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Apple have confirmed that iOS 5 will launch later this month (Oct).

The updated system will bring 200 new user features to iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch, the company confirmed during its Let's Talk iPhone event yesterday (Oct 4).

A new iOS-based messaging service, titled iMessage, will be included, as well as improved Twitter integration across apps, as well as the option to crop and edit photographs on a handset.

Safari will also be boosted by the addition of a new reader, which will optimise text viewing across all Apple devices.

The update will also enable users to make their platforms PC-free; currently, iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch devices need to be integrated with a PC running iTunes.

iOS 5 launches on October 12.

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