iOS 5: What to expect and a wishlist

There have been tons of rumors regarding to the next-generation iPhone and iPad, each set to be released later this year, over the past few months. Both of these devices currently run iOS 4 and like each year, Apple will introduce the next version of iOS – iOS 5 this year.

While rumors regarding iOS 5 have been relatively scarce so far, there are a few things that we can expect from Apple in the next version of iOS and a other things that we can wish for, but may not (and probably won't) happen.

What we can expect

1. A redesigned notification system: Apple has kept the notification system of iOS relatively the same since it was first introduced on the iPhone. Currently, many users believe that the notification system in iOS is obtrusive and doesn't provide a lot of functionality. Personally, I believe iOS 5 is when Apple will completely redesign the notification system in iOS, featuring less obtrusive pop-ups (whether that means something similar to Android or webOS, or something completely new).

2. An improved lock screen: We all thought that a new lock screen on iOS was going to come in iOS 3. It didn't, and then we all thought it would be introduced in iOS 4 – it wasn't. There is no doubt that the current iOS lock screen needs work – it doesn't provide users with too much information, compared to that of Android. I believe that iOS 5 will finally bring a new lock screen to iOS – something that provides users with more information, but will still remain the simplicity of the current one.

3. Widgets: We're going to go out on a long-shot here and say that we're finally going to see some type of widget integration in iOS, similar to that of Dashboard on a Mac. A weather widget, clock widget, stocks, etc. would definitely add a nice touch to the OS.

4. Improved Mail application: Anyone who has used a BlackBerry in the past and then switched to iOS can definitely say that the email client in iOS is below-par. It's remained relatively static since iOS 2 and I think Apple is finally going to add the ability to “star” messages, among other things.

5. Wireless Syncing: This feature has been rumored for a few years now, but Apple has yet to integrate it. I think iOS 5 will finally be the iOS were users will be able to wirelessly sync music, apps, videos, podcasts, etc. from their computer to their iOS device and vice versa. I expect the feature to only be supported on newer devices and would likely include a major update to iTunes.

Wishlist

1. A redesigned user interface: The interface of iOS has remained relatively the same since it's launch in 2007. Hopefully we'll see some type of overhaul of the UI of iOS (slide down to refresh?) in iOS 5, but don't expect anything too major.

2. The ability to try an application: Android OS has this feature – you can download an app, use it for a set amount of time and then either purchase it, or “return” it. I don't think Apple will be including this anytime soon, but we can wish, right?

3. Make use of the area above fast app switcher: The fast app switcher was first introduced in iOS 4 as part of multitasking. It's accessible by double-clicking the home button. However, there is a bunch of open space above the app switcher and I think Apple needs to make use of it. Maybe that's where they'll put the widgets?

So, what do you think we'll see in iOS 5? Do you think we are completely off? Do you think that there's something we missed? What are you looking forward to in iOS 5?