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Apple will take the wraps off the future of iOS at its Worldwide Developers Conference and two features that are said to be making a debut as part of that introduction are widgets and a new notifications system. Apple introduced push notifications as part of iOS 3.0 back in 2009 and from then the system has remained largely unchanged in terms of how the pop-up messages are delivered to the end user…………

Apple is planning to unveil the next generation iPhone – iPhone 5 or iPhone 4S as the possible reason for the invitation and MG Siegler of TechCrunch seems to agree, he reports that according to their sources, Apple won’t be making any hardware announcements at next months’ WWDC 2011:

Apple is Apple — they may always have a “one more thing” up their sleeve. And at least one of our sources still thinks that Apple will surprise with some new iPhone hardware. But right now, we’re not buying it. All other (solid) indications are that there will still be no hardware announcements at WWDC. None. And the extension of invitations to journalists in no way indicates anything different.

Instead, we’re hearing that Apple is pushing for journalists to come to WWDC because the software announcements will be huge (and they likely know that journalists hearing there will be no iPhone 5 announcement may choose to stay home instead this year). And the changes will be vital for all developers in the Apple ecosystem(s) to know about.

Siegler also reveals some interesting tidbits about iOS 5:

The other big news for iOS5 — and yes, I’ve completely buried the lede here, thanks for reading! — two things: completely revamped notifications and widgets.

 

That’s good news as Apple’s Push Notification system has been maligned for being intrusive and modal, hope Apple will revamp the Push Notification system in iOS 5. Widgets have also been one of the most requested features in iOS, which could provide quick access to information such as weather without the need to launch apps.

Apple is working to improve the iOS Maps application, iOS 5 will not bring an Apple developed maps service and Google Maps is still in. Besides Apple’s purchase of both Placebase and Poly9, some speculated that Apple is building their own maps service to either compete with Google or step away from their input into iOS, according to 9to5Google. Apple began the process of distancing themselves from Google when former Google CEO Eric Schmidt resigned over “conflict of interest.” Apple has also added Microsoft’s Bing as a Safari search option and will be competing with Google head-to-head with their upcoming cloud-based music service. Those who enjoy Google Maps should not fear iOS 5, though, and hopefully Apple is working to implement turn-by-turn directions or something else to improve their maps application without changing the backend.

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