X

The complete guide to iOS 7 (roundup)

After months of leaks, testing and teasing from Apple, iOS 7 is finally available for all to download. The new OS is a big change, packed full of new features to compliment the new look. We walk you through them.

Jason Cipriani Contributing Writer, ZDNet
Jason Cipriani is based out of beautiful Colorado and has been covering mobile technology news and reviewing the latest gadgets for the last six years. His work can also be found on sister site CNET in the How To section, as well as across several more online publications.
Jason Cipriani
4 min read

Jason Cipriani/CNET

A few months after iOS 7 was first shown off by Apple at its World Wide Developer Conference, the wait is finally over. iOS 7 is now available for iOS users around the world to download, install and start putting to use.

With the number of changes Apple included in iOS 7 there's bound to be questions regarding how to use old and new features alike. But that's what we're here for. Below you'll find a roundup of posts covering every possible aspect of iOS 7 we think should be covered; all of which will show you how to take advantage of a new feature, or how to access an old one.

Getting started

Get ready
Be sure to do a bit of prep work to make the upgrade easier on both yourself and your iOS device before installing the latest update.

Read: Five things to do before installing iOS 7

Back up your data
Although it's not likely you'll run into trouble with the new OS, better safe than sorry. Here's a quick refresher on backing up your data.

Read: How to back up your phone before installing iOS 7

Download it
Ready to make the move to your new operating system? Here's how.

Read: How to install iOS 7

What's new

New gestures
iOS 7 contains visual changes aplenty, but it also includes one new gesture that iOS users are going to want to take advantage of.

Read: The new gesture in iOS 7 you want to know about

Closing apps
In the past, double-clicking the home button would reveal app icons you could then long press on and close out -- not on iOS 7.

Read: How to force-close apps on iOS 7

iTunes Radio
Learn how to create, edit, customize, and share stations on iTunes Radio using your iOS device.

Read: Getting started with iTunes Radio on iOS

Mail
Mail has some new tricks up its sleeve on iOS 7. See what you're in for with the newest version of the app.

Read: Five new features in Mail on iOS 7 you need to know

Camera
Apple has redesigned the Camera app for iOS 7, adding new features and navigation options. Here's how to use them.

Read: Five tips for the new Camera app on iOS 7

Slo-mo
One of the coolest features of Apple's iPhone 5S is the ability to record and share slo-mo videos. Here's what you need to know.

Read: How to create, share slo-mo videos on the iPhone 5S

Safari tips
Launching Safari for the first time after updating to iOS 7 can be a shock. This post will help you find your way around the new version of the mobile browser.

Read: Four features to know about in Safari on iOS 7

Wish List
You can now save items from iTunes and Apple's App Store to a Wish List on iOS 7.

Read: New in iOS 7: App Store, iTunes Wish List

Do Not Disturb
Control whether or not you'll see and hear alerts when using your device in Do Not Disturb mode on the latest version of iOS.

Read: How to completely silence Do Not Disturb on iOS 7

Control Center
Apple has finally given iOS users quick access to frequently used settings from anywhere -- it's called Control Center.

Read: Getting to know Control Center on iOS 7

Settings to change

Turn off auto-updates
If you're someone who would prefer to remain in control of which apps update and when on your iOS device you'll want to read this.

Read: How to disable automatic app updates on iOS 7

Don't waste data
Prune which apps can eat into your data plan on iOS 7 by turning off access to cellular data.

Read: Keep apps from using cellular data on iOS 7

Disable Background App Refresh
With the new background option for developers in iOS 7, you may find your battery not living up to expectations. Luckily you can disable apps from running in the background..

Read: How to turn off Background App Refresh in iOS 7

Fix your font
Adjusting the font size on iOS 7 no longer only applies to select apps. Here's how you can make text larger, or smaller.

Read: How to adjust the systemwide font size on iOS 7

Hide Newsstand
Apple has given up control of Newsstand, letting users decide if it stays on the home screen or in a folder.

Read: With iOS 7 you can finally hide Newsstand

Manage notifications
Not a fan of being able to access Notification Center on the lock screen with iOS 7? Don't worry, you have control over it.

Read: Customize Notification Center on lock screen with iOS 7

Make Siri a man?
With iOS 7 you get to choose whether you'd like a male or female version of Siri to interact with.

Read: How to change Siri's voice on iOS 7

Be sure to keep coming back to this post as we continue to roll out posts with more helpful iOS 7 tips. If you think we're leaving something out, please let us know in the comments.

Watch this: New look, new features in iOS 7