Should You Update Your iDevices to the New iOS 7

The latest iOS is here and many of the old iPhone and iPad owners are being enticed to make the upgrade. However, as with anything that changes, the upgrade will leave the users of iOS 6 and below wondering whether it is going to be all worth it and what they were to get out of it.

If you want help in making that decision, here are the points that you can consider:

1. Swipes, not taps

If you’re used to tapping your iPhone, then you have to be used to swiping it more now. And these swipes are more powerful too. Try to swipe from the bottom right side of the screen and you’ll access the camera. Swipe up and you’ll get the Control Center where you can see all your frequently used apps and settings. And it won’t matter whether your phone is locked or not; these gestures will work. Try swiping down and swiping from the left and see what happens.

2. Better Control Center

One of the most noticeable changes in the iOS 7 is seen in the Control Center. Now, you can easily turn on Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and the Airplane Mode from there. Quick access tools that allow you to adjust music playback and screen brightness are also present. Even the calculator, clock, and flashlight are available. However, you can’t easily change what’s in the Control Center. You just take what’s there or leave it.

3. Siri is now more intelligent

Siri is the iPhone’s voice assistant and in iOS 7, she sounds a whole lot better. She is no longer speaks like a robot. Now, she can even speak in a male’s voice. But more importantly, she can process a bigger range of voice commands, including settings adjustments and calling back a number. You can also edit Siri’s word-voice associations so you can instruct her better.

4. The maps have changed

You might find the maps of the iOS 7 not as good as how it was before. While it now offers voice navigations, the green 3D markers have been replaced with white 2D boxes. An added feature though is that it adjusts the brightness of the screen automatically, especially during the night, so drivers don’t have to be confused or get distracted.

5. Better browsing experience

The Safari browser installed with the iOS 7 is clearly more functional now. Switching between pages is a lot easier. You don’t have to view one page at a time anymore. You can open several windows in almost the same way that you would a regular computer.

6. Customizable Apps Store

Searching apps by age range is now possible with the iOS 7 so parents can easily restrict what Apps their kids can add to their devices. Also, it is easier to upgrade your apps now, as the system can do that automatically for you. Just make sure you put the auto upgrade setting to on.

7. Better camera software

The photo editing tool of iOS 7 is now better than ever because it allows you to tweak pictures like you’re already on Instagram. However, what’s better is that you get to filter a photo before taking the shot, so that’s little to no editing required of you should you decide to share. Also, you’ll notice that your photos are saved and grouped together with similar ones automatically.

8. Improved multitasking

While you can easily open different apps at the same time using the older iOS, the experience is going to be much better on this newer platform. It is much easier to switch between apps and closing them is a breeze. All you have to do is perform a few swipes or gestures. Upgrading is also more hassle-free now, because you can still use the app even while updating.

9. App Store Suggestions

You might be surprised if you get apps suggestions every so often. Don’t. These suggestions are based on your current location. Sometimes, it will come from a museum nearby. But oftentimes, it will be from a restaurant, fast food chain, or food delivery store that can help you with your dinner choices for the night.

10. Nicer iTunes

If you love music, movies, and anything that’s playing, then you’ll love the new interface of iTunes. But more than just that, iTunes now offers a free internet radio so you can hear all those past and current favorites streaming off your phone. What’s even better is that you can purchase any of those songs as you go along.

11. Free and easy upgrade

If your only concern about upgrading is the complexity of the whole process or the price that you have to pay to make it happen, don’t be. Right now, upgrading to the iOS 7 is free of charge. And you can easily do it by simply going to your phone Settings, then select General, and then tap where it says Software Update. There will be prompts to guide you all the way.

12. It’s basically the same software

Minus all the perks and the visuals, you’ll eventually realize that the iOS 7 is almost the same old iOS that you liked. You may still go through some learning curve and a lot of getting used to, but that’s just for a short period of time. Eventually, you’ll love your new iOS 7 device even better.