The Operating System which powers Apple’s mobile range of devices including iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch is getting a face lift, or rather a face down, in its next major release due this Autumn (2013). From initial screenshots of iOS 7 the user interface certainly looks flatter, and the typeface slimmer, and apparently it’s all about simplicity.

“iOS 7 is a pure representation of simplicity.” – Apple

Icons appear to have lost the signature Apple gloss and now look considerably more basic with possibly a gradient accent to some icons – and many have been redesigned around a new “grid” system for icon design.It certainly looks like backdrop texture to icons have been given the big heave-ho. The standard icons still look a little inconsistent though with some receiving solid white backgrounds (Calendar, Photos, Notes, Reminders, Game Center, and Newsstand) whilst others now stand out more (Messages, Camera, Weather, Clock, Maps, Videos, Stocks, iTunes Store, App Store, Passbook, Compass, and Settings).

Notification Center looks to be getting a serious makeover with the Date and Weather status taking more priority – and gone are any signs of Yahoo icons – the whole areas seems to have been seriously decluttered and spaced out. It also looks as if transparency is the order of the day with many interface elements, including the on-screen keyboard, getting a hint of a peek at what is behind.

Looking at the new Control Center one does wonder if iOS 7 pays just a passing nod to the flatter, simpler, user interface in Windows 8? What do you think?