Apple has detailed iOS 7 for the iPhone and iPad. The new platform, which has a new user interface, includes many new features and capabilities.
The lock screen has been been given an updated appearance, as has the weather app with new animations and a new view of multiple cities at one time. The calendar app is better at scrolling and landscape support. The OS has a new swiping gesture that brings back the previous screen. Game Center supports multiple pages of games within folders. Notification Center is now visible from the lock screen, and the today screen shows more detail about the day, including transit times. Control Center offers faster access to wireless radios and is available from any part of the UI.
Multitasking now works across all apps within iOS, and iOS 7 introduces a new multitasking screen. Multitasking uses intelligent scheduling, opportunistic updates, and adapts to network conditions to fetch background data when apps aren’t being used to conserve battery life.
The Safari browser adds iCloud keychain, smart search, shared links, reading lists, and better tab support. Many of these changes are available in the desktop version of Safari, as well. iOS 7 adds support for AirDrop, which can be used to share files with others nearby via peer-to-peer Wi-Fi. The camera sees a number of improvements, and allows people to swipe from camera mode to camera mode, such as from standard to panorama.
The Photos app also sees an update, and will help organize photos by putting them into “moments” based on date and location. It also adds a number of filters and editing tools, as well as more advanced sharing capabilities.
Siri has been updated to respond to more natural language requests, and can do things like play voicemails or open Twitter. iOS 7 brings with it car integration with a number of 2014 models by a handful of manufacturers, and will show up on the car’s in-dash system.
It also offers a new version of the App Store, which improves app discovery, such as the ability to see apps that are local, and adds automatic app updates. Other new features include a new activation lock for stolen phones, night mode within Maps, FaceTime audio for high-quality calls, notification sync across devices, message/phone blocking, and better business support.
iOS 7 will work on many of its newer iOS products, including the iPhone 4, 4S, and 5; the iPad 2 and later; the iPad Mini; and the fifth-generation iPod Touch. It will be available this fall.
