Apple officially releases iOS 7 beta 5, possibly the final test version.

Not playing by the rules has always been a characteristic of Apple. As many people were still disappointed by the lack of a new version update announcement at midnight on Tuesday, Apple officially released the fifth iOS 7 beta version at 1 AM Beijing Time on Wednesday, August 7th. Compared to previous releases, the iOS 7 beta 5 version did not bring many functional updates but focused more on detail fixes, including optimizing Chinese font display and modifying some icons.

New "slide to power off" design

Based on information published by foreign websites so far, the newly released iOS 7 beta 5 version does feature several noticeable changes. Although the expected nine-key input method did not appear in other versions, the settings interface icon was redesigned, replacing the previously all-blue line design with more colorful square icons; it features a new Twitter icon and Yahoo collaboration information display. In addition to having a new call icon, the iOS 7 beta 5 test version control center also added an "in-app access" option, allowing the control center to be summoned by sliding up from the bottom even while running third-party apps, without needing to return to the home screen.

Notably, this iOS 7 beta 5 test version introduced a new "slide to power off" design. Swiping right on the icon under this function will turn off the screen. Moreover, the boot screen is no longer a uniform "white apple"; now white iPhones also have a "black apple" (white background) screen. Additionally, after installing the new version, the notification banner gained a pull-down design, and issues such as crashes in certain apps and games (like "Plants vs Zombies 2") have been resolved.

Potentially the final test version

Previously, foreign analysts believed that since Apple would hold a new product launch event in September, the iOS 7 Beta 5 version could likely be the last test version before the official release of iOS 7. Meanwhile, to improve the system stability of iOS 7, Apple will not add new functions in the iOS 7 Beta 5 version. Based on the current information obtained, features like the non-domestic nine-key input method and fingerprint recognition have indeed not appeared.

Therefore, if iOS 7 Beta 5 truly is the last test version as rumored, it naturally implies that the official version of iOS 7 is not far away. According to information disclosed by foreign websites earlier, Apple might formally release the next generation iPhone and iOS 7 system as early as September 6th.