iOS 7: Frequently Asked Questions

iOS 7: Frequently Asked Questions

On September 10, 2013, Apple announced the official launch of iOS 7. We'd like to offer you a brief overview of iOS 7 and try to answer some questions you may have at this time.

What is iOS 7?

iOS 7 is the newest version of the mobile operating system for Apple devices, including the iPhone, iPad, andiPod Touch. iOS 7 contains a number of new features and design elements that will make your device easier to use.

When Will iOS 7 Be Available?

iOS 7 was released on September 18, 2013.

How Much Does it Cost?

Nothing—iOS 7 is free to download, like all previous versions of iOS.

How Do I Get iOS 7?

If you buy a new iOS device, iOS 7 will come pre-installed. You won't need to do anything to install it.

If you have an existing iOS device, you'll be able to download and install iOS 7 starting September 18. Once iOS 7 is available, just go to Settings, select General, and then tap Software Update.

Downloading a software update

What's New in iOS 7?

Each version of iOS usually introduces a lot of new features, and iOS 7 is no exception. Below are some of the most important changes and features in iOS 7:

• Redesigned Interface: The first thing you'll notice about iOS 7 is how it looks. Departing from previous versions, iOS uses a very different aesthetic, or design sense, with an emphasis on flatter textures, thinner fonts, and brighter colors. While these are all big changes, they won't dramatically change the way you'll use the device—if you're already familiar with iOS, you won't need to relearn how to use it.
• Control Center: A convenient new feature, the Control Center allows you to quickly access frequently used settings for your device. By swiping up from the bottom of the screen, you'll be able to adjust the screen brightness, turn Wi-Fi on and off, use your camera's flash as a flashlight, and much more.
• AirDrop: Sometimes you may want to share photos and files from your iPhone with someone else. Rather than emailing the file as an attachment, you can use AirDrop to wirelessly share files with other nearby iPhones. You can also use AirDrop to send a file to a nearby computer, although this only works with newer Macs that are running OS X Mountain Lion or OS X Lion.
• Improved Notifications and Multitasking: iOS 7 makes it easy to keep up with different tasks. In the Notification Center, you'll see updates and reminders from different apps. And the new multitasking feature allows you to quickly switch between apps and close the ones you aren't using.
  

iOS 7 includes lots of other new features—watch this video from Apple to learn more.

What Devices Can Use iOS 7?

iOS 7 is available for the following devices:

• iPhone 5S
• iPhone 5C
• iPhone 5
• iPhone 4S
• iPhone 4

• iPad (3rd and 4th generation)
• iPad Mini
• iPad 2

• iPod Touch (5th generation)

 

 

iOS 7 is not available for the iPhone 3GS, the original iPad (released in 2010), or previous generations of the iPod Touch. If you use one of these devices, you'll still be able to use your existing version of iOS. Keep in mind, however, that your device may suffer performance issues if you download apps from the App Store designed for iOS 7.

Am I Required to Upgrade to iOS 7?

While it's not necessarily required, we recommend that you upgrade your device to iOS 7 if possible. This will help keep your phone up to date and working with newer apps.

If I Don't Upgrade, Will I Still Be Able to Download Newer Apps?

Yes, but some apps may not always work correctly. If you don't upgrade to iOS 7, you may want to research how well an app will work on your device before downloading or updating it.

Even if an app has always worked perfectly on your device, there is a chance that the newer versions may only run smoothly on iOS 7. You may want to avoid updating your favorite apps unless you are sure they will work with your device's operating system. Once you update an app, you won't be able to go back to an older version.

Will My Apps Still Be There After I Upgrade?

Yes. Any app you previously had installed on your phone will still be there once you upgrade to iOS 7. Some built-in Apple apps, like Messages and Calendar, will be updated automatically when you upgrade.

Will My Apps Still Work After I Upgrade?

Almost all apps installed on iOS 6 should work correctly in iOS 7. If not, the App developer will likely release an update to address the issue.