WWDC 2012: What iOS 6 Will Mean for the iPhone '5'

Calls

New phone features from iOS 6 will give iPhone users further options besides Answer and Decline. They will be able to reply to a phone call with an instant message, and those who don't have the time to compose one can choose from a list of automated messages such as I'll call you later or I'm on my way.

iPhone owners who don't have time to respond during the call, can set a reminder to return the missed call at a later time or date.  And an additional Do not Disturb function will give iPhone customers the flexibility of choosing who they can receive calls from during unavailable times. 

Maps

The new updated maps feature will decrease the odds of iPhone users getting lost. The revamped and redesigned map function is vector-based, creating clear graphics and detailed texts, even when zoomed in to maximum capacity. 

Maps have also been updated with visual and spoken navigation, which gives users not only precise turn-by-turn directions, but also supplies real-time traffic updates. 

Siri

Apple's favorite voice assistant just got smarter with a whole host of updates. Ask about sports and get live scores and stats. Feeling indecisive? Ask where you should eat or what movie you should see. Too lazy to update you Facebook status? Tell Siri to post something on your wall. Want to live-tweet but don't want to type? You can ask Siri to do that too. 

Apple is also working with car manufacturers to integrate Siri into select voice control systems. Through a voice command on steering wheels, customers will be able to ask Siri questions, without the distraction of scrambling on the iPhone. 

Facebook

With iOS 6, your iPhone will be more integrated with Facebook than ever. Photos and video can now be posted straight from the photo stream, and locations can be posted directly from the maps.

Once users log into their Facebook account, all their events and birthdays will be synched with the phone's camera, ensuring that big events never go unnoticed. Friend profile updates, such as pictures and phone numbers, will also get updated within phone contacts. 

Share Photos with iCloud

Apple's photo stream just got more social. With iOS 6, users will be able to select photos and share them instantly with their friends using iCloud on Mountain Lion Apple devices. iPhone users will even be able to share their photo streams with Apple TV users. 

Passbook

Tired of looking through your wallet for boarding passes, movie tickets, retail coupons and loyalty cards? With Passbook you can store everything in one place on your iPhone and scan them whenever you need to use them. Passbook also gives you live updates. If your gate changes before your flight, you'll be alerted without having to check the screen at the airport. 

FaceTime

FaceTime has been updated so you receive video calls through cellular networks as well as Wi-Fi. Which means you can use FaceTime wherever and whenever you want. 

Accessibility

Guided Access on iOS 6 will make the iPhone more assessable for people with vision, hearing, learning and mobility disabilities. VoiceOver, the screen reader for blind and low-vision users, is now integrated with Maps, AssistiveTouch and Zoom.

Mail

Mail has been redesigned with a more streamlined interface making it easier to read and write emails on the iPhone. And iOS 6 uploads photos and video onto emails.

These are the guaranteed features for the next-generation iPhone, via iOS 6, which is set to launch in the fall. The iPhone rumor mill will no doubt continue to turn in coming months, but one of the most speculated features is a new design, which is likely to result in a lighter phone with a larger display.