No one outside of Apple’s glittering fortress knew for sure what iOS 5 would bring, but we did have hints and clues pointing to notifications, group messaging, and Twitter integration.
Apple presented 10 of the reportedly 200 additions and enhancements, including a long-awaited update to the way iOS handles obtrusive notifications, and the ability to cut out the USB cord for over-the-air system updates.
While all the new features mark happy tidings for Apple fans, many of the features have been seen before on Android, BlackBerry, and Windows Phone 7. Here’s a look at how the major updates Apple’s most proud of compare to rival mobile platforms. We’ve included dates and the names of Apple’s new features when available. iOS 5 updates on the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch this upcoming fall.
| Apple iOS 5 | Android | Windows Phone | BlackBerry OS | |
| Grouped notifications | Notification Center | Notifications pull-down (2008) | Live tile updates (2010) | Notification icones on home screen |
| Group, multimedia messaging (free within ecosystem) | iMessage | Standard messaging; Third-party apps (Kik, GroupMe) | Standard messaging; Third-party apps | BlackBerry Messenger 5 (2009) |
| Twitter sharing, integration | iOS 5, fall release | Sharing an original Android feature; status updates via apps | Coming with Mango update in fall | Twitter photo-sharing available |
| Over-the-air updates | iOS 5, fall release | Original feature (2008) | Original feature (2010) | BlackBerry OS 5(2009) |
| Magazine, RSS subscriptions | Newsstand | Third-party apps | Third-party apps | Third-party apps |
| Reminders lists | iOS 5, fall release; includes geolocation | Third-party apps | Third-party apps | Third-party apps |
| Browser reading mode | iOS 5, fall release | Third-party apps | Third-party apps | Third-party apps |
| Rich text formatting | Mail app | Third-party apps | Office documents | Third-party apps |
| Camera shortcut on a locked phone | iOS 5, fall release | HTC Sensation has a lock screen shortcut | Hold and press shutter from sleep position (Pocket-to-picture; 2010) | Must wake up phone |
| Games recommendations, see achievements | Games Center | Not available | Xbox Live (Achievements; 2010); enhancements with Mango | Not available |
Source : CNET
