Apple introduces iOS 6

The future of iOS, Apple's operating system for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch, was unveiled at the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference in June, in the company's home town of San Francisco.

The list of improvements and brand new features in iOS 6 - more than 200, says Apple - make exciting reading ahead of its official launch, which is expected to accompany the launch of the iPhone 5.

Like previous versions of iOS, it will be a free update to existing users, although sadly iPad 1 and third-generation iPod touch users will miss out, as will anyone still using an iPhone 3G or below.

With so much to digest, here's our quickfire guide to what you need to know about what Apple has in store for its portable devices.