Technology June 23, 2013

15 Hidden iOS 7 Features Apple Didn't Tell You About

Apple recently unveiled its latest mobile operating system for iPhones and iPads called iOS 7.

The operating system has a brand new look and several new features, but Apple didn't have time to go over all the changes during its big presentation last week.

So what didn't Apple tell us about iOS 7? We've been using the beta version of the software for a few days now and uncovered a few lesser-known features.

Here's what you can look forward to.

15 Hidden iOS 7 Features Apple Didn't Tell You About

1. Apple is experimenting with an easier way to move back a screen in apps, perhaps a swiping gesture instead of tapping a "back" button.

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15 Hidden iOS 7 Features Apple Didn't Tell You About

2. Set the timer in the clock app and the countdown appears on your lock screen. You can also see how much time you have left on your alarm if you hit the snooze.

Previous Slide

15 Hidden iOS 7 Features Apple Didn't Tell You About

3. The App Store now has a wish list. This is perfect for situations when you don't want to purchase an app right away but want to remember it.

Previous Slide

15 Hidden iOS 7 Features Apple Didn't Tell You About

4. The iCloud keychain stores and encrypts your passwords and credit card information. iCloud keychains then syncs this data across all your devices.

Previous Slide

15 Hidden iOS 7 Features Apple Didn't Tell You About

5. Passbook, which stores virtual coupons and tickets, has been improved drastically. Now users can add cards to the app by scanning a QR code.

Previous Slide

15 Hidden iOS 7 Features Apple Didn't Tell You About

6. When shooting a video, you can now pinch to zoom.

Previous Slide

15 Hidden iOS 7 Features Apple Didn't Tell You About

7. Apple has added more accessibility features, making it easier to navigate the software. Now you can make text easier to read.

Previous Slide

15 Hidden iOS 7 Features Apple Didn't Tell You About

8. Wallpapers are now dynamic. This means you can set a panoramic photo as a background and move the device to see the whole picture.

Previous Slide

15 Hidden iOS 7 Features Apple Didn't Tell You About

9. iOS 7's icons subtly move too. If the motion is too much, you can turn it off in the settings menu.

Previous Slide

15 Hidden iOS 7 Features Apple Didn't Tell You About

10. When dialing a number, users can see their background as they press numbers.

Previous Slide

15 Hidden iOS 7 Features Apple Didn't Tell You About

11. Text messages now pull in links to phone numbers and calendar events.

Previous Slide

15 Hidden iOS 7 Features Apple Didn't Tell You About

12. iOS 7 uses a new type of multitasking, which allows apps to run in the background. You can control which apps you want to run in the background in the settings menu.

Previous Slide

15 Hidden iOS 7 Features Apple Didn't Tell You About

13. There are rumors that Apple will allow users to hide its built-in apps in case you don't want them cluttering up your home screen.

Previous Slide

15 Hidden iOS 7 Features Apple Didn't Tell You About

14. There are also rumors that users will be able to create a folder within a folder.

Previous Slide

15 Hidden iOS 7 Features Apple Didn't Tell You About

15. Some new gestures include the ability to pinch closed a folder and support for corner-swiping.

Previous Slide

15 Hidden iOS 7 Features Apple Didn't Tell You About

15 Hidden iOS 7 Features Apple Didn't Tell You About

1. Apple is experimenting with an easier way to move back a screen in apps, perhaps a swiping gesture instead of tapping a "back" button.

15 Hidden iOS 7 Features Apple Didn't Tell You About

2. Set the timer in the clock app and the countdown appears on your lock screen. You can also see how much time you have left on your alarm if you hit the snooze.

15 Hidden iOS 7 Features Apple Didn't Tell You About

3. The App Store now has a wish list. This is perfect for situations when you don't want to purchase an app right away but want to remember it.

15 Hidden iOS 7 Features Apple Didn't Tell You About

4. The iCloud keychain stores and encrypts your passwords and credit card information. iCloud keychains then syncs this data across all your devices.

15 Hidden iOS 7 Features Apple Didn't Tell You About

5. Passbook, which stores virtual coupons and tickets, has been improved drastically. Now users can add cards to the app by scanning a QR code.

15 Hidden iOS 7 Features Apple Didn't Tell You About

6. When shooting a video, you can now pinch to zoom.

15 Hidden iOS 7 Features Apple Didn't Tell You About

7. Apple has added more accessibility features, making it easier to navigate the software. Now you can make text easier to read.

15 Hidden iOS 7 Features Apple Didn't Tell You About

8. Wallpapers are now dynamic. This means you can set a panoramic photo as a background and move the device to see the whole picture.

15 Hidden iOS 7 Features Apple Didn't Tell You About

9. iOS 7's icons subtly move too. If the motion is too much, you can turn it off in the settings menu.

15 Hidden iOS 7 Features Apple Didn't Tell You About

10. When dialing a number, users can see their background as they press numbers.

15 Hidden iOS 7 Features Apple Didn't Tell You About

11. Text messages now pull in links to phone numbers and calendar events.

15 Hidden iOS 7 Features Apple Didn't Tell You About

12. iOS 7 uses a new type of multitasking, which allows apps to run in the background. You can control which apps you want to run in the background in the settings menu.

15 Hidden iOS 7 Features Apple Didn't Tell You About

13. There are rumors that Apple will allow users to hide its built-in apps in case you don't want them cluttering up your home screen.

15 Hidden iOS 7 Features Apple Didn't Tell You About

14. There are also rumors that users will be able to create a folder within a folder.

15 Hidden iOS 7 Features Apple Didn't Tell You About

15. Some new gestures include the ability to pinch closed a folder and support for corner-swiping.

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