So it’s been several days since iOS7 came out and you might be wondering if you should update, what it looks like, how it works, and all that jazz.There are several things you should consider before you do update, and mostly that has to do with:
- How old is your device;
- Will iOS7 slow down your device unduly; and
- How much do you want it and are you willing to live with it if you don't like it?
Devices that will support the iOS7 update are iPhone 4 and later, iPad 2 and later, iPad mini, and the fifth-generation iPod touch. Just because the update is supported, though, doesn’t mean you’ll get all the features. For example, the iPhone 4 won’t have Siri, Air Drop, or several other things that later devices have.
The main thing to remember is that this is a complete overhaul of the operating system. It’s not just a few tweaks here and there; everything has changed, for the most part. The look, the feel, the user-friendliness, and the functionality have all changed, for better or for worse depending on your tastes.
Some of the major differences you will notice include:
- Appearance, from the icons to the wallpapers to the included apps like Messages;
- Control Center;
- Notification Center;
- Lock screen functionality;
- New Camera features;
- Different way to access Spotlight/Search;
- iTunes Radio; and
- Air Drop.
Part One will cover differences up to and including Lock screen functionality. Part Two will cover the rest and discuss whether it is worth it for you to upgrade.
Appearance
The overall appearance of this version is completely changed from iOS6. From the Lock screen to the Home screen and most built-in apps, you will notice a drastically different aesthetic. Shadows and textures have been removed. Animations make it seem as if you’re jumping into apps. The skeumorphism of iOS6 is totally gone. You get a whole new batch of wallpapers (with only a few held over).
Control Center
Wait, what? Control Center is all new. Pull up from the bottom of your screen from the Lock screen, Home screen, or any app (as long as you have that function turned on), and you’ll gain access to the Control Center, which allows you to turn on or off Airplane setting, WiFi, Bluetooth, Do Not Disturb, and Rotation Lock. You also can control brightness, your music player, and turn on and off Air Drop. You also get access here to an all-new flashlight function (finally!), your clock, calculator, and camera apps.
Notification Center
Just like Control Center, you can access Notification Center from the Lock Screen, Home screen, and any apps. You pull this down from the top of the screen. It now has three tabs: Today, All, and Missed.
Lock Screen Functionality
This change isn’t huge, but it’s welcome: you can swipe from left to right anywhere on the Lock screen and your passcode screen will come up. This is especially great for people who don’t have huge hands and often missed hitting the unlock swipe bar when trying to do it one-handed.
Watch for Part Two!
