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In general, this patent would allow Apple to play in the location-based social networking space with their own application. Or they might expose the social networking methods in the form of a public API for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad mobile devices, to allow third party developers to build their own social applications. Here are some possible uses, though it should be noted that these all assume that participants have iPhones or any other devices that Apple would give access to iGroups.

1. Crowdsourcing ideas or moods. Want to know what fans at a sporting event are thinking? Alert them to prize offers for joining an ad hoc network and particpating in an on-the-spot poll.
2. Event networking and socializing. E.g., at conferences and tradeshows. Organizers and exhibitors could potentially alert opt-in group members, create a persistent social network, then forward information or prizes after the event, or alert people to parties and followup events.
3. Enhanced nightclubbing and partying. Build out the in-person social networking features of existing mobile apps such as Foursquare, MyTown, Gowalla, and Loopt. Could be used to enhance the dating scene at bars, nightclubs, eateries or wherever singles go to socialize. E.g., initiate a pub crawl or similar event.

Read more at Social Times