14 DAY TRIAL // Apple connects talking to the WSJ-owned All Things D are saying iOS 6 will include a new Podcasts application when it debuts this fall alongside the next-generation iPhone 5.
According to the report, “people familiar with Apple’s plans [say] that when its new iOS 6 software becomes widely available this fall, podcasts will have their own app, where users will be able to discover, download and play them on mobile devices.”
That doesn’t mean iTunes is shaking the Podcast function it currently boasts: “Users who access iTunes via laptop and desktop machines will still find them in that version of iTunes, though.”
iOS 6 will not only come pre-installed on the next major version of Apple’s iPhone, it will also be released as a free software update for all iPhone, iPod touch and iPad owners around the world (with the exception of a few device models).
iOS 6 has been confirmed to also debut a new Passbook app. Described by the Cupertino giant as “the simplest way to get all your passes in one place,” the software keeps track of things like boarding passes and baseball tickets for people who like going out a lot.
The app basically lets you scan your iPhone or iPod touch to use a coupon, get into a concert or check into your hotel.
“iOS 6 continues the rapid pace of innovation that is helping Apple reinvent the phone and create the iPad category, delivering the best mobile experience available on any device,” said Scott Forstall, Apple's senior vice president of iOS Software.
“We can’t wait for hundreds of millions of iOS users to experience the incredible new features in iOS 6 including the new Maps app, expanded Siri support, deep Facebook integration, Shared Photo Streams and the innovative new Passbook app,” Forstall added after the WWDC 12 opening keynote.