iOS 6 Features: All-New Phone App with “Do Not Disturb”

Apple’s iOS is mostly made of apps, including a much-needed Phone application that lets you call your friends and family and, most recently, includes the option to decline incoming calls with a quick message, set a callback reminder, and enable a new Do Not Disturb option.

When iOS 6 makes its debut this fall (hopefully alongside a brand new iPhone model), Apple handset users who are eligible for the software upgrade will be able to leverage tons of new features, including some convenient new functions in the phone department.

After all, the iPhone is a phone too (who ever thought we’d end up saying this about a mobile phone?), and one as advanced as Apple’s simply must include some neat features.

Those features are coming in iOS 6, where customers will be able to decline calls by instantly replying with a text message.

You can also set a reminder that tells you to call that person back when you’re ready, or you can just hang a Do Not Disturb sign, for when you really don’t want anyone nagging you (except for the most important figures in your life).

Apple explains:

“iOS 6 adds new calling features to your iPhone. Now when you decline an incoming call, you can instantly reply with a text message or set a callback reminder. And when things are just too hectic, turn on Do Not Disturb and you won’t be bothered by anyone — except can’t-miss contacts like your boss or your better half.”


The iOS 6 beta software and SDK are immediately available to iOS Developer Program members at developer.apple.com for testing purposes.

When the final version comes out later this year, Apple said it would work with iPhone 4S, iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, the new iPad, iPad 2 and iPod touch (fourth generation).

The iPad 1 is excluded from this free software update, and the iPhone 3GS will be getting almost none of the major new features included in the software, such as the new 3D Maps app.