Recently in WWDC 2020 conference, Apple announced the launch of its iOS 14 and with it some features that most will find very useful. It was immediately apparent that iOS are stepping in a more Android direction with regards to customisation.
Let’s dive right in and take a look what’s new with iOS 14.
New Home Screen with Widget
In its upcoming iOS 14, Apple has made it possible for its users to add widgets to their main home screen to live right alongside their apps. To add and customise any widget, they can go into the “widget gallery.” Besides, it also offers a “Smart Stack” widget that suggests relevant apps according to the time of day.
App Library
IOS 14 will automatically organise all apps into groups and lists thanks to its new app library feature. Moreover, it also allows users to hide apps on their home screen. This feature is somewhat similar to the androids app drawer but with certain modifications.
Redesigned Siri
In this updated version of Siri, it will not take over your whole screen when you activate this digital assistant. It will come with a small overlay present at the bottom of the Siri icon. Besides, Siri also comes with new features like it can send audio messages in addition to dictated messages.
Picture-In-Picture Mode
Apple is also planning to introduce a picture-in-picture feature in its new iOS 14. This feature will allow its users to continue using other apps while making a video call. All you have to do is swipe up while making a facetime call to move your video to the corner. This you will be able to use other apps.
App Clip
Apple is also launching another new app clip feature that will allow its users to access card-based snippets of apps. Therefore, they can use a small part of apps without requiring them to download them. Like they can have access to parking apps through NFC tags.
Default browser and email app
It what is a huge first for iPhone users. Apple will finally allow iPhone owners to change their default apps for both browser and email. Something that has been practically begged for by most users in the past. We hope this is a step in the right direction for Apple and they will further allow changes from defaults. Something all smart devices should be capable of.
Device Supported
Apple noted that its iOS 14 can run on iOS 6s and later. This feature is similar to the iOS 13, which means iOS 14 is compatible with all the devices supported by iOS 13. iOS 14 compatible devices include:
- iPhone 6s
- iPhone 6s plus
- iPhone 7
- iPhone 7 plus
- iPhone 8
- iPhone 8 plus
- iPhone X
- iPhone XR
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone XS
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (1st generation)
- iPhone SE (2nd generation)
- iPod touch (7th generation)
Release Date
The release date for iOS 14 has yet to be announced. However, many have speculated that Apple will launch the new update between 14th and 18th of September 2020.
iOS 14 Beta Information
Apple is planning to launch its public beta somewhere in July. Moreover, there is a lot of buzz in the market that iOS 14 public beta will be a lot more stable than its developer’s beta. Although it’s stable, it still contains some bugs which can restrict your normal apps’ functioning and not recommenced as a daily driver for your main device.
