A Note About iOS 7: You're Missing the Point
I'm going to start this by saying I'm not a tech blogger by trade, I don't work for Apple, nor do I claim to be an expert. I will say technology is a bit of a passion of mine and happens to be what most of my job is about. I follow a lot of rumor sites that talk about the latest and greatest to come for Apple. This allows me the unique perspective of knowing about most of Apple's big announcements before they announce them. It also gives me a big picture look at what the company has done over the last few years that I have been watching. I love the hype just as much as the next guy.
Speaking of hype, unless you live under a rock, you've probably heard someone say something about iOS 7 (or "the iOS 7...") being released just the other day. Now, we've known this was coming for some time now as they announced the big change back in June of 2013. Let's get one thing straight, this is a BIG move for Apple. This iOS (aka iPhone OS) has looked mostly the same since it's introduction in 2007. It has taken on some new flavors and has added a ton of features over the years. Those who are complaining about the change in look have got to get over it. It's been a long time coming. But, I digress.
What I really want to address is the point that I think everyone is missing: Apple wasn't trying to add a bunch of features and gimmicks with this update. To those who say, "I was pretty underwhelmed" or really any naysayer, you're missing the point. Grant it, they did add over 200 features, but you're probably not going to catch most of them. That's ok. Because that's how Apple works. They design things (software included) that JUST WORK. And they wait to do it until they can say with 100% certainty, this is going to be smooth. Now I don't know enough about Android to say one way or another, but I do know with the fragmentation of the market, smooth is hardly a word that can be associated with it.
Let me try to clear up a few things for those who are missing the point and try to encourage those who are Apple users and are freaking out:
1) The changes are subtle, but they are powerful.
It's important to remember, this update was overdue. They had a lot of catching up to do. Yes, I said it. Some visual updates were needed along with some basic functions that were ridiculously hard to navigate to. All that said, you may not notice these changes at first, but they will change the way your iDevice looks and feels forever. You should be glad for that.
2) This wasn't Apple's feeble attempt at innovation.
Neither was the 5s or 5c for that matter. Historically, the "s" release has been minimal improvements. It's ok. Apple is not stopping. iOS 7 was no different. It was a huge change in look and function, but it was a stepping stone for the next great products Apple will undoubtedly have on the horizon. If you are ready to sell your stock (literally or figuratively), I'd hold on just a little longer to see what big "surprises" Apple might have up its sleeve in the next few years.
3) Apple is not worried about Android.
Ok, so that may be a bit overstated. Android is its closest competitor in mobile software, but Apple was first with iOS (before Android) and continues to lead the industry in customer satisfaction. Say what you will about the software, but the charts continue to show that people are happy. That is a number that I'm sure is at the forefront of every Apple employee's mind in decision making. Not to say Google doesn't think the same way, I just don't see it coming across as effectively.
4) Don't listen to the hype and the haters.
It's easy to hear all that is going in the news and in social media and get caught up in it. If one person says something negative about iOS 7, hundreds more will cheer in just because. Don't buy into it. Spend some earnest and valuable time with the software before making your judgements. Don't hate it just because it's different. Realize what positives are there (control center, more modern icons and looks in about every Apple app, photo and file sharing additions, dynamic backgrounds, multitasking, notification center, sound, Facetime, Maps, Siri, animation, security, camera, speed, app update and folder improvements...to name a few) and what positives are yet to come in future updates. Like I said before, Apple's not done yet.
5) Apple is not about gimmicks.
There's a reason you didn't see Apple do a lot of things you see people do on their S4 or other phone. Plain and simple, Apple is not about gimmicks. If it doesn't serve to help the customer in a practical and effective way, why do it at all? I'm not saying there aren't some cool things I wish Apple would incorporate from some of the Android phones. I just wouldn't hold your breath for those. Some would say the fingerprint sensor introduced on the iPhone 5s is gimmicky. I would argue it is not. It will serve great security purposes and be a great asset in app store purchases. They're not using it to start and stop videos. It's saving people a step that often was overlooked because it was annoying to type in numbers or draw shapes on your phone to login. The same can be said about iOS 7. It's not full of gimmicks and that's for a good reason. I, for one, am happy for it.
So, don't miss the point. iOS 7 is truly remarkable. Don't be misinformed on what it was supposed to be. And don't get caught up in what it isn't. I can't wait to see what is ahead for Apple, personally. I think they are just winding up for some big things ahead. In the mean time, stay positive and enjoy what Apple has no doubt worked a LONG time in making a great product to put in your hands last Wednesday.