Apple’s new operating system, iOS 7, debuted on company servers Sept. 18 and brought with it changes to iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch users alike. The new software includes an all new design and features, according to Apple’s website.
“iOS 7 started with a desire to take an experience people love and make it better,” said Apple’s website. “[iOS 7 was made] to make it even simpler, more useful and more enjoyable – but still feel instantly familiar.”
Senior Yasi Hosseini decided to download the iOS 7 update on her iPhone 5 after looking into it on the Apple website and checking out the site’s sneak preview of the new features and design.
“I just downloaded [iOS 7] because everyone was talking about it, but in retrospect I probably wouldn’t have downloaded it,” said Hosseini. “I personally am not a big fan but I think that stems from the fact that I’m not used to it.”
So, despite Apple’s attempts to keep a system that is familiar to its users, some of its new features are a bit baffling to users, at least at first.
Hosseini said she initially struggled with the totally revamped camera and photo apps.
“In general the photo app [is] kind of confusing,” she said. “I thought that it deleted all my pictures at first [because] they weren’t shown. But then I eventually found them.”
Overall though, she said that the software is generally navigable and user friendly.
Sophomore Elizabeth Batwinis, who downloaded the software out of interest and curiosity, said she didn’t have trouble adjusting to the changes.
“The shortcuts are definitely different,” said Batwinis, “[but] once you know what you’re doing the software is simple to operate.”
Senior Annie Heffernan agreed it takes time for people to adjust to changes in their phones’ layouts and features. Although she has not yet downloaded iOS 7 on her iPhone, she has heard from friends that using the new system was puzzling at first.
“I’ve heard people describe it as weird or confusing but haven’t heard that much negativity about it,” said Heffernan. “At first it’s always a little confusing, but it’s easy to get used to Apple products especially if you have had one before, and everyone easily adapts to their own phone after a little while.”
Some of the update’s new features include Control Center, iTunes Radio and improved multitasking. Swiping upwards on any screen opens the Control Center panel which allows users to activate Airplane mode, turn Wi-Fi on or off or adjust the brightness of their screen. It is also meant to allow users quick and convenient access to a flashlight, camera, calculator, and camera tools, said Apple’s website.
Batwinis said she was particularly excited about these new features, most of which she found helpful.
“iTunes radio is really cool,” she said, “and the [tools] you can access from the lock screen make [accessing] some things much quicker, like the flashlight or alarm.”
iTunes Radio was one of the new features that Hosseini also really liked. She described it as a personalized radio, like a Pandora or Spotify type app, but better. She said she also likes the new background options that came with the update, especially the star background she is currently using on her phone.
One negative aspect of iOS 7 that many students have been complaining about, according to both Hosseini and Heffernan, is that the new system drains their phones’ batteries. This is one of the reasons Heffernan decided to wait to download iOS 7.
Hosseini said that all the fuss about the Apple update, seen plastered on Facebook newsfeeds and other social media sites all Wednesday night was over-hyped.
“A phone is a phone,” she explained, “[It’s silly] to obsess over what software [is on a phone].”
Heffernan, however, disagreed and said she thought the excitement and discussion were understandable given our technology-preoccupied generation.
“I think that technology is a big part of our society today,” she said. “We are living in the technology era and I believe that it is a very important part of our world today and for the future.”
