Perhaps the most welcome change will be an overhauled notification system that signals an end to modal, one-at-a-time pop-up alerts. Instead, iOS 5 introduces a Notification Center that combines all notifications in one place, and which you can access with a single swipe.

Another huge change planned for iOS 5 is the ability to own an iOS device without tethering it to a computer for updates and downloads. New iPhones will now sport a Welcome screen for activating the device without having to plug it into a Mac or PC. Software updates and syncing will happen over the air as well.

Other changes planned for iOS 5 include a new messaging app for all iOS devices, new features in the mobile version of Safari, single sign-on support for Twitter, a Newsstand app with more than a passing resemblance to iBooks, and camera improvements that will let you launch the app from the lock screen and use the volume buttons to take photos.

Get more information on Apple’s iOS 5 preview

Source - [ macworld ]