Apple Releases iOS 6 Beta 3 to Developers

Apple released the third beta of iOS 6 to developers Monday. In addition to the expected bug fixes, notable features include improvements to Apple’s Maps application, Safari’s reading list, and iMessage.

MacRumors forum member gmanist1000 has compiled a list of improvements and new features that users have thus far located in the latest beta:

Improvements

• Auto-Brightness increases gradually, instead of instantly.
• Privacy Settings Now has Pictures Next to each Choice
• Roadwork, Accidents, etc. now show information in Maps
• Answer and Decline buttons are back in FaceTime when receiving a call
• Maps is now showing MTA subway stops in New York City
• Maps are also now showing CTA and Metra (Regional Rail) stops in Chicago
• Safari has glyphs for bookmarks, reading list, and history instead of worded labels
• Reading List now has a sync bar in Safari when changes are made
• Satellite imagery is now working for some
• Some users outside the US are reporting turn-by-turn and traffic data is now operational
• iPad: Checking Cellular Data No Longer Forces User into Portrait Mode

New Features

• New settings for Maps: Allows Customization of Volume, Distances, Map Labels
• New icons in the Mail app for Junk, Trash, and Archive
• iMessage on iPad Now Gives Option to Add Phone Number for Unified Messaging
• Many More Cities Have 3D Models in Maps
• 4th Gen iPod Touch Now Has VIP Inbox

iOS 6, expected this fall alongside new iPhone hardware, has been available as a beta to members of Apple’s developer program since its official unveiling at the Worldwide Developers Conference in early June.

New features announced for iOS 6 include Passbook, Maps, Siri on the iPad, FaceTime over cellular, and Facebook integration, as well as a multitude of smaller additions and changes. Today’s release of Beta 3, build 10A5355d, comes three weeks after the release of Beta 2, build 10A5338d.