What I want iOS 6 to bring
Wednesday, May 16, 2012 at 2:59AM The gradual evolution of iOS has been frustrating at times and also completely logical. We are left with a mobile solution that is reliable, quick to use and which just does what it needs to.
However, there are also some annoyances that remain. The most obvious is the lack of quick access to aeroplane mode and Wi-Fi / Bluetooth settings. Seriously, stick them in the notification centre, as an option, and have done with it. Everyone will be happy with that and I don’t ‘think’ it can cause stability issues?
On the subject of notifications, options should be provided to show what’s happening in the top bar. They would not be interactive, but a small icon showing whether new messages or emails have come in would actually make me use the notification centre. I haven’t touched it in months and always forget it is there whereas on Android the notifications at the top prompt me to use and do not get in the way. Again, this could be optional for those who like the clean look.
Optional is the word here and this would allow Apple to add many new features while retaining the completely stripped down interface that it employs now for those who like it. Widgets fall into this category, but would require a massive change to the entire architecture and I really cannot see Apple bringing these in. The only way I can see them being integrated into iOS is for a home key activation to be used to bring them up in the same way they work in Mac OS. As for Siri, I don’t know what they should do with it and it doesn’t bother me if it stays or not.
And that’s it really. Nothing major needed and all relatively easy to implement. However, a serious change to the hardware is a definite requirement.
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Reader Comments (7)
It's the missing widgets that is holding me back from buying another iPhone. On my Android i can switch on the device to find a calendar widget, mail widgets and to do widgets on my home screen. Together with the notification system I can see within a few seconds what is going on and what needs to be done. On my iPad i have to a whole lot more to get the same information. That doesn't make IOS bad but it's no longer what I need. A 4+ inch screen and widgets will make me return to IOS.
To be fair the more UI options you add the more difficult it becomes to ensure that new options fit in with the existing ones.
Apple's just trying to keep its job easier.
Agree with most of this but (1) widgets IMO are overrated, and there is nothing a quick flick to a notification center or the actual app can't do. (2) Airplane mode switch isn't a big deal, its on the first screen of settings, but boy bluetooth and wifi can be annoying to toggle.
I definitely don't think apple has to mimic android with widgets. People who really need them can stay on android, I don't think most iOS users really care for them.
Well I'm sure Apple can ease off on the widget development now that David has spoken for most of their users. What a relief.
@ David - iOS actually does have a couple of widgets if you think about it - as the icons for messages etc update with the unread count - that is effectively a widget...... Bet you would rather have that than a plain boring icon.
I am not sure that you are correct in that most iOS users really care for them, I think you might be surprised if they were available - as you yourself point out how useful it would be to have a bluetooth/wifi widget.
However widgets would create more complexity for the iPhone user to learn how to use them/install them and put them on the phone - as most iPhone users choose the phone due to its simplicity of use, perhaps you have a point, it would make the iPhone too complicated for them to use..... :)
I'm absolutely sure that the only improvement about iOS6 is the wifi(BT toggle feature. It will be done in two touches. And I think it's just about what all iPhone users want. Other than that, it's fine. Keep it that way, don't mess it up, like the Lion.
You said: mobile solution that is reliable, quick to use and which just does what it needs to
I am surprised you are so faithful after so many problems with battery life you've personally experienced despite having had your phone replaced a few times.
Do we expect too much of our phones, given the failure to develop radical new battery technology?