During today’s iPhone event, Apple announced the official release date for iOS 7, the next generation of the company’s mobile operating system. Originally unveiled at WWDC in June, iOS 7 includes a “stunning new user interface” that marks a dramatic visual departure from every prior version of iOS, sporting refined typography, with new animations, layered effects, and transparency.
During the event, Senior VP Craig Federighi took the stage to quickly demonstrate several of the major new features in iOS 7, including the new lock screen and “harmonious layout” of the home screen, along with the new Control Center, Notification Center, and multitasking view. He also highlighted how Siri can search Twitter, Wikipedia, and perform inline web and photo searches, and showed off the new camera filters and mode features and the new “share sheet” with AirDrop support for sharing items with other nearby iOS devices over a Wi-Fi connection.
Federighi highlighted the new iTunes Radio feature as well, describing it as “the best way to experience new music.”
iOS 7 is compatible with the iPhone 4 and later, fifth-generation iPod, iPad 2, iPad with Retina Display, and iPad mini. It will be available for download as a free update via iTunes and OTA update on September 18th.
