Do you think iOS 7 will be a "new" direction for iOS? Or just..another iOS

[iMikeT]

I don't think Apple can afford such a small iOS update. iOS 7 has to be good cause Android will beat it if its not already ahead

Hindsight is always 20/20 in these things and it's never clear until someone has all ready done it. With that, let me ask the most obvious questions... What does Apple NEED to do to iOS to beat Android? Better yet, what are YOUR suggestions for changes to iOS so Apple can beat Android?

I find it pathetic that people constantly whine about Apple needing to improve the iPhone and iOS in such a way that it is more compelling than the competition otherwise they'll refuse to update. Seriously? The mobile platform is starting to hit maturity like the desktop and notebook platforms, neither of which have seen any drastic changes in the last 30 years. It's so easy to say what something should do but it ends up being impractical in the end.

Let me just say that I have used Android devices and most suck. The hardware is clunky and I've never found one that is actually comfortable to hold because every device has a screen bigger than it should. Then the software sucks.... The Android os is nowhere near as responsive, polished, or uniform as iOS. When I'm with the girl I'm seeing, I cringe when ever I use her phone. It's some Sony Android phone that's super clunky and uncomfortable to hold.

 

[guitarmandp]

outside of the 12 people who live on this forum....
most users just use their phones, they don't sweat the details.

apple would be insane to change things too much; the average user just wants his phone to run well.

I don't agree with this. I think if the average person just "wanted his phone to run well", then iPhones would still be the luxury item they were in 07 when I bought my first iPhone and the majority of people would be using flip phones.

I think people want a very clean user experience, they want their phones to do a lot of cool things, but I don't think they want to spend a lot of time customizing it.

To use an analogy. Facebook added a bunch of new features last year such as friends lists and the ability to put different friends in different groups and filter news feeds by certain people, and to unsubscribe from people's posts, restricted lists, etc...

While all of these features leads to a much better user experience I think most people don't want to spend a lot of time putting different friends in different groups so they will continue to use the defaults. They just want to get on and post a status update or a photo of their kids and then get on with their life.

The people that obsess over friends lists, put people on their restricted lists, etc... are in the minority.

 

[fisherking]

I don't agree with this. I think if the average person just "wanted his phone to run well", then iPhones would still be the luxury item they were in 07 when I bought my first iPhone and the majority of people would be using flip phones.

I think people want a very clean user experience, they want their phones to do a lot of cool things, but I don't think they want to spend a lot of time customizing it.

To use an analogy. Facebook added a bunch of new features last year such as friends lists and the ability to put different friends in different groups and filter news feeds by certain people, and to unsubscribe from people's posts, restricted lists, etc...

While all of these features leads to a much better user experience I think most people don't want to spend a lot of time putting different friends in different groups so they will continue to use the defaults. They just want to get on and post a status update or a photo of their kids and then get on with their life.

The people that obsess over friends lists, put people on their restricted lists, etc... are in the minority.

i dunno. i LIKE itunes 11, but am watching friends stress over it, it's not an intuitive transition from previous itunes.

i think most people rarely visit the Settings on their phones; they don't configure notifications, do not disturb, etc. they just USE their phones.

and apple usually "improves" their OS's, rather than radically change them...
UNLESS we're due for a leap like classic-to-OS X. but i doubt that's coming.

either way, change is good, and am looking forward to whatever ios7 brings...

 

[guitarmandp]

The one feature that I have absolutely no doubt is coming is quick reply

 

[bushman4]

Big update to iOS as well as new hardware features needed for next update. Anything less will not have the grasp necessary to leap forward.

 

[whoknows87]

I really Hope so I personally went from an iPhone 5 to the Nexus 4 because iOS is just lacking in so many areas also I couldn't wait any longer for a jailbreak that would've solved a few issues and would've extended my stay, There are just a few features that iOS can add, they added Do not Disturb, but for some odd reason will not give you the option to block individual calls, send to voice mail, Lock Apps, the Multitasking is also just not there ..... I really hope they do it get it together , they can't be that stubborn anymore and the numbers speak for themselves and the options out there are numerous, GS3,Nexus,Xperia, Windows Phones etc

 

[WeegieMac]

I was close to getting the Galaxy Nexus before I decided the iPhone 5. But Yes I totally agree

The biggest issue, without doubt, is the fear of change.

I have over 400 apps, many for iPad but the majority are iPhone apps. I change my mobile platform and those apps are rendered a waste of money until I choose to return to the iPhone later. Yeah I can run them at x2 on my iPad but its hardly the optimal experience.

My main problem with Android was that even on the flagship handsets, it wasn't as smooth as iOS on the 4S/5. With Google's "Project Butter" that barrier has been removed. Opinions of Jelly Bean on the S3 is that it makes a huge and immediately noticeable difference to the fluidity of the UI.

 

[Random 995K]

The biggest issue, without doubt, is the fear of change.

I have over 400 apps, many for iPad but the majority are iPhone apps. I change my mobile platform and those apps are rendered a waste of money until I choose to return to the iPhone later. Yeah I can run them at x2 on my iPad but its hardly the optimal experience.

My main problem with Android was that even on the flagship handsets, it wasn't as smooth as iOS on the 4S/5. With Google's "Project Butter" that barrier has been removed. Opinions of Jelly Bean on the S3 is that it makes a huge and immediately noticeable difference to the fluidity of the UI.

It's still way behind in fluidity. Go try it out (if you haven't). Opening the applications section of an S3 takes 2-3 seconds and swiping across lags every time still, just to a less amount. This was an S3 on jb at a local store.

 

[slwiser]

Opinions of Jelly Bean on the S3 is that it makes a huge and immediately noticeable difference to the fluidity of the UI.

The upgrade to Jelly Bean did make it a good bit more fluid but it still is not as fluid as my wife's iPhone5 with 6.01. Google still has a way to go but they are coming up behind very fast in my opinion. Apple playing it safe is a bad ideal right now. There are times when one has to change and this may be the time for Apple to do something significant.

 

[stevelam]

as long as it can be jailbroken i could care less what apple does because frankly, every new change they've added has been pretty lacklustre. from the underutilized notification center to still not being able to see when exactly someone sent you a text message.

cydia devs > apple devs

 

[stoneland]

I think it would be more of the same...iOS will probably always just have the same grid of icons that, by now, is "iconic" Apple.

 

[floobie]

The overall UI paradigm won't change. At least, I'd be very surprised if it did. iOS will always be about the Springboard. It's dirt simple and requires no explanation.

So, those expecting a completely new UI paradigm might be best off looking elsewhere.

Those expecting refinements and new features, on the other hand, will certainly get a decent amount of that in iOS7. Certainly more than iOS6 offered.

Personally, I'm still quite happy with what iOS is. I've tried all the good Android phones out there, and I do think that Android is a great OS... especially in its raw state (don't care for the manufacturer skins). I can say the exact same thing about Windows Phone. It's a great OS with some very novel ideas. But, in both cases, I wouldn't really benefit in any real way. If anything, it would require a lot more effort to keep my devices synced, and the UIs would complicate much of what I normally do with my phone.

I can see how Android and Windows Phone would be much better suited to heavy social media users. While I use Facebook and Twitter occasionally, it isn't something I really need constant updates on or deep integration into my phone. The "People" apps in Windows Phone and Android are really good ideas, and I can see how heavy social media users would benefit from something like that.

That said, I do have a bit of a wishlist:

- Mail: Contact group support. OS X Mail has this... why can't iOS Mail?
- A Do Not Disturb toggle built into Notification Centre (ala. Notification Centre in OS X)
- I'd like to see the music player controls moved to a Notification Centre widget, as opposed to its current spot in the multitasking bar.
- The ability to pin calendar and reminder entries to the Notification Centre, regardless of whether or not they have an imminent date assigned to them.
- The ability to choose default apps for browser, e-mail, and maps.
- More app inter-connectivity.
- A few live icons... weather, time...
- The ability to add a contact directly from the Messages app.
- Add some basic lock screen widgets. A weather one would be very nice.
- Somewhat of a unification of Photos and iPhoto.

 

[ravenvii]

I think IOS6 was a set up for a big update like iOS 5. I believe there will be some UI changes but nothing drastic.

I would agree with you, but unfortunately unlike Mountain Lion, iOS 6 was buggy as all-out. It does not provide a good foundation for a significant update, like Apple has done with Snow Leopard and Mountain Lion.

Apple has its work laid out for itself, that's for sure, securing the foundation AND bringing a "tick" update. No one but themselves to blame, but still.

 

[rvancil]

Do I think they will change it drastically? No

Do they need to reinvent the wheel? No

Do they need to rethink a lot of what is getting stale? Absolutely

Ive now has more control over the way the software will look and flow, so I definitely expect to see that reflected in iOS7...His hardware designs are hands down the best in the industry, by a mile. iOS still has the smoothest scrolling, and the most responsive touchscreen on the market...I have the 920, Nexus 4, and the 5...I don't know if apple just has the best patents, or the best tech, but the everyday usability of the 5 is 100% more pleasant than the other two. They are all really fast now, but I constantly find myself frustrated at the way the other 2 handle touch inputs...sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, sometimes it takes ***** 5 touches until the right link is hit...iOS I'd say correctly senses 99% of the touches I make on it...That is the biggest thing for me, I've found with these touch phones false inputs drive me absolutely bat **** crazy.

 

[IFRIT]

Apple arn't going to jeopardize the cashcow, so they will add a few bits and pieces and make a big song and dance about it like always.

 

[nuckinfutz]

outside of the 12 people who live on this forum....
most users just use their phones, they don't sweat the details.

apple would be insane to change things too much; the average user just wants his phone to run well.

i hope to see:
some GUI changes
improvements
more improvements

but, as all things apple...they'll do what THEY choose to do...

This

It's a phone people. Not some transcendent device. Most people just want to email, call and surf the net as easily as possible. i"m not sure what life altering features you are looking for and judging from the manner at which many of you fail to articulate your wishes ..I don't think you know either.

Business find success by appealing to the broadest cross sections not appeasing bored and fickle people that do not know what they want or need.

 

[illusion787]

I'll answer when you learn to make a proper poll.

haha agreed!!!

 

[WeegieMac]

It's still way behind in fluidity. Go try it out (if you haven't). Opening the applications section of an S3 takes 2-3 seconds and swiping across lags every time still, just to a less amount. This was an S3 on jb at a local store.

So I tried an S3 out today in store. I have to say I was blown away by the display, it's so much more vibrant than my 4S and even the 5 in the store.

As for fluidity, I found the S3 to be fast when opening apps, responsive, and very smooth when navigating Android.

I want that phone.

Shame I'm under contract to 2014!

 

[Random 995K]

So I tried an S3 out today in store. I have to say I was blown away by the display, it's so much more vibrant than my 4S and even the 5 in the store.

As for fluidity, I found the S3 to be fast when opening apps, responsive, and very smooth when navigating Android.

I want that phone.

Shame I'm under contract to 2014!

Disagree completely, the S3 display is not the best and many other computers come way closer to the iPhone 5. Here's is a report done by a very credible website when it comes to displays. http://www.displaymate.com/Smartphone_ShootOut_2.htm

As for smooth..... I won't even bother. Just check this video out if you want to see the difference between a phone that has its software from the same manufactures and one that uses software from a different company and to make matters even worse, adds touchwiz to it. http://youtu.be/0acT2-xLdHc

There really is no comparison imo but whatever floats your boat. And if you want I can send you a video of the 4s opening 7/10 apps (that were tested by this particular YouTuber) faster than the S3. Remember I am saying the 4s!

 

[WeegieMac]

Disagree completely, the S3 display is not the best and many other computers come way closer to the iPhone 5. Here's is a report done by a very credible website when it comes to displays. http://www.displaymate.com/Smartphone_ShootOut_2.htm

As for smooth..... I won't even bother. Just check this video out if you want to see the difference between a phone that has its software from the same manufactures and one that uses software from a different company and to make matters even worse, adds touchwiz to it. http://youtu.be/0acT2-xLdHc

There really is no comparison imo but whatever floats your boat. And if you want I can send you a video of the 4s opening 7/10 apps (that were tested by this particular YouTuber) faster than the S3. Remember I am saying the 4s!

Mate, with the utmost respect, I don't want bombarded with links with "proof". Why is it on this site that people bombard others when they don't agree with their opinion? That's not a slight against you personally, but just in general.

I've owned every iPhone since the iPhone 3G, but I really regret not checking out the S3 before I signed on the dotted line. iOS is stale, sure it's gorgeous and fluid to use, but it needs ... something.

The demo unit had six home screens, one with widgets and the rest with full pages of apps, and the swiping between home screens was very, very fluid. No lag or stuttering, but then again the 4S doesn't lag on iOS 6 either.

I'd also like to point out that I never said the S3 screen was "the best", to use the words of your accusation. Another MacRumors trait, is that rule number 243? "Thou Shalt Put Words In Ones Mouth"?

I said the display on the S3 is more vibrant and has better contrast than the 4S, and the screen looked more colourful and vibrant the the 5 at full brightness. Using my 4S side by side, at full brightness, was painful. Opening apps was extremely fast on the S3, and the only thing I DIDN'T like about the S3 was the build quality. It feels woefully cheap in comparison due to the materials used to build it.

I don't care about brand loyalty, I just feel that the time is coming to make a change and a platform I too once derided and ridiculed on these very pages in the past has actually impressed me upon me giving it a chance.

 

[MozMan68]

Mate, with the utmost respect, I don't want bombarded with links with "proof". Why is it on this site that people bombard others when they don't agree with their opinion? That's not a slight against you personally, but just in general.

I've owned every iPhone since the iPhone 3G, but I really regret not checking out the S3 before I signed on the dotted line. iOS is stale, sure it's gorgeous and fluid to use, but it needs ... something.

The demo unit had six home screens, one with widgets and the rest with full pages of apps, and the swiping between home screens was very, very fluid. No lag or stuttering, but then again the 4S doesn't lag on iOS 6 either.

I'd also like to point out that I never said the S3 screen was "the best", to use the words of your accusation. Another MacRumors trait, is that rule number 243? "Thou Shalt Put Words In Ones Mouth"?

I said the display on the S3 is more vibrant and has better contrast than the 4S, and the screen looked more colourful and vibrant the the 5 at full brightness. Using my 4S side by side, at full brightness, was painful. Opening apps was extremely fast on the S3, and the only thing I DIDN'T like about the S3 was the build quality. It feels woefully cheap in comparison due to the materials used to build it.

I don't care about brand loyalty, I just feel that the time is coming to make a change and a platform I too once derided and ridiculed on these very pages in the past has actually impressed me upon me giving it a chance.

Screen resolution and loading speeds are not matters of opinion.

 

[stevelam]

Mate, with the utmost respect, I don't want bombarded with links with "proof". Why is it on this site that people bombard others when they don't agree with their opinion? That's not a slight against you personally, but just in general.

I've owned every iPhone since the iPhone 3G, but I really regret not checking out the S3 before I signed on the dotted line. iOS is stale, sure it's gorgeous and fluid to use, but it needs ... something.

The demo unit had six home screens, one with widgets and the rest with full pages of apps, and the swiping between home screens was very, very fluid. No lag or stuttering, but then again the 4S doesn't lag on iOS 6 either.

I'd also like to point out that I never said the S3 screen was "the best", to use the words of your accusation. Another MacRumors trait, is that rule number 243? "Thou Shalt Put Words In Ones Mouth"?

I said the display on the S3 is more vibrant and has better contrast than the 4S, and the screen looked more colourful and vibrant the the 5 at full brightness. Using my 4S side by side, at full brightness, was painful. Opening apps was extremely fast on the S3, and the only thing I DIDN'T like about the S3 was the build quality. It feels woefully cheap in comparison due to the materials used to build it.

I don't care about brand loyalty, I just feel that the time is coming to make a change and a platform I too once derided and ridiculed on these very pages in the past has actually impressed me upon me giving it a chance.

sorry but when you say iOS is 'stale', what magical awesome things are you expecting to do on the s3?

 

[WeegieMac]

Screen resolution and loading speeds are not matters of opinion.

Yes, but there was no pixels on the S3 screen.

It's hardly 3GS to 4 difference.

----------

sorry but when you say iOS is 'stale', what magical awesome things are you expecting to do on the s3?

And here they come.

For the first time I can see why Android fans think you're zombies on here ...

Sarcastic, ridiculing tones.

A bright, unified UI for a start would be nice. And no I don't want widgets.

 

[Hastings101]

It will be another incremental improvement, Apple has gotten way too comfortable with their OS and doesn't want to change it. Android is really beginning to tear iOS apart when it comes to features but Apple doesn't seem to care much lol. You can only hide behind "Oh, its simplicity is what makes it blah blah" for so long, especially when the competition has managed to become just as "simple" but offers many more options.

 

[Random 995K]

Mate, with the utmost respect, I don't want bombarded with links with "proof". Why is it on this site that people bombard others when they don't agree with their opinion? That's not a slight against you personally, but just in general.

I've owned every iPhone since the iPhone 3G, but I really regret not checking out the S3 before I signed on the dotted line. iOS is stale, sure it's gorgeous and fluid to use, but it needs ... something.

The demo unit had six home screens, one with widgets and the rest with full pages of apps, and the swiping between home screens was very, very fluid. No lag or stuttering, but then again the 4S doesn't lag on iOS 6 either.

I'd also like to point out that I never said the S3 screen was "the best", to use the words of your accusation. Another MacRumors trait, is that rule number 243? "Thou Shalt Put Words In Ones Mouth"?

I said the display on the S3 is more vibrant and has better contrast than the 4S, and the screen looked more colourful and vibrant the the 5 at full brightness. Using my 4S side by side, at full brightness, was painful. Opening apps was extremely fast on the S3, and the only thing I DIDN'T like about the S3 was the build quality. It feels woefully cheap in comparison due to the materials used to build it.

I don't care about brand loyalty, I just feel that the time is coming to make a change and a platform I too once derided and ridiculed on these very pages in the past has actually impressed me upon me giving it a chance.

Im sorry, i probably should have just respected your opinion. BTW when i said the S3 screen is not the best i didnt mean it like that...its hard to transfer tone and empahasis over the web. What i meant is its very good just not the best (not that you said that its the best). Hard to explain without tone lol. The thing is i believe ios is stale as well but i have played around with android enough (and actually had a samsung ace) to know that for me atleast that android got boring after a while. The reason imo that everyone thinks ios is stale is because they have used it for so long. Android has not changed much visually either but because people feel like a change they go there (and then quite a few come back to ios like i did). Anyway i see where you are coming from and wish you luck with watever you choose to get in the future.

EDIT: Just to add the S3 can only go to about 60% of the iphones brightness at max. 330 nits compared to 500.