Apple’s new operating system, iOS 7, receives mixed reviews
By Kelly Chian ’16
Students sit in class watching the clock at 12:59 p.m. ready for the clock to turn to 1 p.m. on Sept. 18. Once the red lines on the clock form a one, Apple users rushed to get the new update. Some used only their iPhones while others even brought their computers during the school day. The frenzy quickly spread around UAHS.
Over 200 million people downloaded the new Apple iOS 7 update. While 93 percent of iPhones, iPads and iPods had iOS 6 before the release, 16 hours later 29 percent ran on iOS 7, according to the LA Times website.
The look of iOS 7 completely changed in design while still having basic similarities in functionality and fundamental concepts.The new software was greeted with both negative and positive feedback.
The previous software iOS 6 was introduced in 2007 by the late founder, Steve Jobs. The new software gives a more futuristic feel and adds new features including Airdrop, iTunes Radio, control center and multi-tasking.
Junior Georgie Frericks downloaded iOS 7 on her iPhone 4s and welcomed the new changes at first but disliked it after using the software more.
“I like the new camera and organization of pictures, but the weather app is where it’s at. I think it’s sweet,” Frericks said. “But the update took away some of my favorite features like ‘tap to tweet.’”
While the new features received compliments for its convenience and design, the complete change disorients some. Frericks believes her phone could have more adjustments.
“Apple should make my phone faster without draining my battery which my phone did before the update and give people the option of what they wanted changed on their own phones so that they can enjoy only the features they like,” Frericks said.
Overall, Frericks is unpleased with the new update.
“Honestly, my phone has been so glitchy and slow ever since I got the update. Everything’s different now and to me it makes everything more difficult,” Frericks said. “I think the new design looks sweet but overall, I don’t really see an improvement in my phone. If anything, it made it worse.”
Frericks’ disapproving review contrasts sophomore Stephanie Duros, who takes a more enthusiastic approach. Her collection of Apple products range from iPads to Macs. Duros closely watches the new advancements of Apple products and spent time looking at iOS 7 on the Apple website months before the release date, and already knew the general features.
“iOS 7 is what the old software was, but better. Everything is easier like sending pictures with Airdrop or doing the calendar which my mom likes to do,” Duros said.
Day-to-day life is easier for Duros, and to her the new software trumps all.
“iOS 7 is better than iOS 6, because it completely changed everything and has new features that iOS 6 doesn’t have. The features put [iOS 7] ahead of the other phones,” Duros said.
The type of iPhone may have contributed to both girls’ decisions. Ars Technica, a website that reviews new technology explains the lag in parts of iOS 7 in the older devices.The older the device gets, the more problems and issues the phone will have with the new technology.
“iOS devices (especially the oldest phones) have always been capable of occasional stuttering, but iOS 7 magnifies these issues by using more animations and by making those animations more sweeping and longer in duration. More animations means more opportunities for stutter, and longer animations means that this stuttering is much more noticeable when it happens,” the Ars Technica website said.
Due to Frericks’ experience with iOS 7, she gives cautionary advice to those who have not downloaded the update.
“Check out the update on one of your friends phones before you actually download it yourself, Frericks said. “That way you know what you’re getting yourself into, rather than being stuck with it once you get it.”
By Kelly Chian