WWDC 2012

The wait is finally over. Apple showed off its new mobile operating system, iOS 6 at today's WWDC 2012 keynote event. The beta will be released to developers right away, with the rest of us getting the firmware update this fall.

There are over 200 new features in iOS 6, and these will be coming to the iPhone 3GS and later models. The improvements include new and completely redesigned apps as well as system-level Facebook integration. Here's a list of features highlighted by Apple:

A 9to5Mac reader managed to snap a picture of an iOS 6 banner being hung at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. MacRumors also posted a few different iOS 6 photos taken by Instagram user Zac Altman. This proves that Apple is set to unveil iOS 6 during the Worldwide Developers Conference which kicks off on Monday.

iOS 6 is expected to bring Siri to the iPad 3, and full Facebook integration to all iOS devices. Other changes include a "Do Not Disturb" switch for notifications, Apple 3D Maps, and Siri improvements.

Click here for a complete breakdown of all the rumored changes.

The wait will soon be over for those looking forward to full Facebook integration into iOS devices. Apple is reportedly in talks with Facebook to finalize a deal before the launch of iOS 6 at WWDC later this month. TechCrunch reports the deal is all but complete and the software is ready.

Rumors and code snippets led many to believe that Apple was planning Facebook integration with iOS 5 or even with the iOS 5.1 update. Now it seems that all systems are go, and iPhone users will need only to authenticate with their Facebook credentials to participate.

Apple has just announced that the 2012 Worldwide Developers Conference will kick off on June 11 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. Tickets for the five-day conference can be purchased via Apple's website for $1599. Apple will publish all technical sessions on their Apple Developer website for developers who can't afford a ticket or are unable to attend the conference this year.

“We have a great WWDC planned this year and can’t wait to share the latest news about iOS and OS X Mountain Lion with developers,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. “The iOS platform has created an entirely new industry with fantastic opportunities for developers across the country and around the world.”

Developers are hoping that Apple will preview iOS 6 at the event.

Another report has surfaced pointing to a summer iPhone 5 announcement from Apple. The analysis from Daiwa Securities claims the next generation device will be revealed at the Apple Worldwide Developer's Conference (WWDC) in June. This would bring Apple back to its tradition of mid-year iPhone releases.

The shift back to a summer release would mark a departure from last year's October iPhone 4S launch, leaving just eight months between the two generations of smartphones. The normal venue for WWDC already has the dates June 11-15 blocked off for a "Corporate Meeting" and is expected to host the Apple event during this week.