Apple iOS 6 update brings new challenges for developers

Apple's pending iOS 6 software update will offer both opportunities and challenges to developers of third party applications.

The update, which is due to arrive in the autumn, will bring a number of improvements for Apple's mobile platform, including an overhauled Maps platform and the expansion of the Siri personal assistant tool.

Tom Lounibos, chief executive of mobile application testing firm Soasta, told V3 that the expanded capabilities of iOS 6 could prove more daunting for third party developers than previous updates.

With the new capabilities, app builders will need to spend more time coding and testing their software to ensure smooth operation.

Lounibos noted that the addition of capabilities for the iPad in particular will open new doors for developers.

"All of these iPad developers are getting really excited about what they can do," Lounibos said.

"A lot of them are trying to figure how deep they want to go with voice and Siri integration."

Further complicating matters is the prospect of new form factors. Apple has already announced integration with car makers and the company has been rumoured to be developing a branded television set line.

Even the company's current products could be changing form factor, multiple reports have indicated that Apple is looking to offer a 4in screen with the next version of iPhone. The handset is said to be targeted for an autumn release alongside the iOS 6 update.

With new screen sizes to accommodate, Lounibos sees iOS developers being forced to address a problem which Android application developers are all too familiar with.

"Screen sizes are particularly difficult in terms of optimisation," he said.

"Whether it is a new iPhone or a TV, the mobile devices that we know today are going to take on all kinds of new views."