Despite causing quite a number of debates, Apple’s iOS 7 design is definitely something new. It is so new that according to Apple “it’s like getting an entirely new phone, but one you know how to use”.
There’s been a lot said about Apple losing its touch when it comes to sleek and innovative design. Users and critics have waited with anxiety every new release hoping that would be the one that will blow their minds. For the most part, Apple kept within known limits, changing less and less with every new product, whereas its technology standards have been met by other producers for a more affordable price. The iOS 7 design is exactly that new thing so many have been waiting from Apple, and although the visual changes feel a bit odd, it’s a change a lot more will grow to love than you’d imagine.
There’s been a lot said about Apple losing its touch when it comes to sleek and innovative design. Users and critics have waited with anxiety every new release hoping that would be the one that will blow their minds. For the most part, Apple kept within known limits, changing less and less with every new product, whereas its technology standards have been met by other producers for a more affordable price. The iOS 7 design is exactly that new thing so many have been waiting from Apple, and although the visual changes feel a bit odd, it’s a change a lot more will grow to love than you’d imagine.
At the iOS 7 debut, Apple CEO Tim Cook referred to the new firmware as the “biggest change to iOS since the introduction of the iPhone”, whereas Craig Federighi says the new design makes your iPhone feel like “an entirely new phone, but one you know how to use”. Critics however, were not impressed with Apple’s attempt to shift focus from software and hardware innovation with a few bright colors and an odd icons design. Jony Ive’s design for iOS 7 has been dubbed as “black and white and flat all over” whereas reports have already surface that the messed up icon design was the result of miscommunication and damaging competition within the design department.
But while most have stopped their in-depth look at icon design, iOS 7 does have some design features that aim to improve the user’s experience. First of all, there is a concentrated focus towards better multitasking and easier navigation. Icons are simpler, although there’s room for improvement when it comes to the finer details, iMessage and Calendar have a cleaner look, Weather, iTunes and Notes have shed the extra shadows and lines.
There are new ways of navigation in the menu, for instance you can go back to a previous page by simply swiping from the left edge of the screen. Also when you move the device, the screen tilts in that direction and gives you a brief view of the icons behind. iOS 7 will also turn translucent in specific places to provide the user with “a sense of your context”.
But while most have stopped their in-depth look at icon design, iOS 7 does have some design features that aim to improve the user’s experience. First of all, there is a concentrated focus towards better multitasking and easier navigation. Icons are simpler, although there’s room for improvement when it comes to the finer details, iMessage and Calendar have a cleaner look, Weather, iTunes and Notes have shed the extra shadows and lines.
There are new ways of navigation in the menu, for instance you can go back to a previous page by simply swiping from the left edge of the screen. Also when you move the device, the screen tilts in that direction and gives you a brief view of the icons behind. iOS 7 will also turn translucent in specific places to provide the user with “a sense of your context”.