iOS 7#7.1.2
{{short description|2013 mobile operating system}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2018}}
{{lowercase title}}
{{Infobox OS version
| name = iOS 7
| version of = iOS
| logo = IOS 7 number logo.svg
| logo_size = 85px
| screenshot = IOS 7.1 homescreen.png
| screenshot_size = 237px
| caption = iOS 7.1 home screen on an iPhone 5s, showing the redesigned user interface
| developer = Apple Inc.
| website = {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140908012302/http://www.apple.com/ios|date=September 8, 2014|title=Apple - iOS 7}}
| source_model = Closed, with open source components
| license = Proprietary EULA, except for open-source components
| released = {{Start date and age|2013|9|18}}
| update model = Software Update
| package manager = App Store
| supported_platforms = iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad
| preceded_by = iOS 6
| succeeded_by = iOS 8
| release_version = 7.1.2 (11D257)
| release_date = {{Start date and age|2014|6|30}}
| tagline = The mobile OS from a whole new perspective.
| support_status = Obsolete, unsupported. Drops support for the iPhone 3GS and iPod Touch 4th generation (Although it can be ported by patches and dual-booting.)
}}
iOS 7 is the seventh major release of the iOS mobile operating system developed by Apple Inc., being the successor to iOS 6. It was announced at the company's Worldwide Developers Conference on June 10, 2013, and was released on September 18 of that year. It was succeeded by iOS 8 on September 17, 2014.{{cite web|first=Zac|last=Hall|title=Apple releases iOS 8 GM ahead of Sep. 17 public release|url=https://9to5mac.com/2014/09/09/apple-releases-ios-8-gm-ahead-of-sep-17-public-release|website=9to5Mac|date=September 9, 2014|access-date=December 30, 2016|archive-date=May 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190513193910/https://9to5mac.com/2014/09/09/apple-releases-ios-8-gm-ahead-of-sep-17-public-release|url-status=live}}
iOS 7 introduced a completely redesigned user interface, a design credited to a team led by Apple's former senior vice president of design, Jony Ive. The new look, featuring flatter icons, a new slide-to-unlock function, and new animations, was described by Ive as "profound and enduring beauty in simplicity." The new design was implemented throughout the operating system, including the Notification Center, which was updated with three tabs offering different views of information, notifications visible on the lock screen; a redesigned Siri voice assistant offering visual indicators, and a Control Center offering easy access to the most commonly used features. iOS 7 also introduced AirDrop, a wireless sharing technology, CarPlay, phone and car integration; and automatic app updates in the App Store. iOS 7 was the first version of iOS to support 64-bit apps and processors.{{Cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2013-09-10-ios-7-64-bit.html|title=iOS 7 will be 64-bit, just like the iPhone 5s' new A7 chip|date=September 10, 2013|publisher=engadget|last=Wollman|first=Dana|access-date=January 3, 2023|archive-date=December 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201220042920/https://www.engadget.com/2013-09-10-ios-7-64-bit.html|url-status=live}}
Reception of iOS 7 was mixed. The new design language was criticized, with critics noting the implementation of design changes rather than actual productivity improvements, and citing examples such as animations delaying access, lack of icon consistency, and buttons being hidden as negative aspects of the user experience. The addition of the Control Center was praised, as were updates to Siri and multitasking. Shortly after release, there were reports of the new design causing sickness, a trend explained as being caused by animations with similar effects as car sickness.
User adoption of iOS 7 was fast. Its iOS market share was reported to be as high as 35% after one day, and installed on 200 million devices within 5 days, which Apple stated was "the fastest software update in history."
iOS 7 is the last version of iOS that supports the iPhone 4.
System features
=Design=
iOS 7 introduced a complete visual overhaul of the user interface. With "sharper, flatter icons, slimmer fonts, a new slide-to-unlock function, and a new control panel that slides up from the bottom of the screen for frequently accessed settings," the operating system also significantly redesigned the standard pre-installed apps from Apple.{{cite web|last=Seifert|first=Dan|date=June 10, 2013|title=Apple announces iOS 7, 'biggest change' since the introduction of the iPhone, coming this fall|url=https://www.theverge.com/2013/6/10/4407630/apple-announces-ios-7|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210605000558/https://www.theverge.com/2013/6/10/4407630/apple-announces-ios-7|archive-date=June 5, 2021|access-date=December 29, 2016|website=The Verge|publisher=Vox Media}} Jony Ive, Apple's head of design, commented that "There is a profound and enduring beauty in simplicity, in clarity, in efficiency. True simplicity is derived from so much more than just the absence of clutter and ornamentation - it's about bringing order to complexity. iOS 7 is a clear representation of these goals. It has a whole new structure that is coherent and applied across the entire system."{{cite web|first=Brian|last=Heater|title=Apple shows off completely redesigned iOS 7 at WWDC, coming this fall|url=https://www.engadget.com/2013/06/10/ios-7-announced|website=Engadget|publisher=AOL|date=June 10, 2013|access-date=December 29, 2016|archive-date=December 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161230001621/https://www.engadget.com/2013/06/10/ios-7-announced|url-status=live}} The background color of the Boot screen matches the device's front bezel color of white or black, with the oppositely colored brand logo.{{Cite web|last=Bouchard|first=Anthony|date=2016-03-24|title=This tweak inverts the respring and reboot screen colors on your iPhone|url=https://www.idownloadblog.com/2016/03/24/invertrespring|access-date=2020-12-08|website=iDownloadBlog.com|language=en-US|archive-date=December 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201208132540/https://www.idownloadblog.com/2016/03/24/invertrespring|url-status=live}}
=AirDrop=
iOS 7 introduced AirDrop, a wireless sharing technology accessible from the share icon, which lets users send files from their local device to other, nearby iOS devices.{{cite web|first=Jason|last=Cipriani|title=Getting to know AirDrop on iOS 7|url=https://www.cnet.com/how-to/getting-to-know-airdrop-on-ios-7|website=CNET|publisher=CBS Interactive|date=September 23, 2013|access-date=December 29, 2016|archive-date=December 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161230085749/https://www.cnet.com/how-to/getting-to-know-airdrop-on-ios-7|url-status=live}} It can be enabled in the Control Center, with options for controlling its discovery by other devices, including Off, Contacts Only, and Everyone.{{cite web|title=Share content with AirDrop on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch|url=https://support.apple.com/en-ph/HT204144|publisher=Apple Inc.|date=February 1, 2017|access-date=February 18, 2017|archive-date=August 14, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180814170244/https://support.apple.com/en-ph/HT204144|url-status=live}}
AirDrop is only available on the iPhone 5 and later, fourth-generation iPad and later, all iPad Minis, and the fifth-generation iPod Touch.{{cite web|first=Adam|last=Oram|title=How To: Use AirDrop in iOS 7|url=http://www.todaysiphone.com/2014/03/use-airdrop-ios-7|website=Today's iPhone|publisher=PhoneDog|date=March 11, 2014|access-date=February 18, 2017|archive-date=February 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170218231541/http://www.todaysiphone.com/2014/03/use-airdrop-ios-7|url-status=dead}} Support can be added unofficially, with some tweaks, via jailbreaking.
=Control Center=
iOS 7 introduced the Control Center, a menu that users can access by swiping up from the bottom of the screen, providing access to frequently used settings such as Airplane Mode, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Do Not Disturb Mode, and Rotation Lock. There is a slider for adjusting screen brightness, controls for music playback, along with a volume slider. A Flashlight toggle is also available,{{cite web|first=Sarah|last=Guarino|title=iOS 7 How-to: Use Control Center to quickly manage settings|url=https://9to5mac.com/2013/09/18/ios-7-how-to-use-control-center-to-quickly-manage-settings|website=9to5Mac|date=September 18, 2013|access-date=December 29, 2016|archive-date=December 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220185802/https://9to5mac.com/2013/09/18/ios-7-how-to-use-control-center-to-quickly-manage-settings|url-status=live}} as is an icon for quickly accessing the camera.
=Notification Center=
iOS 7 overhauled the Notification Center, with both visual and functional changes. It has three tabs; "Today" (information on what's coming during the day), "All", and "Missed." Notifications are now visible on the phone's lock screen, and notifications are synchronized across devices, so users don't need to dismiss the same notification multiple times on different devices.{{cite web|title=Apple debuts iOS 7, OS X Mavericks, and new Macs: everything you need to know|url=https://www.theverge.com/2013/6/10/4413228/apple-wwdc-2013-everything-you-need-to-know|website=The Verge|publisher=Vox Media|date=June 10, 2013|access-date=December 29, 2016|archive-date=June 11, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130611164041/http://www.theverge.com/2013/6/10/4413228/apple-wwdc-2013-everything-you-need-to-know|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Lex|last=Friedman|title=Get to know iOS 7: Notification Center|url=http://www.macworld.com/article/2048936/get-to-know-ios-7-notification-center.html|website=Macworld|publisher=International Data Group|date=September 18, 2013|access-date=February 5, 2017|archive-date=May 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170507114653/http://www.macworld.com/article/2048936/get-to-know-ios-7-notification-center.html|url-status=live}}
=App switcher=
iOS 7 expanded the screen for app switching. Users double-pressed the home button and were taken out of the current app for a view of full-screen thumbnails of recently accessed apps.{{cite web|first=Sarah|last=Guarino|title=iOS 7 How-to: Use the new multitasking interface|url=https://9to5mac.com/2013/09/18/ios-7-how-to-use-the-new-multitasking-interface|website=9to5Mac|date=September 18, 2013|access-date=December 30, 2016|archive-date=December 31, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161231075032/https://9to5mac.com/2013/09/18/ios-7-how-to-use-the-new-multitasking-interface|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Dan|last=Moren|title=Get to know iOS 7: Multitasking|url=http://www.macworld.com/article/2048935/get-to-know-ios-7-multitasking.html|website=Macworld|publisher=International Data Group|date=September 18, 2013|access-date=December 30, 2016|archive-date=November 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161122074302/http://www.macworld.com/article/2048935/get-to-know-ios-7-multitasking.html|url-status=live}}
=CarPlay=
CarPlay (formerly iOS in the Car), released as part of iOS 7.1, integrates with selected car models to offer phone interaction, including music controls and Maps navigation, through the car's display. Users can also talk to Siri to send messages hands-free.{{cite web|first=Brad|last=Molen|title=Apple releases iOS 7.1 with CarPlay support|url=https://www.engadget.com/2014/03/10/apple-releases-ios-7-1|website=Engadget|publisher=AOL|date=March 10, 2014|access-date=December 30, 2016|archive-date=December 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161230230501/https://www.engadget.com/2014/03/10/apple-releases-ios-7-1|url-status=live}} It supports all Lightning-equipped iPhones with iOS 7.1 or later.{{cite web|first=Benjamin|last=Mayo|title=Apple rebrands iOS in the Car as CarPlay, compatible vehicles launching later this year|url=https://9to5mac.com/2014/03/03/apple-rebrands-ios-in-the-car-as-carplay-compatible-vehicles-launching-later-this-year|website=9to5Mac|date=March 3, 2014|access-date=December 30, 2016|archive-date=December 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161230231418/https://9to5mac.com/2014/03/03/apple-rebrands-ios-in-the-car-as-carplay-compatible-vehicles-launching-later-this-year|url-status=live}}
=Siri=
Siri features a new design where the assistant fades in with the background app being blurred. While speaking, visual vocal waves appear, that form into a spinning circle as the device communicates with Apple's servers. Siri can now control a limited set of device settings, including Bluetooth. The assistant can alternatively send the user directly to the settings menu if their query cannot be controlled by voice, or otherwise, displays an error if the request can't be processed. For searching the Internet, Bing became the default search engine, and Siri's web resources were expanded to include Wikipedia. Siri was also more deeply connected into Twitter, offering full tweet search.{{cite web|first=Serenity|last=Caldwell|title=Get to know iOS 7: Siri|url=http://www.macworld.com/article/2048736/get-to-know-ios-7-siri.html|website=Macworld|publisher=International Data Group|date=September 18, 2013|access-date=December 30, 2016|archive-date=December 7, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161207033048/http://www.macworld.com/article/2048736/get-to-know-ios-7-siri.html|url-status=live}}
iOS 7 also allows the user to change Siri's gender, with new options for male and female voices.{{cite web|first=Jason|last=Cipriani|title=How to change Siri's voice on iOS 7|url=https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-change-siris-voice-on-ios-7|website=CNET|publisher=CBS Interactive|date=September 19, 2013|access-date=December 30, 2016|archive-date=August 14, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180814232552/https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-change-siris-voice-on-ios-7|url-status=live}}
=Other=
Spotlight search is accessed by holding and dragging down the home screen.{{cite web|first=Allyson|last=Kazmucka|title=How to access and use Spotlight search on your iPhone or iPad|url=http://www.imore.com/how-to-access-use-spotlight-seach-iphone-ipad|website=iMore|date=September 18, 2013|access-date=December 30, 2016|archive-date=December 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161230231543/http://www.imore.com/how-to-access-use-spotlight-seach-iphone-ipad|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Michael|last=Andronico|title=How to Use Spotlight Search in iOS 7|url=http://www.laptopmag.com/articles/how-to-use-spotlight-search-in-ios-7|website=LaptopMag|date=September 20, 2013|access-date=December 30, 2016|archive-date=December 21, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221225333/http://www.laptopmag.com/articles/how-to-use-spotlight-search-in-ios-7|url-status=live}}
iOS 7 came with new wallpapers that included a "Parallax" effect; the icons appear to be moving as the user moves the phone around, producing an "illusion that the icons are floating above the background wallpaper".{{cite web|first=Rhett|last=Allain|title=Parallax and the iOS 7 Wallpaper|url=https://www.wired.com/2013/09/parallax-and-the-ios-7-wallpaper|website=Wired|publisher=Condé Nast|date=September 26, 2013|access-date=December 30, 2016|archive-date=December 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161230230429/https://www.wired.com/2013/09/parallax-and-the-ios-7-wallpaper|url-status=live}}
In Settings, users have the option to make custom vibrations for certain types of notifications,{{cite web|first=Caroline|last=Moss|title=Here's How To Create Custom Vibration Patterns To Use As Ringtones In iOS 7|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/create-custom-vibration-patterns-in-ios-7-2013-9|website=Business Insider|publisher=Axel Springer SE|date=September 29, 2013|access-date=December 30, 2016|archive-date=December 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161230002131/http://www.businessinsider.com/create-custom-vibration-patterns-in-ios-7-2013-9|url-status=live}} turn off the parallax wallpaper animation effect using a Reduce Motion setting,{{cite web|first=Uzair|last=Ghani|title=Top 23 Hidden iOS 7 Features That You Likely Don't Know About [Updated]|url=http://www.redmondpie.com/top-20-hidden-ios-7-features-that-you-likely-dont-know-about|website=Redmond Pie|date=October 19, 2013|access-date=February 5, 2017|archive-date=February 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170206104157/http://www.redmondpie.com/top-20-hidden-ios-7-features-that-you-likely-dont-know-about|url-status=live}} and block callers, with the block applying across multiple devices and apps, including Phone, Messages, and FaceTime.{{cite web|first=Kevin|last=Bostic|title=iOS 7 feature focus: Block calls, texts, and FaceTimes from individual numbers|url=http://appleinsider.com/articles/13/09/19/ios-7-feature-focus-block-calls-texts-and-facetimes-from-individual-numbers|website=AppleInsider|date=September 19, 2013|access-date=February 5, 2017|archive-date=February 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170206022232/http://appleinsider.com/articles/13/09/19/ios-7-feature-focus-block-calls-texts-and-facetimes-from-individual-numbers|url-status=live}}
On the home screen, newly installed apps and recently updated apps have a blue dot next to them until the user opens the app for the first time.{{cite web|first=Rick|last=Broida|title=Five quick iOS 7 mysteries solved|url=https://www.cnet.com/how-to/five-quick-ios-7-mysteries-solved|website=CNET|publisher=CBS Interactive|date=September 20, 2013|access-date=May 23, 2017|archive-date=October 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171016173924/https://www.cnet.com/how-to/five-quick-ios-7-mysteries-solved|url-status=live}}
Folders are updated to incorporate different pages, similar to the home screen layout, allowing for a significant expansion of folder functionality. Each page of a folder can contain up to nine apps, and there can be 15 pages in total, allowing for a total of 135 apps in a single folder.{{cite web|first=Sam|last=Costello|title=How Many Apps and Folders Can an iPhone Have?|url=https://www.lifewire.com/how-many-apps-allowed-iphone-2000752|website=Lifewire|publisher=Dotdash|date=March 20, 2017|access-date=October 15, 2017|archive-date=August 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170806182301/https://www.lifewire.com/how-many-apps-allowed-iphone-2000752|url-status=live}}
The iPad's "Picture Frame" feature on the Lock Screen has been removed.
App features
=App Store=
The App Store received several significant changes in iOS 7. Users can enable automatic app updates.{{cite web|first=Shane|last=Cole|title=iOS 7 feature focus: App Store auto-updates and iTunes Radio|url=http://appleinsider.com/articles/13/09/18/ios-7-feature-focus-app-store-auto-updates-and-itunes-radio|website=AppleInsider|date=September 18, 2013|access-date=July 20, 2017|archive-date=February 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170206174757/http://appleinsider.com/articles/13/09/18/ios-7-feature-focus-app-store-auto-updates-and-itunes-radio|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Jacob|last=Kastrenakes|title=App Store will update apps automatically in iOS 7|url=https://www.theverge.com/2013/6/10/4415588/app-store-automatic-updates-ios-7-apple-wwdc-2013|website=The Verge|publisher=Vox Media|date=June 10, 2013|access-date=July 20, 2017|archive-date=February 5, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170205081806/http://www.theverge.com/2013/6/10/4415588/app-store-automatic-updates-ios-7-apple-wwdc-2013|url-status=live}} Users can now view a history of updates to each installed app. With location services enabled, the App Store has a Near Me tab that recommends popular apps based on the user's geographic location.{{cite web|first=Jeff|last=Benjamin|title=iOS 7: the ultimate App Store guide|url=http://www.idownloadblog.com/2014/04/19/app-store-guide|website=iDownloadBlog|date=April 19, 2014|access-date=December 29, 2016|archive-date=December 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161230090122/http://www.idownloadblog.com/2014/04/19/app-store-guide|url-status=live}} It also became possible to download older versions of apps, in case new iOS versions left older devices incompatible for system updates, allowing users to maintain a working copy of the last supported update of each app.{{cite web|first=Lance|last=Ulanoff|title=Apple App Store Introduces Legacy App Download Option|url=http://mashable.com/2013/09/17/ios-legacy-apps|website=Mashable|date=September 17, 2013|access-date=December 31, 2016|archive-date=January 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170101091001/http://mashable.com/2013/09/17/ios-legacy-apps|url-status=live}}
=Photos and Camera=
iOS 7 introduced a square photo mode for the Camera app, enabling "Instagram-style photos". Also new are live filters; nine different filter options that each change the photo's appearance.{{cite web|first=Sarah|last=Guarino|title=How-to: Use the new Camera app in iOS 7|url=https://9to5mac.com/2013/09/20/how-to-use-the-new-camera-app-in-ios-7|website=9to5Mac|date=September 20, 2013|access-date=December 29, 2016|archive-date=December 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161230090052/https://9to5mac.com/2013/09/20/how-to-use-the-new-camera-app-in-ios-7|url-status=live}} Further improvements to the camera included the ability to pinch-to-zoom during video recording, and a Burst mode for easily taking successive photos by holding the shutter button, causing the phone to take 10 frames per second.{{cite web|first=Jason|last=Cipriani|title=Five tips for the new Camera app on iOS 7|url=https://www.cnet.com/how-to/five-tips-for-the-new-camera-app-on-ios-7|website=CNET|publisher=CBS Interactive|date=September 18, 2013|access-date=December 29, 2016|archive-date=December 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161230160258/https://www.cnet.com/how-to/five-tips-for-the-new-camera-app-on-ios-7|url-status=live}} On the iPhone 5S, a slow-motion video option was added, with the ability to shoot a video at a high frame rate of 120 frames per second. All iPhones record slow motion video with audio. It can be edited in the Photos app, where users can decide where to start and end the slow-motion part.{{cite web|first=Ashleigh|last=Macro|title=How to use Slo-Mo in iPhone 5s: make slow-motion videos on iPhone|url=http://www.macworld.co.uk/how-to/apple/how-use-slo-mo-iphone-5s-make-slow-motion-videos-iphone-3481480|website=Macworld|publisher=International Data Group|date=November 8, 2013|access-date=February 18, 2017|archive-date=February 19, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170219013600/http://www.macworld.co.uk/how-to/apple/how-use-slo-mo-iphone-5s-make-slow-motion-videos-iphone-3481480|url-status=dead}}
The Photos app was updated with new categorization options. Three tabs on the bottom, "Photos," "Shared," and "Albums," each open to different app sections featuring galleries. On the main Photos interface, the app displays a timeline of all photos, sorted into "Years," "Collections," and "Moments". Filters were added, allowing users to choose from several types of filters to add to their photos. Alongside existing options for sharing pictures, the app was updated with support for the new AirDrop functionality.{{cite web|first=Serenity|last=Caldwell|title=Get to know iOS 7: Camera and Photos|url=http://www.macworld.com/article/2048867/get-to-know-ios-7-camera-and-photos.html|website=Macworld|publisher=International Data Group|date=September 19, 2013|access-date=December 31, 2016|archive-date=January 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170101002733/http://www.macworld.com/article/2048867/get-to-know-ios-7-camera-and-photos.html|url-status=live}}
==Camera user interface==
The iOS 7 camera user interface has been redesigned. Elements such as the shutter button use flat design with simple geometrical shapes.
Switching between the camera modes is done using swiping gestures or tapping on the name of the mode (text) near the on-screen shutter button.
The camera user interfaces of all succeeding iOS versions are based on this layout and design introduced in iOS 7.
==Camera controls==
The redesigned camera interface offers new controls for adjusting exposure value and locking the autofocus.
Tapping inside the viewfinder adjusts the focus and exposure to that area in the camera's field of view. In order to hold (lock) the current focus and exposure state, the desired location inside of the viewfinder can be tapped and held down for half a second. This is known as the AE/AF lock or AF/AE lock.
After tapping, with or without locked focus/exposure, the exposure value can be adjusted by swiping up or down. In case AE/AF lock is activated, the exposure will be fixed indefinitely until unlocked manually.
These controls are also available during both normal and slow motion (high frame rate) video recording and also for both front camera photo and front camera video modes.[https://iphonephotographyschool.com/ae-af-lock/ How To Use iPhone AE/AF Lock For Perfect Focus & Exposure — iPhone photography school] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200708112851/https://iphonephotographyschool.com/ae-af-lock|date=July 8, 2020}} (published by Rob Dunsford on November 18th 2016){{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swgXhzE0HF4|title="7 Hidden iPhone Camera Features That Every Photographer Should Use" (video guide, published on June 16th 2017)|website=YouTube|access-date=July 9, 2020|archive-date=August 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200810204741/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swgXhzE0HF4|url-status=live}}
=Music=
The Music app integrated Apple's iTunes Radio service; a station-based music service that let users choose an artist, with the service generating a "station" based on that and similar artists' songs. Users were able to skip songs and search through the history of previous songs, in addition to being able to purchase the songs directly from the iTunes Store while playing. iTunes Radio also had a feature that showed songs currently trending on Twitter. iTunes Radio was free and ad-supported, but users could subscribe to iTunes Match, that enabled ad-free playback.{{cite web|first=Roberto|last=Baldwin|title=Apple Dials in iTunes Radio, a New Streaming Music Service|url=https://www.wired.com/2013/06/apple-dials-in-itunes-radi|website=Wired|publisher=Condé Nast|date=June 10, 2013|access-date=December 29, 2016|archive-date=December 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161230155817/https://www.wired.com/2013/06/apple-dials-in-itunes-radi|url-status=live}}
After more than two years of release, iTunes Radio was eventually discontinued in January 2016, with the features moving to the new Apple Music music subscription service and Beats 1 radio station.{{cite web|first=Nick|last=Mediati|title=Apple drops free iTunes Radio, bundles it into Apple Music|url=http://www.macworld.com/article/3023410/streaming-services/apple-drops-free-itunes-radio-bundles-it-into-apple-music.html|website=Macworld|publisher=International Data Group|date=January 16, 2016|access-date=December 29, 2016|archive-date=December 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161230160245/http://www.macworld.com/article/3023410/streaming-services/apple-drops-free-itunes-radio-bundles-it-into-apple-music.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Mikey|last=Campbell|title=Apple merges iTunes Radio channels into Apple Music, Beats 1 now lone free-to-stream service|url=http://appleinsider.com/articles/16/01/29/apple-merges-itunes-radio-channels-into-apple-music-beats-1-now-lone-free-to-stream-service|website=AppleInsider|date=January 28, 2016|access-date=December 29, 2016|archive-date=December 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161230160118/http://appleinsider.com/articles/16/01/29/apple-merges-itunes-radio-channels-into-apple-music-beats-1-now-lone-free-to-stream-service|url-status=live}}
=Safari=
In iOS 7, the Safari web browser received multiple significant updates. The two search bars found in previous iterations of the browser have been combined into a single "Smart Search" field. Tab management was improved to allow more than eight open tabs at once, as well as stacking tabs on top of each other vertically as opposed to a horizontal card view. The option to enter a Private tab was built into the app itself rather than in Settings menus, and a new "Do Not Track" button allows the user to further manage their privacy levels.{{cite web|first=Jason|last=Cipriani|title=Four features to know about in Safari on iOS 7|url=https://www.cnet.com/how-to/four-features-to-know-about-in-safari-on-ios-7|website=CNET|publisher=CBS Interactive|date=September 19, 2013|access-date=December 30, 2016|archive-date=December 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161230231205/https://www.cnet.com/how-to/four-features-to-know-about-in-safari-on-ios-7|url-status=live}}
=Maps=
Apple Maps now features turn-by-turn walking directions.{{cite web|first1=Serenity|last1=Caldwell|first2=Dan|last2=Moren|title=33 great tips and tricks for iOS 7|url=http://www.macworld.com/article/2144604/33-great-tips-and-tricks-for-ios-7.html|website=Macworld|publisher=International Data Group|date=April 17, 2014|access-date=February 18, 2017|archive-date=February 19, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170219114732/http://www.macworld.com/article/2144604/33-great-tips-and-tricks-for-ios-7.html|url-status=live}}
The design of Maps was updated to feature a full-screen view, where interface elements such as the search bar disappear from view, alongside new translucent search and lower toolbars, and a Night Mode that automatically activates when users drive at night. A separate Siri volume control is available in Maps, enabling users to "change the relative volume of Siri's voice feedback independently of the system volume, so it doesn't shout too loud over your background music."{{cite web|first=Daniel Eran|last=Dilger|title=iOS 7 Maps go full screen, navigation gets night mode, new Siri options|url=http://appleinsider.com/articles/13/07/12/ios-7-maps-go-full-screen-navigation-gets-night-mode-new-siri-options|website=AppleInsider|date=July 12, 2013|access-date=February 18, 2017|archive-date=February 19, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170219095041/http://appleinsider.com/articles/13/07/12/ios-7-maps-go-full-screen-navigation-gets-night-mode-new-siri-options|url-status=live}}
=Weather=
The Weather app on iOS 7 received significant changes, including a new icon, the absence of a static weather indicator on the app thumbnail on the home screen, and new dynamic, visual representations of the current weather.{{cite web|first=Neil|last=Hughes|title=Inside iOS 7: Apple's Weather app gets animated|url=http://appleinsider.com/articles/13/06/18/inside-ios-7-apples-weather-app-gets-animated|website=AppleInsider|date=June 18, 2013|access-date=December 31, 2016|archive-date=January 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170101001227/http://appleinsider.com/articles/13/06/18/inside-ios-7-apples-weather-app-gets-animated|url-status=live}}
=FaceTime=
iOS 7 has its own FaceTime app on iPhone, with FaceTime Audio, a feature that allows users to call while on Wi-Fi. FaceTime Audio is accessible from the Phone app, the Contacts app, or the FaceTime app itself. It is available on devices running iOS 7 or later.{{cite web|first=Serenity|last=Caldwell|title=Get to know iOS 7: Phone, FaceTime, and Messages|url=http://www.macworld.com/article/2048980/get-to-know-ios-7-phone-facetime-and-messages.html|website=Macworld|publisher=International Data Group|date=September 19, 2013|access-date=February 5, 2017|archive-date=April 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170420041025/http://www.macworld.com/article/2048980/get-to-know-ios-7-phone-facetime-and-messages.html|url-status=live}}
=Messages=
The Messages app now allows users to see timestamps for every message they have sent or received.{{cite web|first=Allyson|last=Kazmucha|title=How to view timestamps for individual texts and iMessages in iOS 7|url=http://www.imore.com/how-view-timestamps-individual-texts-and-imessages-ios-7|website=iMore|date=September 21, 2013|access-date=February 5, 2017|archive-date=February 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170206022110/http://www.imore.com/how-view-timestamps-individual-texts-and-imessages-ios-7|url-status=live}}
Reception
File:Letterpress screenshot.png wrote that the 2013 iOS redesign's flat, minimalist design language was informed by apps including the 2012 word game Letterpress (pictured).{{cite web|first=Casey|last=Newton|title=Taskmasters: how Israeli intelligence officers helped inspire the look of iOS 7|url=https://www.theverge.com/2013/10/9/4817146/taskmasters-how-israeli-intelligence-officers-helped-inspire-the-look-of-ios-7|website=The Verge|publisher=Vox Media|date=October 9, 2013|access-date=February 5, 2017|archive-date=March 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313141504/http://www.theverge.com/2013/10/9/4817146/taskmasters-how-israeli-intelligence-officers-helped-inspire-the-look-of-ios-7|url-status=live}}]]
The reception of iOS 7 was mixed. Mark Rogowsky of Forbes criticized multiple aspects of the new design, including the 3D effect on the home screen wallpaper, writing that "the interaction between iOS 7 and the screen background is challenging at best", and writing that the new overall design language for the operating system "now has your icons fly into the screen whenever you unlock it like some kind of video game effect. It's pointless, delays your access to the phone by a fraction of a second and is arguably distracting".{{cite web|first=Mark|last=Rogowsky|title=7 Misses In iOS 7|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/markrogowsky/2013/09/18/7-misses-in-ios-7|website=Forbes|date=September 18, 2013|access-date=February 5, 2017|archive-date=August 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160820030125/http://www.forbes.com/sites/markrogowsky/2013/09/18/7-misses-in-ios-7|url-status=live}} Joshua Topolsky of The Verge also criticized the design, noting lack of icon consistency in different parts of the OS, as well as writing that "instead of correcting issues with the notification panel and alerts, Apple has simply given them a fresh coat of paint and several layers of sub-navigation [...] doing nothing to actually speed up your productivity on the device."{{cite web|first=Joshua|last=Topolsky|title=The design of iOS 7: simply confusing|url=https://www.theverge.com/apple/2013/6/10/4416726/the-design-of-ios-7-simply-confusing|website=The Verge|publisher=Vox Media|date=June 10, 2013|access-date=February 5, 2017|archive-date=May 27, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220527115749/https://www.theverge.com/apple/2013/6/10/4416726/the-design-of-ios-7-simply-confusing|url-status=live}}
The Nielsen Norman Group, a research company, wrote an extensive report on the user-experience of iOS 7, summarizing the report as "Flat design hides calls to action, and swiping around the edges can interfere with carousels and scrolling."{{cite web|first=Raluca|last=Budiu|title=iOS 7 User-Experience Appraisal|url=https://www.nngroup.com/articles/ios-7|publisher=Nielsen Norman Group|date=October 12, 2013|access-date=February 5, 2017|archive-date=June 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220608111053/https://www.nngroup.com/articles/ios-7|url-status=live}}
David Pogue of The New York Times, however, liked the minimalist design of iOS 7, writing that "The longer you spend with the new OS, the more you're grateful for the fixing and de-annoyifying on display," and that "you can swipe upward from the bottom of the screen to open the Control Center: a compact, visual palette of controls for the settings and functions you're most likely to need." He also praised the improvements to the Siri voice assistant, writing that Siri "is much better." He concluded by writing: "The structure, layout, and features represent some of Apple's best work. The look of iOS 7 — well, that judgment is up to you."{{cite web|first=David|last=Pogue|title=Yes, There's a New iPhone. But That's Not the Big News.|url=https://pogue.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/09/17/yes-theres-a-new-iphone-but-thats-not-the-big-news|website=The New York Times|date=September 17, 2013|access-date=February 5, 2017|archive-date=December 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211202111936/https://pogue.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/09/17/yes-theres-a-new-iphone-but-thats-not-the-big-news|url-status=live}}
Darrell Etherington of TechCrunch focused on many of the new features introduced, praising the Control Center as being "incredibly useful", AirDrop as being "great" (although noting the lack of interoperability between iOS and Mac at the time), Siri as being "more generally useful", and the new multitasking features as "smarter", with the multitasking screen being "much better". In conclusion, he wrote that "There's no question that iOS 7 will be a dramatic change from the iOS many users already know and love, but on balance it's an update packed with plenty of new features that make using Apple's mobile devices easier and more enjoyable".{{cite web|first=Darrell|last=Etherington|title=Apple iOS 7 Review: A Major Makeover That Delivers, But Takes Some Getting Used To|url=https://techcrunch.com/2013/09/17/ios-7-review-apple|website=TechCrunch|publisher=AOL|date=September 17, 2013|access-date=February 5, 2017|archive-date=October 8, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161008183416/https://techcrunch.com/2013/09/17/ios-7-review-apple|url-status=live}}
Some critics noted the influence of competition from other mobile platforms on the design and functionality of iOS 7. Of note were the use of concepts from Android and Windows Phone, such as a similarly minimal and typographic design, Control Center being an equivalent to similar settings toggles on the notification shade of Android, a similar multitasking menu to WebOS, and even the design of the Weather app being almost identical to those on Windows 8 and HTC Sense.{{cite web|first=Galen|last=Gruman|title=Yes, iOS 7 copies Windows Phone and Android -- get used to it|url=http://www.infoworld.com/article/2611537/ios/yes--ios-7-copies-windows-phone-and-android----get-used-to-it.html|website=InfoWorld|publisher=International Data Group|date=June 14, 2013|access-date=February 5, 2017|archive-date=June 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170612111756/http://www.infoworld.com/article/2611537/ios/yes--ios-7-copies-windows-phone-and-android----get-used-to-it.html|url-status=live}} Sascha Segan of PC Magazine stated that "Apple's brilliance is in putting the pieces together and marketing them. Apple's developer APIs and its history of making money for developers still reign supreme—there's less piracy than on Android, and a bigger audience and more design flexibility than on Windows Phone."{{cite web|first=Sascha|last=Segan|title=iOS 7 Steals From, Stomps On Competitors|url=http://uk.pcmag.com/smartphones/14930/news/ios-7-steals-from-stomps-on-competitors|website=PC Magazine|publisher=Ziff Davis|date=June 10, 2013|access-date=February 5, 2017|archive-date=January 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170116153907/http://uk.pcmag.com/smartphones/14930/news/ios-7-steals-from-stomps-on-competitors|url-status=live}}
The adoption rate of iOS 7 was reported to be as high as 35% after one day.{{cite web|first=Darrell|last=Etherington|title=iOS 7 Adoption Already As High As 35% In One Day, Apple And Developers Reap The Rewards|url=https://techcrunch.com/2013/09/19/ios-7-adoption-already-as-high-as-35-in-one-day-apple-and-developers-reap-the-rewards|website=TechCrunch|publisher=AOL|date=September 19, 2013|access-date=February 5, 2017|archive-date=February 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170206022146/https://techcrunch.com/2013/09/19/ios-7-adoption-already-as-high-as-35-in-one-day-apple-and-developers-reap-the-rewards|url-status=live}} Within five days, iOS 7 was installed on more than 200 million devices, which Apple claimed was "the fastest software upgrade in history."{{cite web|title=First Weekend iPhone Sales Top Nine Million, Sets New Record|url=https://www.apple.com/pr/library/2013/09/23First-Weekend-iPhone-Sales-Top-Nine-Million-Sets-New-Record.html|publisher=Apple Inc.|date=September 23, 2013|access-date=February 5, 2017|archive-date=March 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170309092203/http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2013/09/23First-Weekend-iPhone-Sales-Top-Nine-Million-Sets-New-Record.html|url-status=live}} In August 2014, it was reported that 91% of iOS devices ran iOS 7 at the time.{{cite web|first=Neil|last=Hughes|title=While 91% of Apple users run iOS 7, five different versions of Android hold 10%+ share|url=http://appleinsider.com/articles/14/08/22/while-91-of-apple-users-run-ios-7-five-different-versions-of-android-hold-10-share|website=AppleInsider|date=August 22, 2014|access-date=December 29, 2016|archive-date=January 29, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160129202510/http://appleinsider.com/articles/14/08/22/while-91-of-apple-users-run-ios-7-five-different-versions-of-android-hold-10-share|url-status=live}}
Problems
=Design causing sickness=
In September 2013, Pranav Dixit of Fast Company reported about user complaints shared on Apple's support forums that the new design of iOS 7, including "many zoom animations while multitasking and opening and closing apps, in addition to a slight parallax effect" were causing users to feel sick. Dixit noted that while the parallax effect could be turned off, most animations did not have such an option.{{cite web|first=Pranav|last=Dixit|title=iOS 7 is reportedly making people sick|url=https://www.fastcompany.com/3018636/fast-feed/ios-7-is-reportedly-making-people-sick|website=Fast Company|publisher=Mansueto Ventures|date=September 27, 2013|access-date=February 5, 2017|archive-date=February 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170206023401/https://www.fastcompany.com/3018636/fast-feed/ios-7-is-reportedly-making-people-sick|url-status=live}}
Dr. George Kikano, "division chief of family medicine at UH Case Medical Center in Ohio," told Fox News that "There's some validity to this, for people who are susceptible." Fox News wrote that Dr. Kikano said "It's a new "parallax" function that causes the background of the phone to subtly move back and forth, a feature that leads to an effect not unlike car sickness. The inner ear is responsible for balance, the eyes for vision. When things are out of sync you feel dizzy, nauseous. Some people get it, some people don't, and some people get used to it."{{cite web|first=Jeremy A.|last=Kaplan|title=Apple iOS 7 is sickening users, doctor confirms|url=https://www.foxnews.com/tech/apple-ios-7-is-sickening-users-doctor-confirms|website=Fox News|publisher=Fox Entertainment Group|date=September 27, 2013|access-date=December 1, 2020|archive-date=December 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201205124029/https://www.foxnews.com/tech/apple-ios-7-is-sickening-users-doctor-confirms|url-status=live}}
=Battery drain=
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes of ZDNet wrote in March 2014 that iPhone and iPad users reported battery drain with the iOS 7.1 update.{{cite web|first=Adrian|last=Kingsley-Hughes|title=Poor battery life after installing iOS 7.1? Try these simple tips|url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/poor-battery-life-after-installing-ios-7-1-try-these-simple-tips/|website=ZDNet|publisher=CBS Interactive|date=March 15, 2014|access-date=March 31, 2017|archive-date=March 31, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170331205221/http://www.zdnet.com/article/poor-battery-life-after-installing-ios-7-1-try-these-simple-tips|url-status=live}} In lab testing, Andrew Cunningham of Ars Technica found some hardware models experienced minor battery depletion, while others experienced no statistically significant changes.{{cite web|first=Andrew|last=Cunningham|title=Refinements, additions, and un-breaking stuff: iOS 7.1 reviewed|url=https://arstechnica.com/apple/2014/03/refinements-additions-and-un-breaking-stuff-ios-7-1-reviewed|website=Ars Technica|publisher=Condé Nast|date=March 11, 2014|access-date=February 5, 2017|archive-date=February 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170206103609/https://arstechnica.com/apple/2014/03/refinements-additions-and-un-breaking-stuff-ios-7-1-reviewed|url-status=live}}
=Lock screen bypass=
Dom Esposito of 9to5Mac reported in June 2014 that a new lock screen bypass method had been discovered in iOS 7, allowing access to the phone in "5 seconds under certain circumstances". The issue was later fixed.{{cite web|first=Dom|last=Esposito|title=New lock screen bypass discovered in iOS 7, allows access in 5 seconds under certain circumstances (Update: Resolved)|url=https://9to5mac.com/2014/06/09/new-lock-screen-bypass-discovered-in-ios-7-allows-access-in-5-seconds-under-certain-circumstances|website=9to5Mac|date=June 9, 2014|access-date=February 5, 2017|archive-date=February 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170206104035/https://9to5mac.com/2014/06/09/new-lock-screen-bypass-discovered-in-ios-7-allows-access-in-5-seconds-under-certain-circumstances|url-status=live}}
Supported devices
iOS 7 drops support for devices with less than 512 MB of RAM thus ending support for the iPhone 3GS and the iPod Touch (4th generation).
{{cite web|title=iOS REF|url=https://iosref.com/ram-processor}}
{{cite web|title=iOS 7|url=https://support.apple.com/kb/dl1682?locale=en_US|publisher=Apple Inc.|date=September 18, 2013|access-date=February 8, 2017|archive-date=January 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170121080010/https://support.apple.com/kb/DL1682?locale=en_US|url-status=live}}
With support being dropped from the iPhone 3GS, software updates from devices with Samsung processors were no longer available. However, the iPhone 4 has limited support.{{Efn|Siri, certain Maps features such 3D maps and turn-by-turn navigation, AirDrop, AirPlay mirroring, visual effects, and certain Camera features such as panorama mode and camera filters are not available on the iPhone 4.}}
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=iPhone=
=iPod Touch=
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=iPad=
Version history
{{notelist}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- {{cite web|url=https://www.apple.com/ios|title=iOS 7|access-date=March 12, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140908012302/http://www.apple.com/ios|archive-date=September 8, 2014|df=mdy-all}}
{{S-start}}
{{Succession box|title=iOS 7|years=2013|before=iOS 6|after=iOS 8}}
{{S-end}}
{{iOS}}
{{Darwin derivations}}
{{Apple software}}
{{Apple}}
Category:Products introduced in 2013
Category:Mobile operating systems