The release of the next generation of iPhones is almost upon us, as the widely-accepted Sept. 10 launch date is fast approaching. With the iPhone 5S also comes a brand new operating system, one that has received quite a bit off attention ever since its beta versions first started being released this summer.

"iOS 7 however will be vastly different iOS 6, not just in terms of features, but in terms of design as well. iOS 7 is going to arrive with a brand new look thanks to the first major redesign to iOS since the inception of iOS back with the first iPhone," reports gottabemobile.com.

Perhaps most notably, Apple seems to be taking a page out of Microsoft's playbook in terms of aesthetics. Windows 8 brought with it a highly colorful and flat, two dimensional feel, and it appears that iOS 7 is aiming to bring about a very similar feel when it is finally released.

"It was just a whole different aesthetic than what we're producing now given the rest of the iOS interface," observes Gregg Spiridellis of JibJab. "It'll be a little bit shocking at first because, like Gregg said, it's a totally new feel, but it's one of those things where after a couple of days or a day of flipping around, I think people are just going to love it," adds his brother Evan.

There have been critics of iOS 7's new look, as well. Some people have claimed it looks almost cartoonish based on the color palate that was decided upon. Those same critics believe Apple customers will also not appreciate such a deviation from the previous operating systems, though to that end others have said it's the right time for Apple to overhaul its operating system.

"The trade press was getting very negative to how stale and old-looking iOS was," says Van Baker, an analyst at Gartner. "In truth, most users don't care. Nonetheless, it was worthwhile to do it and give it a fresh new look."

Only time will tell whether iOS 7's brand new look will be a hit among consumers. Generally speaking, however, Apple has an excellent track record of appeasing its fan base, and it should come as no surprise when its latest operating system becomes a smash hit.