Apple's new operating system, iOS 7, is available for free download starting Sept. 18, according to a Sept. 17 report in MacDailyNews. This new software will revolutionize the way your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch looks and works.
A different look for iOS 7
Apple has stripped away the unnecessary buttons, bars and ornaments from iOS 7, giving it a simple, streamlined design that uses bright colors and has new shortcuts and menus. But while it looks different and new—with a few big changes—users will see that it works in the same basic way.
New iOS 7 features to be on the lookout for:
--AirDrop, a cool Mac feature that lets iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch users send files to each other quickly and easily. Now, if you want to sent a photo or video you don't have embed it in a text or attach it to an email message, you simply tap the AirDrop icon.
--Control Center, a simple and fast way to access key settings without having to visit different menus in Settings or Utilities. Just swipe up from the bottom in any screen and you will be able to change Brightness, switch to Airplane mode, enable Wi-Fi and even turn on the flashlight!
--iTunes Radio, a free streaming radio service that learns about the music you love and then plays the music that you like to hear.
--Siri, Apple's voice “assistant” has a new look and sound. Most importantly, it has new powers. Siri can now access Twitter, Wikipedia and can control many of your iPhone's settings. You can even use Siri with iTunes Radio to customize your radio stations. There is also an option to change Siri's female voice to a male voice (Settings>General>Siri).
--FaceTime Audio, is now a new option to FaceTime. This Skype-like feature brings free long distance calling to the iPhone (or iPad or iPod Touch) over Wi-Fi.
Downloading iOS 7
Beginning at noon tomorrow, EST (9am PST) you'll be able to download iOS 7. To be on the safe side first backup your iPhone to iTunes (With the latest version of iTunes open, your iPhone to your computer and select File>Devices>Back up. Be sure the power cable is plugged into your phone). When the update is complete, disconnect your iPhone from your computer and choose Settings>General>Software Update.
Which iPhones, iPads and iPod Touchs support iOS 7?
Apple says that iPhone 4+, iPad 2+, the iPads with Retina display and the iPad mini, along with the iPad Touch 5+ can all be updated to iOS 7.
