Apple iOS 7 Release Date & Features Overview

On June 10, 2013 in California, Apple recently announced iOS 7 in their developer’s conference WWDC – the newest version of their operating system that will be available for both iPhone and iPad. Let’s take a look at the operating systems release date, system specification and features.

Paid members of Apple’s iOS development program can go ahead and download the iPhone beta of iOS 7 now. Within the next few months a beta version of the iPad iOS 7 will be available for developers. Sadly, the general public won’t get to see the new operating system until the release of the new iPhone model, which Apple say will be around Autumn time 2013. As with previous iOS versions, it can be downloaded as a free update for existing iPhone and iPad users.

The official iOS 7 release date is scheduled for September 18, 2013.  It’s quite possible Apple will be rolling out some new mobile devices by then, but for now, it will work on certain pre-existing Apple products including iPhones, iPads and iPod Touch.  Check the device requirements below to see if you will be able to upgrade to iOS 7.

iOS 7 Device Requirements:

As mentioned above, iOS 7 will be available on iPhone 4 (and newer iPhone versions), iPad 2 (and newer iPad versions), and iPod Touch fifth generations.  The Apple company has warned that some of the stuff being released on the new iOS will not work on older products, but that will be confirmed nearer to its release date.

iOS 7 New Features Overview:

Apple have claimed that iOS 7, unlike other versions of the operating system, will be a complete overhaul of the design, similar to the first iOS update introduced on the original iPhone in 2007.  You can watch the full presentation of iOS 7 from WWDC in the video below, or scroll down for an overview of some of the new features that will be implemented into iOS 7.

Control Center— The Control Center will give the user access to settings such as airplane mode, screen back light and sound loudness. You will also be able to access utility apps such as Calculator, Flashlight, Compass and Clock which the user will be able to change if he or she so wishes to. Very much like accessing stocks and latest weather reports by swiping down from the top of the screen, the Control Center can be accessed by swiping the screen.

Notification Center— The Notification Center is a new way for the user to see what’s happening today including weather, news and calendar events.

AirDrop— AirDrop is a new app that will come as standard on every iOS 7 operating system. It will allow two or more users to share pictures, music and files amongst each other using an encrypted, peer-to-peer technology. No setup will be required, making it relatively easy to use for all types of iOS user.

iTunes Radio— iTunes Radio, very much like Groove Shark and Pandora, will be an internet service that every Apple user can access free of charge. It will play music dependent on the genre’s you listen to. Users will be able to purchase music with a simple click, making it a great way to find new songs and bands that play the genre’s you love.

Photos— Photos in iOS 7 introduces a new feature called Moments. Moments is a great way to arrange captured images based on a time, or a location. iCloud Photo Sharing will allow friends and family to add their captured images to your Moments.

Safari— Redesigned in iOS 7, Safari lets the user view more content due to a full screen browsing mode, allowing you to see more content with less side scrolling.

App Store— The App Store will include a new app search filter which will find what apps people are downloading in your local area.

Stay tuned as there is likely to be more information about the new mobile operating system in the coming months leading up to its official unveiling on the mobile devices.  You can get more information on the new iOS 7 release at the Apple.com website.