Factors to Consider While Switching From iOS 6 to iOS 7

As the launch date of iOS 7 inches closer, not only the general users but also the business sector is getting excited about using it. On the other hand, they are suspicious about the fact that the changes mentioned in the WWDC will affect their overall mobility strategy. However, by now all business segments have clearly realized that they will have to switch big-time to avail maximum benefits of iOS 7. In this write up, I will be discussing five things that companies need to do to leverage true potency of this operating system, irrespective of whether they get their apps modified or get a new app altogether.

Realizing that users get touch – The earlier versions of iOS have made people expert in "touch science" and they did this by offering heavy drop shadows, gradients, textures and skeuomorphic designs and elements that appeared like a hundred year old technology. However, things are completely altered in iOS 7, as it not designed to treat users as the students of touch science. Now, no more manhandling as the drop shadows are subdued and the textures are either not there or very subtle. With new iOS 7, Apple has not attempted to force the visual metaphor on the users and embrace what iPhone is actually for i.e. the touchscreen computer.

Make sure to offer multi-tasking – The multi-tasking feature of iOS 7 does not allow multiple apps to run simultaneously in the background. Instead, multitasking has come all the way to the user interface allowing users to switch from one app to another without closing the first one. Therefore, business owners should get apps that are attractive and don’t let users leave them quickly. This way, they will get the maximum benefit of this feature, as users will be able to hop around the apps comfortably.

Content is still the king - The new edge-to-edge, translucent iOS 7 is designed to put what users want the most, in the highlight. Yes, I am talking about the content and thus, instead of designing new enterprise apps for iOS 7 with big shadows, gradients and gratuitous UI elements, keep focus towards the content.  This design policy is termed as "Deference" by the Apple.

Try to leverage 3D – The target behind developing iOS 7 was the deeper, more complex universe with lots of activities and happenings going on every single second. Many UI elements present in the IOS 7 allow apps to reach deeper levels while keeping users informed about their whereabouts in the operating system. They also tell users how to get back through the motions, physics and clear labels. My knowhow says that it is more like a shift from linear navigation paths to dimensional fluid navigation and a major change for apps with deep, complicated data and content.

Focussing towards experience – I feel that Apple's new operating system is a huge opportunity for business owners to rethink about how their apps are going to present their business's future. In the past, Apple has always recommended developers to start with "application statement" or something describing the core functionality and the purpose of the app. With iOS 7, companies would write more descriptive "Application Statement" by studying app analytics reports, reading reviews and getting real-time feedbacks from the users. I believe that iOS 7, being scheduled to be launched on September 10, it is the perfect time for app owners to refurnish their application statements and sharpen the skills of their apps and make them aligned with the designs of iOS 7. All these steps would help it provide a more valuable experience for existing and upcoming users.