The hype of iPhones has been unsurpassed in modern media – it seems there is always a new model coming out that everyone is excited about. People have barely gotten used to the iPhone 5 and now there is not only an iPhone 5s but also an iPhone 5c in the works. In recent weeks however, it was not the new iPhones but the new iOS system that was the topic of enthusiastic tweets and classroom conversations.

The iOS 7 was released at 12 p.m. Sept. 18, and zealous iPhone users began downloading immediately. This much anticipated new software system of Apple’s has radically changed the iPhone experience, with a sleek new interface that consolidates many features and makes the phone more user-friendly.

In terms of design, everything from the home screen to the messaging system looks more 3-dimensional and minimalistic; anything unnecessary or merely decorative has been stripped away. iOS 7 employs a concept of layering, using translucent screens to create a sense of dimension. In addition, it utilizes completely new systems of organization: for example, photos can be viewed by albums or date taken, categorized by moments, collections and years. In addition, the notification center is grouped by today’s notifications, missed notifications and all notifications, and the updated game center gives a clearer representation of your friends, games and challenges.

As for features, the iOS 7 comes equipped with several new ways to improve the user experience. There is now a system called Air Drop which creates an easy way of instantly sharing of photos, videos and documents. A simple upward swipe of the finger and Air Drop –  along with other features such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Airplane Mode, the flashlight, the timer and the calculator – can all be accessed in the Control Center on any screen. Downward swipe and you have the search bar.

Double-click on the home button and you can view all your open apps, quickly switching between them at any time and easily force-closing them if necessary. iOS 7 even recognizes which apps are used the most frequently at what times and opens them in the feed accordingly. It is also easier now to recover a lost phone with options such as Find My Phone.

Besides these new features, existing ones have been updated and improved as well. The camera, for example, now includes options such as slo-mo and square view, and Instagram-like filters to augment shots.

Overall, the iOS 7 seems to have been a successful update on Apple’s part. Although some users are still unsure of what to think about the new look and feel of their iPhones, it cannot be denied that the iOS 6 was quickly becoming outdated. It is true that iOS 7 still has some bugs that need to be fixed and features that will take some getting used to. However, it is definitely an improvement overall.

Visit http://www.apple.com/ios/ to learn more about the iOS 7.