As the iOS 7 release date approaches a key component of new iOS 7 features passes certification and external testing, which should help with smartwatch connectivity, iOS 7 controllers and new iOS 7 accessories.
Apple announced iOS 7 along with at least 50 iOS 7 features users will care about back in June at WWDC 2013. At the time Apple outlined a collection of new Bluetooth and wireless features, but did not go into that much detail about what users can expect.
We are still waiting for Apple to announce the rumored iPhone 5S and share all the new iOS 7 features, some of which could be specific to theiPhone 5S.
As the rumored iOS 7 release date approaches a new Bluetooth profile for iOS 7 appeared on the Bluetooth Special Interest Group website. The listing details the iOS 7 Bluetooth protocols which on the surface are just a table of acronyms, but underneath they are key to some of the new exciting iOS 7 features users should expect in late September.
The new iOS 7 Bluetooth profile is ready for an iOS 7 release.
The iOS 7 update Bluetooth certification is listed by Ulrich Amrhein, a Manager of Engineering Program Management at Apple. The new iOS 7 profile was qualified and tested by Andreas Gruenwaldt, who works at 7Layers, a testing firm that specializes in certifying devices and software for networks, wireless technology and specific industries and programs including Apple’s Made for iPhone program.
Additional iOS 7 Bluetooth certification details.
It is standard practice for a Bluetooth Qualification Expert to test and list a product in the Bluetooth Qualified Designs database, so this isn’t a sign that Apple is outsourcing iOS 7 in order to avoid a delayed release.
5 Key Bluetooth Enabled iOS 7 Features
Now that we are past the technical details, we can look at the new iOS 7 features made possible by a new Bluetooth profile.
iOS 7 Controller Support
IOS 7 will finally bring native controller support to the iPhone and iPad. Apple is already offering guidance to accessory makers and developers on how to make an iPhone controller for iOS 7, and Bluetooth will play a key role in connectivity for many options.
One of the button layouts for controllers that iOS 7 will support this fall.
One of the new features that is present in iOS 7 Bluetooth is the ability to manage Bluetooth accessories from the iPhone or iPad in greater detail, which we could see used as a way to map buttons or perform other setup activities.
During WWDC 2013 an iOS 7 controller from Logitech appeared at a demo, so shoppers may see several iOS 7 controller options arrive soon after the iOS 7 release date.
Air Drop
Air Drop uses WiFi to connect wirelessly to other iPhones and iPads running iOS 7 to share photos and more, but it relies on Bluetooth to find the other devices.
AirDrop simplifies file sharing.
According to the Bluetooth Special Interest Group Air Drop uses, “Bluetooth Smart technology to securely discover and connect devices for file sharing.
Better Battery Life for Accessories
The new HID profile, which is one of the changes in this updated profile will bring better battery life to iOS 7 controllers and to iPhone and iPad keyboards.
The Bluetooth SIG states, “consumers can expect ultra-power efficient Bluetooth Smart game controllers and keyboards to last years without changing batteries.” All thanks to new Bluetooth profiles.
Smart Door Locks
There are a number of smart iPhone connected door locks on or arriving to the market, and with iOS 7 and new Bluetooth support, we should see improved performance thanks to HID and Alert Notification Services.
The August Smart Lock.
Better Smartwatch Support
Another key component of the new iOS 7 features is better support for a smartwatch like the Pebble, and possibly the rumored iWatch. The new Apple Notification Center Service lets Bluetooth Smart devices tap into the iPhone notifications for a vastly improved user experience.
The video above shows this in action with an iPhone 5 running iOS 7 and a Pebble smartwatch.
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