FollowApple’s iOS 7 is likely to undergo sweeping changes with Johny Ive leading the iOS team. Expectations abound with manifold rumors, and the latest report from 9to5Mac says that the redesign will avoid complicated textures and focus on a “flat design” with more black and white elements on the user interface.
In general, the overhaul will do away with features like drop shadow and tone down colors that provide the pop-up like designs in the current version. The redesign will add scrollable wallpapers continuing across all home screens – resembling Android – in place of the static image style.
Among the updated UI features, the new OS will remove the slide-to-unlock shiny bar and incorporate a black and hushed interface. The numerical pad for lock code entry is also expected to get a facelift. The linen backdrop of the Notification Center will be changed to a grey milieu with white text. Additional Notification Center widgets are also likely.
Considering rumors that the iPhone will come with a Fingerprint recognition feature, iOS 7 is likely to provide software support for the feature. The control panel is likely to be updated for gesture control from the home screen to increase functionality.
Some of the new features include an exclusive FaceTime app for iPhone, Flicker, Vimeo integration and Siri for hands-free operation. New APIs are also expected, so developers can augment the functionality of apps.
Most of the changes seem to be improvements rather than extra features. Apple is likely to launch the new OS along with the new iPhone and iPad hardware. With the iOS 7 likely to be introduced at the WWDC event in June 10th, it remains to be seen whether rumors of the major overhaul will turn out to be true.
