iOS 7

In contrast to previous versions of the operating system, Apple chose to simplify the look and feel of the design. Gradient bars, textures, realistic details that recall real-life objects have been removed and replaced by flat, simpler designs. The new look is evident in the minimalist design of iOS applications and icons, as well as menu buttons and navigation bars.

Apple introduced brighter tints to the color scheme, and folders are now translucent to allow light to come through. Light is a strong component of the new design, serving a nice compliment to new parallax feature. The native icons for Apple's native applications were redesigned to be flat and simple, eliminating unnecessary details. Most noticeable is the absence of gradients, and reflective light across the surface of each icon. Multi-tasking was greatly improved, allowing users to view the entire facade of previously open applications. Control Center is accessed by swiping up from the bottom, which provides easy access to common functions, like airplane mode, bluetooth, flash light, and Wi-Fi.

APPLICATIONS

iTunes Radio
With the release of iOS 7, Apple introduced iTunes Radio, a Pandora-like service that allows users to browse for songs, set up radio stations based on genre, artist or a specific song. You have the option to purchase music in iTunes or save to a wishlist for later on. Stations saved on one device are automatically synced to other iOS devices and/or the Mac. iTunes Radio doubles as your main music app, giving you access to all your music via iTunes or iCloud.

Podcasts
The Podcast application was not updated upon the initial release of iOS 7. On October 22, 2013, Apple released version 2.0 with an all new design, reflecting the new design scheme now present throughout the operating system, including a plain white background that's devoid of real-world objects like scrolling dials, and reflective surfaces. The Podcast app enables you to subscribe to audio and video podcasts, and sync subscriptions across platforms.

iPhoto
Initially introduced in 2002 as a native app for the desktop suite of applications known as iLife, iPhoto made its debut on iOS (the mobile operating system) in March 2012. The original design included skeuomorphic features, such as, simulated brushes with glistening light effects. Eliminating reference to real-life objects, iPhoto 2.0 now reflects the simplicity carried through the OS, with flat and simple icons and editing tools. Since iPhoto for iOS was developed after the desktop version, the two apps are not compatible, but they both share the same iCloud synchronization. iPhoto is primarily a photo editing application for adjusting size, exposure, color, and adding effects to your photos.

iMovie
iMovie 2.0 introduced a brand new design and some added features that were not present in the previous version. Consistent with other changes throughout the operating system (OS), skeuomorphism (reference to real-life objects like movie marquees), were eliminated, providing a flat, simple design with flat gray backgrounds and thin fonts for menus and controls. New features were most notably in this iteration of iMovie, including adding controls for audio, and managing tracks, and a new feature called "Theater," which enables you to share your final projects across platforms.

To learn more about iOS 7, visit the iOS 7 Playlist on the My Apple Podcast YouTube Channel.