ABU DHABI // A major update for iPhones, iPads and iPods is due to go live later today.
Apple will launch its much anticipated iOS 7 operating system that will change not just the appearance of the now familiar phone and tablet’s icons, but add a range of new features.
iOS 7 adds a new “control centre” which can be accessed with a single upwards swipe of the screen to access commonly used features and a new “notification centre” that can be used from the lock screen to track messages and apps.
The way photos are organised has been changed by using the time and location of each picture taken to arrange albums, as well as new options for photo editing and sharing.
There have also been updates made to the functionality and voice of Siri, the voice activated personal assistant.
A sharing tool called “AirDrop” also promises to make exchanging content with friends or contacts easier and more secure.
Overall, Apple has said that it is “the biggest change to iOS since the introduction of the iPhone” and will offer a cleaner, sleeker look for the devices.
Users will be notified of the free update once it goes live later today across the world.
Updates to the operating system of Apple’s mobile devices can be done without connection to a computer, but users must ensure they have sufficient battery life and an active internet connection to apply the update.
The update could be slow to download if you are trying to access it as soon as it goes live, with thousands of people all attempting to apply it at the same time.
iOS 7 can been applied to the iPhone 4, 4s and 5, iPad 2 or later models, the iPad mini and fifth generation iPod touch, but will not to available for older Apple devices
The upgrade to the operating system comes ahead of the launch of two new iPhones within the coming week, the next generation iPhone 5s and scaled down, cheaper iPhone 5c.
The iPhone 5s and 5c will come with iOS 7 pre-loaded.
ksinclair@thenational.ae
