Will iOS 7 Overwhelm the Market?

Apple's latest iOS version, iOS 7, is often criticized for being a mere copycat of Android's Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS), a release from 2011. Can iOS 7 truly stand out and overwhelm the market, or is it just an aging version of Android?

Feature Parallels: The Copycat Charge

One of the most damning critiques against iOS 7 is the claim that it serves as a knock-off of ICS, a version of Android that was first released in 2011. According to this argument, 95% of the features in iOS 7 were already present in ICS, leading to a wave of skepticism about the new operating system.

Dynamic Background vs. Live Wallpaper

One of the new features touted by iOS 7 is the 'Dynamic Background' or 'Dynamic Lockscreen.' However, this feature is essentially a live wallpaper, but it comes with limited customization options. It lacks the flexibility and interactivity of Android's live wallpapers, which can be personalized to a much greater extent.

No New Functionality for Sensitive Users

Another feature of iOS 7 that garnered criticisms is the ability to access the notification bar when the screen is locked. While this was a feature available in earlier Android versions, it did not come with the same ease of customizable modularity.

Interface Overhaul: A New Icon Pack?

Apple heavily emphasized the new interface of iOS 7, claiming it was a major upgrade. However, what users have found is merely a new icon pack. While the new icons may make the interface look fresh, under the hood, the interface remains largely the same. Unfortunately, unlike previous versions, iOS 7 offers limited customization options for icons. Jailbreaking the device is the only way to change these icons, which is a time-consuming process.

Other Underwhelming Features

In addition to the lackluster interface, iOS 7 also failed to impress with other features. For example, the option to send iTunes Radio to a phone is a feature that has already been available in other devices running Android 4.0, or Jelly Bean. This further underscores the point that iOS 7 is not a revolutionary update but rather an incremental, largely borrowed package from Android.

Comparison to Android Jelly Bean

Given the myriad similarities and lack of true innovation, it seems unlikely that iOS 7 can beat the more advanced and flexible Android Jelly Bean. The Android platform, with its reliable features and customization options, stands as a more inviting prospect for sensitive users and developers alike. In the race for the most user-friendly and customizable mobile operating system, Android Jelly Bean appears to have a significant edge over the unremarkable iOS 7.

Conclusion

The introduction of iOS 7 did little to overshadow its predecessors, especially when compared to the innovative features of Android Jelly Bean. The lack of significant new features and the reliance on copied technologies from older Android versions make it difficult for iOS 7 to gain widespread appeal and market dominance. For both users and developers, the path forward appears to be with the more adaptable and customizable Android platform.

Keywords: iOS 7, Android 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich, Lockscreen, Jailbreak