When Apple announced and showed off iOS 7 to the world at WWDC 2013, it wowed the audience and silenced its critics who have been claiming that the once very innovative company had become stagnant and saw Android overtake iOS in market share and offer more advanced features.
Tim Cook stated that iOS 7 is the biggest change to iOS since the debut of the original iPhone and the new mobile operating system does not disappoint. It has a fresh, new design that makes the UI look elegant and feel modern compared to previous versions of the iOS, and it has many new features that will make any iOS user want to upgrade once it's released later this Fall. Unfortunately, innovation comes at a cost - not every feature of iOS 7 will work with the devices Apple announced would be able to run the operating system. Apple has also phased out some older devices from receiving the update - the iPhone 3GS and fourth generation iPod touch will not receive iOS 7.
Apple has now clarified what features of iOS 7 will work on current and previous generation iOS devices. Apple's iOS 7 features page now includes asterisks indicating what features will be supported. Let's take a look at them.
Apple introduced the ability to take panorama photographs ins iOS 6. Shooting panorama images in iOS 7 will only work on iPhone 5, iPhone 4S, and fifth-generation iPod touch. Another camera feature introduced in iOS 7 allows the ability to add filters to images while using the camera app; this feature will only work with iPhone 5 and fifth generation iPod touch. The feature will work inside the Photos app for all iOS 7 devices.
Apple's response to Samsung's S Beam - a feature that allows Galaxy devices to bump their devices to share content and a feature that Samsung has been highlighting in its commercials while showing iPhone users are left wondering why they don't have that feature - is the AirDrop in iOS 7 and its users will be able to wirelessly share content with other iOS users and groups in close proximity. Apple took a dig at Samsung when announcing the feature, claiming there's no need to walk around a room and bump phones. Apple's version doesn't require bumping the devices but AirDrop will only work on iPhone 5, fifth-generation iPod touch, iPad mini, and fourth generation iPad.
Apple has also updated Siri's voice to be HD in choice of male or female. Siri HD will only work on iPhone 5, iPhone 4S, fifth generation iPod touch, iPad mini, and third and fourth generation iPad.
Apple hasn't revealed an exact release date, only saying iOS 7 would be available in the Fall. It will most likely be released in September when the iPhone 5S and the rumored, low-cost iPhone are expected to debut. Unfortunately, the owners of older iDevices will be left out of the party.
