Apple iOS 7 looks set to be unveiled at Apple's Worldwide Developer Conference in June. What do we know about the new operating system so far ?
Apple's iOS platform is loved around the world, but even the most ardent Apple fan couldn't disagree that it needs sprucing up - with the platform essentially looking the same since iOS 4. Thankfully, that looks set to change when Apple unveil iOS 7 at their WWDC in San Francisco in June.
iOS 7 will be totally revamped with Apple putting Jonathan Ive - lead design on most of Apple's hardware - onto the project. This has apparently led to a change in design philosophy and the development of all-new user-interface !
User-Interface
Apple's current user-interface - designed by Scott Forstall - is known and loved by users across the world. However, it's already a good few years old and could do with a major overhaul.
iOS 7 will introduce a new user-interface which is thought to be cleaner than ever and will "flatten" out the whole experience - with the WSJ suggesting it'll have a more "minimalistic" design. It'll totally move away from the old skeuomorphism design - which is when something resembles another material or technique.
iOS 7 will also be fully-optimised to take advantage of today's higher resolution displays. Precise details are thin-on-the-ground, but the Mac team has been brought in to assist development - who have a lot of software design experience.
Application Overhaul
When updating an operating systems' user-interface you also have to give the applications a new lick-of-paint. Apple are apparently doing just that to their core applications - which will be improved visually and get new features.
Applications that currently feature a skeuomorphic design - such as the Notes app which looks like a piece of paper - will be redesigned. With Bloomberg reporting that the Mail and Calendar applications will be totally redesigned - with many thought to be unimpressed by their current guises.
NFC features could also integrated across the platform - with next-gen Apple devices expected to support the contactless payment technology. iOS 7 will make new notifications and messages much clearer to the user - improving on the current drop-down system and adding support for actions (like Android).
Could we also see the minimalistic - and slightly boring - lock-screen jazzed up to bring it more in line with other operating systems ?
New Security !
The recent iOS 6.1 lock-screen hack was embarrassing for Apple , so it wouldn't be at all surprising to see everything changing in iOS 7. Finger-print sensors are long overdue and could this feature be supported in Apple's new operating system ?
Unlikely, but MacWorld have suggested that a new unlock procedure will be introduced. Apple patented a new feature where users are given a random photo from their gallery and have to identify the person pictured. After a number of correct answers they'll get access to their Apple device - which sounds interesting , but will it be secure enough ?
Car-Mode
Apple made a right pigs-ear of their latest Apple Maps software - even going as far as recommending users to download 3rd party solutions - but they are persevering with the software. Infact, iOS 7 is expected to introduce a new mode for use in vehicles !
Navigation will play a huge part in the new car mode - as you'd expect - with Siri also sure to feature prominently. 9to5Mac is reporting that Apple have been working closely with car manufacturers to hook-up their devices to vehicles displays - which sounds like a great idea to us.
Potentially , you'd then be able to check your social networks, send text-messages , control music playback and much more. All without having to touch your iPhone - leaving your hands free to steer round hairpin bends.
Apple iOS 7 Launch
Apple will unveil iOS 7 at their Worldwide Developer Conference on June 10th and will rollout to Apple devices shortly after. We'll continue to bring you any news about the new operating system as it leaks-out including news of any new features it'll introduce. Until then you might want to checkout the iOS 7 concept video posted above !
source via 3g.co.uk
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