Benefits & Features of the Latest Apple iOS 14 Release

With expected release to be next month, we thought it would be a great time to write about one of the biggest Apple iOS updates: iOS 14.

There is a chance that this will be postponed due to the current global situation, however the announcement of the release was made at Apple’s WWDC 2020 keynote, so we are aware of all the new features. Let’s go into more detail:

What Features Will We See With iOS 14?

Redesigned Home Screen

The App Library is a new feature for the home screen which will show all of the apps you have installed on your iPhone in an organised, categorised way. Located at the end of your home screen, it is easily accessible and will allow you to rediscover some of your less used apps.

Secondly, the addition of Widgets is the next big redesign. Available in different sizes, you will be able to completely customise your home screen. Plus, with Smart Stack, you will have access to your widgets within a single icon.

Fresh, New Apps

There will be a number of new apps available with the new iOS 14 release. For example, CarKey gives users the ability to unlock their car with their iPhone. Only compatible with NFC capabilities, you will be able to tap to unlock the car and, by placing the phone on the charging pad, you can push to start.

Also, App Clips removes the need to waste your time trying to find an app through the App Store, downloading it, registering for it, setting up your payment preferences and then use it. Instead, App Clips works with compatible apps, not fully downloading them but still allowing you to use them via Apple Pay and Signing in with Apple. Quick, easy and useful!

Finally, another example is Translate, an application that can translate live spoken language or text. It can work offline and, initially, will be able to translate 11 languages.

Updated Existing Apps

Not quite out with the old, but existing apps have been given a refresh too. Messages and group chats will see similar features to WhatsApp such as a “mention” system, tagging specific contacts in a group chat so they receive a notification. Plus, you will be able to change group icons and pin conversations.

Apple Maps will be updated with more sustainable and environmentally friendly features, offering additional information for cyclists and indicating charging points for EV drivers. Also, Siri will no longer take over your entire screen when called upon; the digital assistant will appear at the top of the content you are viewing, and results will pop up in a smaller window.

Are You Excited for the Apple iOS 14 Release?

All of these new features sound great and have obviously been designed with the user in mind, making our lives a lot easier. Just for clarity, the full list of compatible iPhones with iOS 14 will be:

• iPhone 11
• iPhone 11 Pro
• iPhone 11 Pro Max
• iPhone XS
• iPhone XS Max
• iPhone XR
• iPhone X
• iPhone 8
• iPhone 8 Plus
• iPhone 7
• iPhone 7 Plus
• iPhone 6s
• iPhone 6s Plus
• iPhone SE (1st generation)
• iPhone SE (2nd generation)
• iPod touch (7th generation)

We look forward to seeing the new iOS 14 for ourselves!