“The star of Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference this year was clearly iOS 7, which gets a new look and a raft of new features. Officially slated for release sometime this fall, it’s already in the hands of developers, giving them a few months’ lead time to update their apps and prep for the rollout — likely at the same time new iPhones are released,” Michael deAgonia writes for Computerworld.
“iOS 7 represents a fairly fresh approach to on an already successful design,” deAgonia writes. “And while there will inevitably be changes before the final version arrives, the preview version shows the direction Apple is moving and gives a broad look at what’s in store for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch users later this year”
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deAgonia writes, “Sure, iOS feels different than previous iterations, but functionally, it does the same things. From what I’ve experienced, Apple engineers knew when to say no; lines were drawn where they needed to be, and the new features — in concert with that restraint — will be appreciated by users once they start working with iOS 7 themselves.”
Read more in the full article here.
Related articles:
Apple makes iPhone more like a computer than ever before with iOS 7 Multitasking, AirDrop and the Share widget – June 17, 2013
iOS 7 looks unfinished because it’s an unfinished developer beta release – June 17, 2013
Apple redesigns widely criticized iOS 7 app icons – June 17, 2013
Why Apple’s iOS 7 is a masterpiece of design – June 15, 2013
Apple website mistake reveals alternative iOS 7 icons, with tweaks to Weather, Passbook, and more – June 14, 2013
How Jony Ive would redesign things from Coca-Cola cans to Star Wars posters – June 14, 2013
Whose iOS 7 icons are better, Sir Jonathan Ive’s or student designer Leo Drapeau’s? – June 14, 2013
The new features and functionality are indeed, a step forward.
The new look is a step back. That said, art is a personal choice and we all have personal taste and that is just my opinion.
I prefer Steve’s rich illustrative and representational look to thin washed out pastels and outlines.
What is wrong with offering choice?
Some of us were stuck with 6 years of ugly green felt and faux leather. It’s payback time. 😉
All pixel design is faux.
I like it, you don’t. Payback is a cruel concept.
Choice, Apple.
You’ve gotta choice, same as me, as as everybody: use alternative apps to the stock supplied ones, which most people do, or jailbreak. Piece of piss, really.
I have nine of the stock apps showing on my phone’s home screen; Messages/Calendar/Photos/Camera/Clock/Notes/Settings/
App Store/iTunes.
Every other space is an alternative or a folder, so when iOS 7 is installed, it’ll look nothing like the version now, because of the apps I use, and I use a dark grey movie poster for my wallpaper, to make the white text stand out.
Why can’t people grasp the simple fact that the screen layout can be altered, making the whole argument redundant.
It would be counter productive to offer two iOS 7 versions. Why don’t you wait until you actually USE it before passing harsh judgement. That is what I am doing. I’m not bitching about something I’ve never used or seen in person. In the past I have been pre-ticked off about something that comes out from Apple. Then I actually USE it and then I understand why they did what they did and like it better. Admittedly, there were a few features through the years I never grew to like, but for the most part, yes.
“It would be counter productive to offer two iOS 7 versions.”
Only talking about choice of icons, font widths and taste in art, modern or classic (Steve Jobs) look.
Don’t agree that would harm the iOS. On the contrary, choice would be a sympathetic and competitive advantage.
” … passing harsh judgement.”
Harsh judgement will come from Apple the day Steve’s illustrative look is gone forever.
Clearing away the drek is not a step backward. Form follows function!
I think we all read that. Means nothing.
Did you guys also walk to school ten miles in the snow? Jeez…
Yes. Uphill both ways!
GeoB.
There is nothing wrong with offering a choice. It’s just that you have a choice to offer a choice. Apple dies not do that. Do it their way or no way. For the most part their way is a good way. I don’t agree that this design is a step backwards. How can it be? It’s more clear, more fresh, more focused. I love it and it will really retain the N01 spot for Apple.
Ya know…. In the past Apple has done this, and from afar it’s always like WTF are they thinking… Then you use it and yer like… Wow that’s cool. They have some pretty smart people over there… I have a feeling that you might be able to pick a color palette for the icons and home screens… Apple and their design aesthetic isn’t usually so geared toward women 😉
Yes, it is a very feminine and thin look.
That’s fine if you prefer that look.
I prefer CHOICE.
Keep Steve’s vision alive for all time!
I don’t know what vision you’re talking about but Steve’s definitely did not involve any choice.
Steve ushered in the rich illustrative look of OSX in 2001, if I remember correctly.
Carried over to iPhone and iPad design,
IVE killed if with iOS 7.
I’m a grizzled old tavern fart and may not remember correctly but the new look is not for me.
For those of us that don’t want to abandon Steve’s vision, think different Apple.
Upgrade option button. Choice.
Everyone wins.
Since when has a predominantly blue/green colour palette been feminine? I can see only one app that’s pink/mauve, and that’s iTunes. Put a darker, monochromatic wallpaper behind the new app icons and the entire look will change.
This much is common sense, something which is sadly lacking around here. Is there a medical procedure to remove it at an early age, perhaps, turning otherwise rational people into whiney little girls, without the ability to visualise how the appearance will change with use?
Pathetic.
Dahhh…. If I recall Stevie was never about choice within Apple products. There was only choice between the status quo and Apple. This is CHOICE… Apple’s way; and I for 1 love it.
Apple’s way or the highway.
Not the choice I had in mind.
Steve and Choice?
Oil and Water.
The icon color palette “look” was most likely rushed out in time for the keynote. Have a little faith.
I have not seen it except in the WWDC video. But anything that BLN hates you just got to know it will be great. Cannot wait to get it on our iPhones and iPads.
I love Control Center, is so addictive!
The new design make very sense. And no, I think isn’t ripped off from win8 because Microsoft design is only flat without functionality. Also is now only an early beta.
I wish the author explained what features and functions Apple said “No.” to and why. I suspect the author hasn’t a clue how iOS 7 came into being.
I’m sure, with time, we will all have the “look” we want …..
I’m also sure, that IOS7 will have the functionality we “need”, right out of the gate ….
Better to ship and improve on than to continue down the same road that takes you to the same place!
MDN. I don’t mind advertising. We all have to make money. But please STOP putting them in the middle of an article. It is annoying. Get a grip
If you want to see a app similar to iOS 7 then download the Yahoo weather app for iPhone. Very similar look and feel. It’s actually very nice.
All of the improvements in ios7 can be replicated with jailbreak apps.
Like it or hate it, no one is calling iOS ‘stale’ anymore!
Real men wear pink 🙂
IOS7 looks like Windows 8 after a walk through a GAY PRIDE parade….
“Restraint” yes.
That is something that all too few master.