Apple says iOS 7 will be available from September 18

New Delhi: Apple says its next mobile operating system, iOS 7, will be available as a free download starting from September 18. iOS 7 is believed to be the most significant iOS update since the original iPhone.

Craig Federighi, head of software at Apple, said at an event at the company's Cupertino, California, headquarters that "downloading iOS 7 is like getting an all new device."

The new system can be downloaded on the iPhone 4 and later models, as well as on the tablets beginning with the iPad 2.

Apple also says it expects to ship its 700 millionth iOS device next month. Apple CEO Tim Cook predicts that iOS 7 will become the most popular mobile operating system in the world.

Here are some major highlights of iOS7:

- iOS 7 is completely redesigned with an entirely new user interface. It now has flatter icons and slimmer fonts.

- With iOS7, Apple introduced Control Centre which can be accessed even from the Lock screen. Swipe up from the bottom of your screen to activate Control Centre. It gives you access to various settings and apps including camera, clock and calculator.

- You can now access the Spotlight search from any application page on your home screen. In iOS 7, the Spotlight search box can be opened by swiping down from the middle of your home screen.

- With iOS 7, Notification Center is now available from the Lock screen. You can see all your notifications just by swiping down from the top.

- The Camera app in iOS7 includes a square camera option, and you can switch between different modes - video, photo, square and - with just a swipe.

- Multitasking is also improved in iOS 7. Apple claims, iOS 7 pays attention to which apps you use the most and automatically keeps your content up to date in the background.

- Photos are more organised in iOS 7. Its moments feature organises photos by time and location.

-In iOS 7, you have to swipe to the left to delete an entire conversation. As you swipe, a big square delete button appears. It does not let you swipe to the right as you do in iOS 6.

- In iOS7, there is a unified address and search bar. Also, there is a new view for your bookmarks and your Safari tabs.

- With iOS 7, Apple adds ability to block certain contacts. It lets you block phone calls, Facetime calls and text messages from specific numbers. You can simply go to Settings > Messages to check your list of blocked contacts.

- The new OS has dedicated Photo Booth and FaceTime apps.