Introduction
IOS 7 was released by Apple on September 16, 2013. It marked the seventh major update to the company’s mobile operating system and brought with it a number of new features and improvements that were designed to make app development easier and more efficient. In this article, we will explore some of these features in more detail and examine their impact on developers.
Key Features of iOS 7
UI Redesign
One of the most significant changes introduced with iOS 7 was a complete redesign of the user interface (UI). Apple’s design team overhauled the look and feel of the operating system, introducing new typography, color schemes, and icon designs that were designed to be more visually appealing and easier to use.
Control Center
Another key feature of iOS 7 was the introduction of
Control Center
, a customizable panel that could be accessed from any app on the device. This panel allowed users to quickly access common system settings, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and screen brightness, without having to navigate through multiple menus.
Notifications
Notifications were also given a major overhaul in iOS 7. Developers could now customize the appearance of notifications, including the ability to include images, sounds, and badges. Additionally, Apple introduced “Quick Replies,” which allowed users to respond to messages directly from the notification without having to open the app itself.
Touch ID
Finally, iOS 7 saw the introduction of
Touch ID
, a fingerprint scanner that was integrated into the iPhone’s home button. This new feature allowed users to unlock their phones and make purchases using just their fingerprints, making it easier and more convenient for them to use their devices.
Impact on Developers
The release of iOS 7 had a significant impact on developers in a number of ways. Firstly, the redesigned UI made it easier for developers to create apps that looked and felt great on the new platform. The introduction of
Control Center
also provided a new way for users to interact with their devices, which opened up new opportunities for app development.
The improvements to notifications also had a major impact on developers, as they allowed them to create more engaging and interactive apps. For example, developers could now include images and sounds in their notifications, which made them more attention-grabbing and likely to be clicked on.
Finally, the introduction of
Touch ID
provided developers with a new way to authenticate users and make purchases within their apps. This new feature allowed developers to create a seamless and secure payment experience for their users, which was especially important for e-commerce apps.
Case Studies
To get a better understanding of how iOS 7 impacted developers, let’s take a look at some real-life examples.
Instacart
Instacart, an on-demand grocery delivery app, was one of the first apps to support
Touch ID
when it was introduced with iOS 7. The company quickly noticed that users who used
Touch ID
to authenticate their purchases experienced a higher conversion rate than those who did not. This was because
Touch ID
provided a faster and more secure way for users to make purchases within the app, which made them more likely to complete their transactions.