Apple has given developers and customers an advance look at the latest versions of iOS and Max OS X, the software which powers its iPhones & iPads and desktop & laptop computers.
iOS 7, which will be available as a free download for iPad and iPhone later this year, heralds a break with the design of previous versions, dropping the use of leather, wood and other real-world inspired textures in favour of a new flatter design.
The software also includes some new features, including a new control centre which gives quicker access to controls for Airplane Mode, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and screen brightness settings.
User also gain access to AirDrop, Apple’s WifI enabled file transfer tool and improved multi-tasking.
Apple says the new look gives the software “a cleaner, simpler look”.
Craig Federighi, the firm’s senior vice president of Software Engineering, said the design changes make iOS 7 “the most significant iOS update since the original iPhone”.
“There is a profound and enduring beauty in simplicity, in clarity, in efficiency. True simplicity is derived from so much more than just the absence of clutter and ornamentation—it’s about bringing order to complexity,” added Jony Ive, Apple’s senior vice president of Design. “
The revamped software includes access to iTunes Radio, a new streaming radio service based around the iTunes store and which Apple says will offer pre-release access to selected tracks as well as popular and library songs.
Apple also released a released a developer preview of OS X Mavericks, the 10th major version of its operating system for desktop & laptop Macs.
The new software will bring Apple’s maps and iBooks apps to the firm’s computer range for the first time and introduces includes enhanced support for multi-display systems and an all new version of Safari.
The preview release of OS X Mavericks is available to Mac Developer Program members and will be available for users to buy from the Mac App Store in the autumn.
