When iOS was released back in 2007 with the iPhone, it ushered in a new era for smartphones, which at that point had been dominated by keyboards, resistive touchscreens and a convoluted user interface.

And Apple's new baby sold by the shipload.

The flaws in iOS 1 (called iPhone OS back then) were huge though, with no video recording, multitasking or 3G to be had, for instance.

But Apple has been diligently fixing the gaps in the platform with each new update and also adding new features into the mix. As a result, there's little wonder why the latest iPhone, the 4S, sold over four million units after just three days on the market.

The other platforms...

And with iOS 6, Apple has finally made me second-guess my allegiance to Android and Windows Phone.

Sure, Android has cool features like Face Unlock, widgets and a highly customisable interface. Combined with its open nature and its wide variety of form factors, Google's platform ticks most of my boxes and is the antithesis of the iPhone.

But it lacks the beauty and stability of Apple's effort, even after the Ice Cream Sandwich update. 

Then there's Windows Phone 7, arguably the most beautiful platform to date and featuring great social integration. Additionally, features like threaded messaging, a unified inbox and the Live Tile system makes Microsoft's platform feel like a fresh take on the smartphone

However, WP7's Achilles heel is the number of apps in the marketplace compared to its rivals (100 000 to over 500 000 for iOS). The platform is also missing some key features, like mass-storage functionality and USSD dialling codes - a must for many parts of the world.

The ball's in Apple's court

But the latest iOS update introduced a slew of "I didn't know I needed that!" features. Whether it was the Do Not Disturb functionality, the convenient Passbook app or the ability to decline calls with a quick-fire message, even the most cynical folk were hard-pressed to complain.

It's a stark contrast to the unveiling of iOS 5 last year, which also saw plenty of neat features too, such as Siri, Twitter integration, iCloud and Newsstand, but was overshadowed by the Android-style notification system, provoking an outcry from Android fanboys.

But the reception to iOS 6, from pundits and ordinary people alike, was overwhelmingly positive for the most part.

"Steve Jobs is lying perfectly still in his grave. Smiling." read a tweet by user joeljohnson.

Apple's latest update is just the first salvo in what's sure to be another competitive period for mobile platforms, with both Android Jellybean and Windows Phone Apollo set for launch later this year.

Whatever, the case may be, Microsoft and Google will need to craft something very special if they want to lure your average user back into the fold. But with a few months to go until they display their wares, I'd rather play the waiting game for now.