WordPress iOS app gets interface overhaul, new power-user features, performance boost

Today, WordPress has released a major new update for its iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch application. The app is completely redesigned from the ground up, using a new sliding pane interface. Those familiar with the Facebook iOS application or the official Twitter for iPad app will already know how to use the new WordPress app.

The app also includes a new experience for signing up for a WordPress account (for first time users), a new icon, WordPress.com friend finding, and updated colors and graphics.

★ Major UI Refresh!
– New sidebar menu for quick navigation.
– Sliding panels on the iPad for greatly improved navigation and ease of use.
– Updated colors and graphics.
– Improved sign up experience.
– New app icon.
★ Support for Post Formats.
★ WordPress.com Reader and Quick Photo added for the iPad.
★ New Simple post preview feature for the iPad.
★ All-new WordPress.com stats.
★ New WordPress.com Friend Finder feature helps you find your friends blogging on WordPress.com.
★ Landscape orientation support throughout the app.
★ Easy access to your site – view it and access the web dashboard right from the app.
★ Last but not least – many reliability improvements and performance tweaks.

However, the new update also includes a bunch of important power-user features for WordPress.com blog authors and editors. WordPress Reader and Quick Photo uploading, support for new posting formats, WordPress.com page view and link stats, landscape mode, quick access to viewing your sites, and improved previewing of posts are all present.

For those who have been long time users of the app, you may have noticed that the app is sometimes sluggish and unreliable. WordPress says that this new update should alleviate those long-existing problems.