that you can ask for directions and pose other questions.

_ Facebook.

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.

_ Siri.

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