Updated last September 12, 2013, I have more or less 7 days observing the new iOS 7 running on my Iphone 5. Yes, September 12, 2013. Maybe you'll ask if it's the illegal version or the version that I have to pay to have it in advance. All I can say is NO. As I was browsing the net, I come across this site. I was convinced that it was the GM (Gold Master) Release so I hurriedly connected my iPhone 5 to my 13" Macbook Air 2013. And to make the story short, I had the iOS 7 officially 2:22AM of September 13, 2013.
Overall, I like the cleanliness of iOS 7. Its simplicity and familiarity add up to these new features also that I have observed.
First Impression
The first observation I had with the iOS 7 are "bigger icons" in the home Screen. I don't know if it holds true to everyone but it was the first thought I had during that moment. Next thing I tested was the Control Center, the Android-like shortcut panel where I can turn on/off Wifi, Bluetooth, Airplane Mode, Rotation Lock and Night Mode. Music player, screen brightness, flashlight, clock, calculator and the camera join the list of things I can do with Control Center. Since I'm a Globe postpaid unlimited data subscriber, I then asked why there's no option for Cellular Data.
Overall, I like the cleanliness of iOS 7. Its simplicity and familiarity add up to these new features also that I have observed.
Side-Edge Swipe is Back
In Messages App, while asking of all colors why green for the messages coming from me, I accidentally "side-edge swipe" it. Shocked, I do it again and confirmed that back button will be saying goodbye in iOS 7. Yes, there's still that big back Message at the top but I'd rather use side-edge swipe going back. It also applies to Mail, Contacts, Settings and many more. It indeed saved some seconds reaching to that uppermost back button.
Spotlight Search
First observed during the Sept 10 Apple iPhone event, I then tested Spotlight Search. It's brilliant. I can do it in all screens, saving some time to go through that left-most screen.
Opacity
The success of iOS7 can be majorly founded in the opacity of objects, smooth animations, "bubble bounce" in Messages and redesigning completely the all of it, letting you see either 1 or 2 colors in any screen, at least for built-in Apps from Apple.
Calendar
A major design change is also the Calendar App. From displaying all the days of the month, it shifted to showing the current week at the top and displaying as main content the whole day schedule for that selected date. Can't find the List of events? Just click the Magnifying lens right beside the "+" or Add.
Notification Center
From one panel, it includes now 3 panels that you can select either by clicking on the top or swiping side or left. Today includes appointments, reminders, birthdays. It also gives some snippet of what's gonna happen the day after. All panel is just like the old Notification Center in the previous version of iOS which includes Apps notifications. I do not frequently go to Missed, maybe that's something Apple has to look out for. Surprisingly, shortcut to post in facebook and twitter is gone. Well, after all posting is not a notification but an action, isn't it?
Redundant Hotspot
Using Cellular data, I also observed the addition of Personal Hotspot inside Cellular option. Just below it, I can also see the Personal Hotspot. I think I can't use Personal Hotspot if Cellular is turned off so removing Personal Hotspot under Cellular may look logical.
AirDrop
Not to forget AirDrop in the Control Center, this piece of option simply turns on Wifi and Bluetooth simultaneously to share or receive file from other iDevices. It works fine and for me a good way of sharing files or any other shareable stuffs around the iPhone. I don't need to Bump or put side by side the phones, as NFC is doing.
Lock Screen
Having the date and time, camera shortcut and the motion thing of the wallpaper, iOS home screen is still the home screen I'll pick. Clean, informative and relaxing.
Background App Refresh, Choosing Wallpaper from lists of iOS 7 inspired GIFs and stills, sophisticated compass design, folders housing unlimited apps, Safari's unified search bar and tabs excellent positions are also some of the noticeables in iOS 7.
Double Home Click
Comparing it to the iOS 6, this is far way better. It shows the runnings apps more informatively. Want to Kill Apps, just slide it up. Have 10 Apps and want to kill them all? Maybe no Kill All Apps running feature but I can kill 1 to 3 Apps simultaneously. Just use 3 fingers and slide it up.
Verdict
It's a great update and I can't fully understand why some people are not updating. Well, sources told that 15% is iOS7 adoption rate in just six hours. For other 85%, then get that iPhone/iPad updated.
