iOS 7: Easy System-wide Searches

Sometimes it's the simple things that make operating system updates so nice, like iOS 7's new way of performing system-wide searches. The problem is when the way you get at a feature like that changes and no one tells you where it went. If you're stymied trying to find iOS 7's system-wide search, rest easy. We've got you covered.

In iOS 6, performing system-wide searches required a few steps. To start, you had to be on the first Home screen on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. Then you would double-tap the Home button, swipe from left to right on the app bar, and then tap the search field.

Swipe down from any app icon screen to see iOS 7's search fieldSwipe down from any app icon screen to see iOS 7's search field

In iOS 7, it's much easier. Just use one finger to swipe down from the middle of any Home screen with App icons to see the search field. Like system-wide searches in iOS 6, you'll see apps, contacts, events, email messages, and more. Just tap on the search result you want to jump to the appropriate app.

Considering how many people have asked me where system-wide searching went in iOS 7 I have to think Apple didn't do a very good job of explaining that one. Once you know where to look, however, it's so much easier to make those searches happen.