We didn't get an iPhone 5 or any hardware for that matter at this year's Apple WWDC 2011 conference, but what we did get was our first look at iCloud, OS X Lion and iOS 5. With the Apple iPhone launch event nearing on the horizon, fanboys can expect to learn more about the latest iOS update with rumours strife that a new Assistant voice control app could be added to the iOS 5 ranks.

Set to include over 200 features for iPhone, iPad, iPad 2 and iPod Touch (3rd and 4th Gen) users, an iOS 5 release date has been confirmed for October 12th. Covering the key additions from the raft of new goodies, we break down our pick of the best iOS 5 features for iPad, iPod, and the iPhone.

iOS 5 features: iPhone

1. Apple iOS 5: iMessage

A new messaging service that lets you easily send text messages, photos and videos between all iOS devices. Built right into the Messages app, iMessage allows you to send text messages, photos, videos or contact information to a person or a group on other iOS 5 devices over Wi-Fi or 3G. iMessage also features delivery and read receipts, typing indication and secure end-to-end encryption.

MORE Apple iMessage versus BlackBerry Messenger

2. Apple iOS 5: Notification Centre

A way to easily view and manage notifications in one place without interruption. Notifications appear briefly at the top of the screen without interrupting what you’re doing. With one swipe you can see all your notifications, and a simple tap will take you right to its app for more detail. Notifications also appear on the lock screen, with the ability to be taken to the notifying app with just one swipe.

3. Apple iOS 5: Camera

Improving things on the snapping front, iOS 5 notably adds the ability to use grid lines for rule of thirds composition,  use a two-finger pinch gesture to zoom in and out,  single-tap focus. Users will also be able to download photos to other iOS devices using Photo Stream via iCloud. Crucially you'll also be able to get to the camera from the lock screen.

4. Apple iOS 5: Reminders

The to-do list feature with support for Outlook and iCloud, iOS 5 will now help to organize your life making sure you are fully stocked up in the freezer with location based integration letting you know about your shopping list when you pull into the supermarket. When you make a change to your to-do list your iPad, iPod Touch or iPhone will be updated automatically.

5. Apple iOS 5: Mail

A whole host of features will improve dealing with your email correspondence which include dragging email addresses between fields, flagging important messages, notifications when you've forgotten to add a subject line in an email, Hotmail integration and rich text editing support.

In your ultimate guide to all things Apple iPhone 4S related, we've got an Apple iPhone 4S review, a look inside to see what's packed in with your new iPhone in our iPhone 4S unboxing, a video rundown of the best iOS 5 features and 10 Things to do first with your iPhone 4S. But that's not all, we have also pulled together an iPhone 4S versus iPhone 4 video plus we see how the new Apple smartphone shapes against T3's Phone of the Year as we pit the iPhone 4S against the Samsung Galaxy S2.