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iOS 7 allows iPhone and iPad control with head movements?

A rumored accessibility option for Apple's upcoming operating system may let users control their devices with a quick jerk of the head.

Dara Kerr Former senior reporter
Dara Kerr was a senior reporter for CNET covering the on-demand economy and tech culture. She grew up in Colorado, went to school in New York City and can never remember how to pronounce gif.
Dara Kerr
2 min read
The new look of Apple's iOS 7. James Martin/CNET

The idea of controlling an iPhone or iPad with a gesture may not be too farfetched. According to 9to5Mac, Apple is said to have included a head movement feature in its latest iOS 7 beta version.

With a simple quick jerk of the head to the left or right, users could be able to get to the home page, select apps, or control the device's volume.

The feature is apparently an accessibility option, which means it would have to be turned on by the user. Typically accessibility options are for people with disabilities who are hearing, vision, or physically impaired. It appears the feature can also be customized for each individual user.

For iOS 7, Apple said it dramatically redesigned the look and feel of the user interface. Everything has been revamped, the company said, including icons, buttons, and color schemes. The screen is said to take on a 3D appearance and will have a swipe feature at the bottom of the device for quick access to brightness, volume, airplane mode, Bluetooth, do not disturb, and flashlight.

An initial beta of iOS 7 was released to developers a couple of weeks ago and a second beta was released on Monday. The software requires developers to sign a privacy agreement, but that hasn't stopped numerous developers and some blogs from posting extensive hands-on previews of the new OS.

For the head movement feature, 9to5Mac said there are still many kinks to work out for the option to be efficient. It's unclear if the rumored feature will eventually end up in the final version of iOS 7.

Apple has not provided an exact date for the final iOS 7 release, short of this fall, when the company is also expected to introduce its next iPhone.

CNET has contacted Apple for comment and will update this report when we learn more.