iOS 7 – Will its Competitor's Survive the Competition?

After the announcement of iOS 7, I am sure all iPhone and iPad users would be dreaming of using it eventually. Not just the users, but also Apple's shareholders will also be waiting for it eagerly, as it is expected to help Apple touch new horizons on NASDAQ. It is also expected that it will destroy the future of competitors trying to duplicate the User Interface of this new iOS. Apple is determined to achieve the competitive advantage with this new User Interface, its feel and look. Looks like they will be successful in attaining this advantage on a sustainable basis as the software and hardware features of upcoming iOS 7 will give worrisome nights to the replicators. Here is what its software and hardware is all about.

Software – If I were to describe iOS 7, I would ask you to differentiate between looking at a picture of a fish and gazing into the aquarium. iOS 6 is like a picture of fish and iOS 7 is like an aquarium. Designers of new iOS 7 have used software effects like stacking, layering, blurring and movements to create natural 3D effects and immersive user experience. The content does not slide the entire screen, rather it morphs and reshapes within the designated space. Objects move and shift viewpoint in a very natural manner including turning, bouncing, sliding and colliding. By incorporating this depth and motion, Apple has tried to give a different user experience and app developers, a chance to grow up and think out of the box.

Few apps developers are not ready to accept these changes and consider them as "Gimmick" but I feel that these software features will augment the level of fun in the upcoming versions of iPhone. My opinion is that while building a smart phone app, the developer should not reduce the fun factor as it enhances exploration and the value of the device.

Hardware – Just like the original version of iOS launched in 2007, iOS 7 also has hardware settings, which are compatible with its software setting. Only the most advanced, sophisticated and expensive GPUs can handle the intensity of software incorporated in iOS 7. In addition, Apple has added a full physics engine in iOS 7 to support the natural object movement and increase both the cost and complexity involved in mimicking iOS 7.

Experts estimate that neither Android, Windows or BlackBerry could ever give the user experience; iOS 7 is going to give. Android might give iOS 7 like experience but not around for coming 2-3 years. As compared to Apple products, most of the android products are low-end and mid-tier and their manufacturers are not capable of affording the hardware and software settings as given in the upcoming iOS 7. However, there are chances that iPhone 4 and other cheaper products will not be able to access few functionalities of new iOS 7. In terms of apps, app developers will have to concentrate more towards iOS 7 rather than competition dynamics. There is urgency for them to adapt to the iOS 7 atmosphere as soon as possible and create competent apps or update the already existing apps to make them iOS 7 compatible.

I feel that the launch of Apple's iOS 7 has the motive of igniting a new and energetic user experience and create a slit between the technology used by Apple and its competitors. Another probable motive could be initiating a new era of app development in the world of iPhone apps developing. Let us wait and watch how much change, this new technology will bring in the approach of app developers.