Apple is aiming to integrate Flickr and Vimeo into iOS 7, a source tells
9to5Mac. The integration is expected to work in much the same way as Facebook and Twitter support does in iOS 6, allowing single sign-ins via the Settings menu. In the case of Flickr, at least, signing in may not only add another option to iOS' built-in sharing menus, but also simplify apps with their own hooks for the service, such as Instagram. Flickr is already integrated into OS X Mountain Lion and the iOS edition of iPhoto.
Less is known about Apple's
plans for Vimeo, but at a minimum they should permit uploading videos to a service other than YouTube. Apple could conceivably use Vimeo as an excuse to strip out all support for YouTube, continuing the company's trend of removing Google services wherever possible. That would run the risk of upsetting many users though, given YouTube's dominance as a video platform. The only Apple product with Vimeo integration so far has been Mountain Lion.
With the release of iOS 6, Apple stripped out iOS' native YouTube app, and switched Maps over to non-Google content. The latter move created a backlash, with many people complaining about inaccuracies, poorly-rendered 3D terrain, and missing features like public transportation directions. Apple has tried to fix some of these issues, but Google's independent Maps app for iOS 6 continues to be one of the most popular downloads on the App Store.
iOS 7 is scheduled to debut at a WWDC keynote on June 10th. When it will actually ship is unknown, but common rumors suggest a fall release alongside a new iPhone.
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