February 1 is the deadline for all new iOS apps to be optimized for iOS 7, Apple’s most current operating system. Apple says new apps and updates to existing ones must be iOS 7 ready by February. This could pose a big challenge for software developers but Apple sees it as the best way to ensure that iPhone and iPad users get the best experience possible. It says iOS 7 offers better visuals and a streamlined user interface. Apple also said today that all new iOS apps must now be built using the latest version of Xcode 5, which takes advantage of Apple’s new 64-bit processor, the A7.