iOS 7 Receives 18 September Launch Date

The next version of Apple’s mobile operating system, iOS 7, will be made available as a free update to compatible devices on 18 September.

The software is available for the iPhone 4 or later, the iPad 2 or later, the iPad Mini and the fifth generation of the iPod Touch. This means a number of older Apple products will be incompatible, but naturally, the newly announced iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C will ship with the platform.

iOS 7 was first announced at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June and is described as the most significant update to the system since it debuted with the original iPhone in 2007.

iOS 7 launch date

Speaking at the launch of the iPhone 5S and 5C, Craig Federighi, Apple senior vice president of Software Engineering, said it was like “getting a whole new device.” It includes a new user interface, overhauled applications, improvements to Siri and notifications, along with the introduction of iTunes Radio.

Apple also claims next month the 700 millionth iOS device will be shipped, and it will “quickly become the world’s most popular operating system.” The company also says its iWork suite of applications, comprising Pages, Numbers and Keynote, will be made available free to new iOS devices, along with iPhoto and iMovie.

A web-enabled version of iWork has recently been tested by the company and looks to combat the threat of Office 365 applications and web apps that have found their way onto iOS and increase the attractiveness of the platform to enterprises.

The iPhone 5S is Apple’s new flagship device and boasts a faster A7 processor, improved camera and fingerprint sensor, while the iPhone 5C will target lower-priced segments of the smartphone market.

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