How To: What's New (& Removed) In Apple's Latest iOS 7.1 for iPad, iPhone, & iPod Touch

This last weekend, Apple released the second beta of iOS 7.1 for iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch, and I've got a firsthand look of what's to come in iOS 7.1—the first major update since iOS 7 was released.

Update: iOS 7.1 Released to the Public (3/10/14)

The final version of iOS 7.1 was released to everyone. To see what's new for all, check out our What You Need to Know About iOS 7.1 guide.

What's New in iOS 7.1 Beta 2

With the first iOS 7.1 beta, Apple worked on network connection issues, fixing several bugs, and redesigning a few of the UI aesthetics. One of the biggest features added was the dark keyboard, but unfortunately Apple has decided to scrap this feature in this newest beta version, though it may return for the final public build.

Now that we've got our hands on the second beta, let's take a better look at all the new features that it has to offer.

New Button Shapes for Menus

The biggest addition to iOS 7.1 is Button Shapes, a feature that allows you to enable indicators for select Apple apps on your device, creating shaded backdrops for certain menu options. Once enabled. you'll see dark grey buttons form around certain selectable options, in apps such as Camera Roll, Mail, Messages, Calendar, Settings, and more.

In addition to the button look, options that appear in Apple popups will have an underline beneath them.

New Calendar List View Toggle

If checking your events was a hassle, Apple has now added a list view toggle to the calendar application. If you want to easily view the events of the day you're currently in, just tap on the icon at the top left of the icon list, which will turn the bottom portion of the screen into a list of your daily events.

New Shortcuts to Passcode & Touch ID Settings

Presumably to push its importance or to make it quicker to reach, Apple has now moved Passcode and Touch ID to the main Settings panel. Below you can see the difference between three different models and their OS—iPhone 4S (iOS 7.1), iPhone 5 (iOS 7.1 beta 2) and iPhone 5S (iOS 7.1 beta 2), in that order.

Upcoming Car Display Controls

Something exciting to this new beta is Car Display, which is a feature that Apple is working on to augment iOS integration with cars that carry the compatibility. You'll be able to get directions, check text messages and emails, and more—all through your car's dashboard monitor. You can find the new setting in Restrictions, but don't hold your breath—the feature won't be fully integrated until next year.

What's your favorite (or most hated) addition to iOS 7.1? What are they forgetting about? Share your thoughts below.