iOS 7 Launch Offers At Least 10 Reasons to Upgrade

by Don Reisinger

Who can argue with the iOS 7 price? To download the update, users need only to have enough charge in their iPhone or iPad and start the download. Unlike OS X, which Apple charges for, the company offers up its mobile operating system at no charge. In other words, there’s no major barrier to getting iOS 7 and trying it out.

Apple’s redesign for iOS is simply stellar. Led by Jonathan Ive, the company’s lead designer, the operating system’s redesign has delivered a new look and feel to a software platform that was getting more than a little boring. The operating system has a new life with its redesign and makes everything work just a bit better. It’s a win-win.

Apple has added a new feature, called Control Center, that’s designed to put all of the important functions in close proximity to what a person needs. So, if they want to change the device’s volume, change a song or access their settings quickly, it’s all possible with Control Center. It’s a great addition to the operating system.

Apple has announced publicly that its operating system comes with several security enhancements. The company, however, didn’t say exactly what they are. Still, it’s important to note that Apple’s iOS 7 addresses some of the security issues found in previous versions of the software and should make things at least a little harder for hackers to capitalize on unsuspecting users.

Apple’s Notification Center has been around for a couple of years, but it’s been updated in dramatic fashion with iOS 7. The feature now allows for users to see more information about what they’ve missed, and a new Today option tells folks everything they need to know about the day, including what’s on their calendar, calls they need to make and what the weather will be like.

Apple’s AirDrop is one of the handiest tools out there for those who want to quickly transfer big files between Apple devices on the same network. Apple is now bringing the feature to mobile with support for it in iOS 7. It might not be near-field communication, but it’s certainly the next-best thing.

Apple’s iTunes Radio will be launching with iOS 7, allowing users to have a Pandora-like experience from their iPhones or iPads. Apple’s iTunes Radio should allow for more music discovery and help people get a bit more from their entertainment experience in iOS. It’ll be a nice addition to iOS.

Apple’s Siri has also been improved in iOS 7 with the option to choose voices. In addition, the platform is a bit smarter than in previous versions, and can more adeptly respond to queries and provide accurate answers. Coupled with the iPhone 5S, the new and improved Siri might just be the best update yet.

Apple’s Safari has gotten a major overhaul. In addition to a streamlined design, the browser can now support unlimited tabs, instead of the current limit of eight. Safari also includes faster page-loading times and a full-screen mode to show more of a Web page than previous versions. It’s a nice update.

In-car integration has been something users have been hoping for from iOS for quite some time. With iOS 7, Apple has added full in-car integration with Siri Eyes Free and strategic partnerships with carmakers. Before long, Siri will be pumping through car speakers and iPhone owners will be responding to text messages, asking for directions and more through iOS 7.