New iOS 7 could cinch the deal for Apple's new iPhones

One of the best things about Apple's latest iPhones could be the slick new iOS 7 software that will be running the devices. But that souped-up operating system could end up hurting sales because the free software upgrade will also work on iPhones released since 2010, giving owners of the older models less incentive to buy Apple's newest products.

Perhaps unwittingly, even Apple's software boss Craig Federighi alluded to this potential problem while he was bragging about iOS 7 at the company's unveiling of its new phones Tuesday. He predicted that anyone who elects to install the software will feel "like they're getting an all-new device."

Although the iPhone 5C is less expensive than its predecessor, the iPhone 5, the iOS 7, from what can be seen, will almost make it feel fancier than previous generations. The new iOS version will be released on September 18 and will work on the iPhone 4 and later models, iPad 2s and subsequent versions, and the iPod Touch that came out late last year.

iOS 7 could be the deal breaker for Apple's new iPhones

iOS 7 should look a bit different from previous versions of the operating system as it no longer displays iPhone apps as three-dimensional, embossed objects meant to mirror their real-world counterparts. The icons instead are flatter and more colorful. Any significant change in design typically upsets users familiar with the old way of doing things, but it is suspected that complaints about iOS 7 will be muted unless there are some terrible bugs in the software that surface after its release. The additions in the new OS include the ability to stream music through an advertising-supported service called iTunes Radio and five free apps that used to cost consumers anywhere from 99 cents to $4.99 apiece. The free apps are Apple's photo-editing tool, iPhoto, and video-editing program, iMovie, as well as work-oriented apps called Pages, Numbers and Keynote.

Apple, so far, doesn't appear to be removing any popular apps built into the operating system. This was not the same last year, when the company replaced Google's mapping app with its own navigation system only to be ridiculed for misguiding users with shoddy directions. Apple isn't bringing back Google Maps with iOS 7, but it is promising that its alternative is getting better.

The software upgrade also will make it easier to take better pictures on the iPhone and automatically sort photos into different categories to denote particular events. One feature in particular that lets users control how the camera operates by toggling between options at the bottom of the screen with the swipe of a finger seem to stand out. Another feature seen in the new OS is the ability to take a square, panoramic or standard photo. The bottom-of-the screen controls also come with an option to switch to video mode. When taking a picture in iOS 7, photographers can also choose a filter to use as they snap the photo rather than waiting to touch up the shot later. When shooting video, shots can be zoomed in while recording.

The new system also empowers users to access other open apps more easily by clicking twice on the home button. When users do that, the apps are displayed as tiles that can be scrolled across horizontally so you can more easily see and choose several of them.

Apple is also making it easier to access frequently used controls such as and airplane mode by enabling users to pull up the panel from the bottom of the display screen instead of finding and pressing a settings option. Other than the new software, the iPhone 5C does not come with anything else that stands out, from what can be seen, but it is expect as the model is ultimately a budget phone.

The only thing that really distinguishes the 5C from the iPhone 5 is that it's housed in plastic instead of aluminum. Some consumers will no doubt like the plastic alternative because it comes in five colors: green, blue, yellow, pink and white. The price also may be more appealing, with the 5C starting at $99 with a two-year wireless contract, a $100 discount from iPhone models released in previous years.

A higher-end iPhone dubbed the 5S boasts several advantages that aren't available on any other model. The coolest innovation allows a customer to use their fingerprint to unlock the iPhone 5S instead of relying on a four-digit code that has to be repeatedly typed in. The fingerprint reader can also be used to access Apple's apps and iTunes store instead of a password.

Apple CEO Tim Cook, during the event, said that the fingerprint scanner will revolutionise technology security. "There is going to be a whole new generation of kids who grow up not knowing what a password is," Cook predicted during a brief discussion with a small group of reporters after he left the room where Apple was demonstrating its new iPhones. The 5S also contains a faster processor and technological wizardry designed to take sharper pictures and even record slow-motion video. Best of all, though, is the fact that the 5S comes with the iOS 7. Most iPhone users will have to wait only a few days to get their hands on the latest Apple operating system.

Associated Press