Though most of the attention was focused on two new iPhone versions, Apple announced the iOS 7 release date and features at its press event today. Though Apple debuted most of iOs 7’s goodies at WWDC back in June, today’s press event focused more on how the new iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C will operate using Apple’s flagship mobile operating system.

iOS 7 will be made publicly available to users on September 18, two days before the two aforementioned iPhones hit the retail shelves, as a free download. But, the update will only be available to users who use an iPhone 4 or higher, 2nd-generation iPad, iPad mini, and 5th-generation iPod Touch.

What we heard today

Tim Cook and the Apple execs took the stage and announced iOS 7 before the two smartphones which will be running it. Though we’ve heard most of this already, we now know how seamless and even color coordinated iOS 7 will be with its devices which certainly adds to the user-friendliness and overall pristine feel of Apple’s products.

The lock screen creates a parallax effect on the wallpaper, shifting the axis of the entire UI so that the user can have a clear vantage point despite the angle its being held at.

Also from the lock screen the user can access the Notification Center and Command Center by simply using basic swiping cues. Users can swipe down for the Notifications Center and conversely swipe up for Command Center. You can also use the pull down gesture from any home screen panel use the Search feature to scour your device for certain items.

Siri is also improved. Now with both male and female voice options, Siri is able to access social media feeds like Twitter. Craig Federighi used the example of asking “What is Lady Gaga saying?” and Siri subsequently pulled up the pop diva’s feed.

Also put on display were five iWork apps, making the feature one of the most powerful productivity suites this side of Microsoft Office. All of the apps– Keynote, Pages, Numbers, iPhoto, and iMovie–are all free for download today.

Downloads for iOS 7 will be free and available starting September 18, just two days before the iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C.