Apple has just released iOS 7 to the public, making the download available to users of recent iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch models. Users can obtain the update either by connecting their devices to iTunes and clicking the "Check for Update" button or checking for over-the-air updates on their devices via Settings -> General -> Software Update. It may, however, take a few minutes for the update to propagate to all users.
Our iOS 7 roundup has a good primer for users wanting to know what's new in iOS 7, and Apple also has several marketing pages showcasing the new design and new features in the operating system.
iOS 7 adds more than 200 new features, the biggest being a top-to-bottom redesign of the user interface. Other new features include Control Center, a panel that slides up from the bottom of any screen that allows settings like Bluetooth and AirPort to be toggled on and off, a number of new camera features, a new multitasking screen, AirDrop, iTunes Radio and more.
Nothing we’ve ever created has been designed just to look beautiful. That’s approaching the opportunity from the wrong end. Instead, as we reconsidered iOS, our purpose was to create an experience that was simpler, more useful, and more enjoyable — while building on the things people love about iOS. Ultimately, redesigning the way it works led us to redesign the way it looks. Because good design is design that’s in service of the experience.
iOS 7 is compatible with the iPhone 4 and later, iPad 2 and later, iPad mini, and fifth-generation iPod touch. It will also ship on the iPhone 5c and 5s, which will be available for sale on Friday. The release arrives as golden master build 11A470a.
Update: Apple also released iOS 7.0.1 just for the iPhone 5c and 5s to fix a few bugs ahead of their public launch on Friday. That version has a build number of 11A466.
Update 2: Many readers are reporting issues with the over-the-air iOS update mechanism, suggesting Apple's servers may be overwhelmed with traffic.
Update 3: Apple has also released the final version of Xcode 5.0.
