Apple

iOS 7: what you need to know before updating

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated June 7, 2024

Today is the big day as Apple has finally unleashed iOS 7 to the public. Billed as the biggest change to iOS since the original iPhone (it really is), iOS 7 provides a distinctively new yet familiar visual feel to it while offering a host of nice enhancements that make it a worthwhile upgrade.

The mobile operating system is available as a free update to owners of supported iPhone, iPad and iPod touch devices. Here's a recap of what's new in iOS 7, why it matters and some sound advice on the steps you should take prior to deploying iOS 7 on your devices...

iOS 7 is out, get downloading

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated June 7, 2024

Like clockwork, Apple has just released the long anticipated iOS 7 software update. Packed with innovative new features and rocking the controversial Jony Ive-approved user interface overhaul, the seventh iteration of Apple's mobile operating system for iOS devices is now available to owners of the iPhone 4 and later, iPad 2 and later, iPad mini and fifth-generation iPod touch.

Building on its predecessor, iOS 7 comes packed with new features such as Control Center, AirDrop wireless file sharing, Vimeo and Flickr integration, ad-supported iTunes Radio, FaceTime audio calls and more. It also improves upon the existing feature set with such stuff as enhanced alerts, the improved Notification Center, smoother multitasking, improvements to Siri, Safari, Photos and many other stock apps...

iTunes TOS amended with Touch ID, Popular Near Me clarification

Christian Zibreg ∙ September 18, 2013

In another sign of the imminent iOS 7 release, Apple has just released iTunes 11.1 for Mac and Windows with support for iOS 7 devices and installations, also bringing out new features like iTunes Radio, Podcast Stations and Genius Shuffle.

As part of the release - and consistent with Apple's history - the company has updated the iTunes Terms & Conditions. The document has been amended with additional information regarding authenticating your account for purchases and automatic delivery of app updates, in addition to the previously unknown tidbits about the App Store's Popular Near Me feature...

iTunes 11.1 is out with iTunes Radio, Podcast Stations, Genius Shuffle

Christian Zibreg ∙ September 18, 2013

In another sign that iOS 7 release is imminent, Apple has just posted the iTunes 11.1 update which brings out not only iOS 7 compatibility, but a few new features, including the long-expected, ad-supported iTunes Radio streaming, in addition to Podcast Stations, the new Genius Shuffle capability, support for iOS 7 device sync and more.

You're going to love Genius Shuffle, "a magical new way to experience your music library" that plays songs that go great together from iCloud.

And if you're into podcasts, iTunes 11.1 lets you create automagically-updated custom stations of your favorite podcasts. I've included the full changelog right after the break...

Apple tops PC customer satisfaction for tenth year

Ed Sutherland ∙ September 18, 2013

Apple once more tops PC customer satisfaction. The Mac and iPad creator practically owns the top spot, ranking No. 1 in the American Customer Satisfaction for nearly a decade. Since 2004, Apple has scored highest in pre-sale expectations, perceived quality and value, number of complaints and customer loyalty.

The firm scored 87, 1.2 percent higher than 2012 and topping the 79 rating for average PC customer satisfaction. Where were the competitors? In the basement, or lower...

Apple posts iOS 7 user guides for the iPad and iPod touch

Christian Zibreg ∙ September 18, 2013

With each new iOS release, Apple typically makes available the accompanying user guide through the Manuals section of its website. With the advent of iBooks and the iBookstore, the company started reformatting these manuals for the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad devices, making them available as free downloads on the iBookstore.

As we count the remaining hours until today's iOS 7 release, we've just spotted the official iOS 7 manual on the iBookstore...

iPad mini 2 back shell in space gray?

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated November 29, 2016

With the iPhone 5s and 5c, Apple has clearly adopted a new color scheme for this year's iPhones. On the plastic end, we have white, red, green, blue and yellow as your vivid color choices. The flagship iPhone 5s, however, has switched to three finishes: in addition to the much talked-about gold variant, there's also a silver model which closely resembles last year's white iPhone 5 and an all new space gray model, basically a subtly toned down black iPhone 5 design with a gray backplate that gives it a more metallic feel.

Which begs the question of new iPads. With these design changes in place for new iPhones, will Apple adopt a similar strategy for the iPad 5 and iPad mini 2? A new part that leaked Wednesday shows a new space gray color finish on a back shell said to belong to the forthcoming second-gen iPad mini upgrade...

Infinity Blade III launches on the App Store

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 27, 2019

Infinity Blade has long been a so-called system seller, an iOS masterpiece meant to highlight the power of Apple's iOS platform by taking the GPU inside your iPhone, iPod touch and iPad to its limits.

Developer Chair said in July that Infinity Blades: Dungeons had been canceled due to internal reshuffling that saw the company focus on the third installment in the series, Infinity Blade III.

Apple during its iPhone 5s/5c keynote last month invited representatives from Chair to demo the game on stage. In a quick follow-up, Chair then posted a trailer video and this morning the game surfaced on the App Store, ahead of the expected iOS 7 release later today...

Apple officially launches iOS 7-inspired iCloud.com

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 13, 2018

On the eve of the official launch of iOS 7, Apple has rolled out a new version of iCloud.com to the public. The redesign, which has been in beta for several months now, brings new icons and other elements inspired by tomorrow's update.

Additionally, every web app has been rebuilt to match its mobile counterpart, including Mail, Contacts, Calendar, Notes, Reminders and Find My iPhone. And the wallpaper now mirrors the dynamic, slow-moving wallpaper in iOS 7 as well...

iPhone 5s inventory expected to be extremely limited at launch

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 14, 2018

With Apple not offering pre-orders on its new iPhone 5s, customers wanting to pick up the handset will either have to stay up late Thursday night to order it online, or head to their local retailer Friday morning.

But no matter which route you decide to take, make sure you act quickly—no dawdling. Early reports are indicating that iPhone 5s inventories, at retailers and carriers, are going to be very limited at launch...

Apple hiring genre experts to curate music for iTunes Radio stations

Cody Lee ∙ Updated March 15, 2018

Alongside iOS 7, Apple will also be launching its new streaming music service iTunes Radio this week. The move will signal the company's most significant in the digital music space since it first introduced the iTunes Store back in 2003.

Record labels, advertisers, and many others in the industry are betting big on Apple's radio service, which promises to help users discover and purchase new music. And today, CNET shares new details regarding Apple's efforts on that front...

Poll: what iPhone 5c color would you pick?

Christian Zibreg ∙ September 17, 2013

Haters are unapologetically disparaging Apple's iPhone 5c as an old iPhone 5 dressed up in some fancy colors. There's nothing wrong with that, mind you. At the same time, the device appears to be quickly selling out pretty much everywhere, from the United States to China. Prudent watchers are wise to warn against underestimating the power of the color in marketing, even more so with the world's greatest marketing machine pitching the colorized iPhone 5c.

We've already asked you whether you'll be getting an iPhone 5s or 5c and now we zero in on the colorful iPhone 5c. So, which iPhone 5c color are you?