Apple’s next-generation Operating System, iOS 14, is set to release this fall. iOS 14 is Apple’s most significant iOS update to date with Home screen design changes, notable new features, Siri improvements, updates for existing apps, and many such tweaks that enable the iOS interface. iOS 14 will boost any iPhone app development company.
iOS 14 Overview: New features, Updates & Release Date
Home Screen Design
A new design for the Home screen will allow you for far more customization with widgets. So, now you have the option to hide the entire pages of apps. Plus, the new App Library will show you everything that you have installed.
Widgets
Apple has redesigned its widgets, providing more data and functionality for default apps like Calendar, Stocks, and Weather. Also, it has added new widgets for Screen Time and Apple News. You can even drag on your home screen and the Today view as per your convenience, though their sizes differ.
The newly added “Widget Smart Stack” will automatically surface the best widget option for you based on time, location, and activity. A Siri Suggestions widget uses on-device intelligence to materialize suggested actions based on your iPhone usage patterns.
App Library
It’s another great new feature that will show all the apps you have installed in an organized and simple-to-navigate view. It’s like the app list view on the Apple Watch. At the top of it, there is a “Suggestions” folder with four recommended apps shown based on factors like time, location, activity, etc. The “Recently Added” will help you find apps recently added to your iPhone. Plus, it features App Clips so you can easily find them.
App Library Search will enable you to see an alphabetical list of all the apps you have installed. iOS 14 lets you hide entire Home Screen pages from view keeping your iPhone interface clean. Though you can always view the apps through the App Library when hidden. You can even toggle on a feature that prevents new app downloads from up on the Home Screen.
Compact Phone Calls
Now, incoming calls will not take up your entire screen. Instead, it will show up as a small banner at the top of the display. You can dismiss it or tap down to see more phone options at your convenience. It applies to FaceTime calls and third-party VoIP calls also.
Picture-in-Picture
The Picture-in-Picture feature on the iPad is available to the iPhone in iOS 14 now. So, it will enable you to watch videos or use FaceTime while doing some other work. You can minimize the Picture in Picture window and still listen to the audio.
Smarter Siri
The redesigned Siri will no longer take over your entire display on its activation. Instead, there is a small animated Siri logo at the bottom of the iPhone’s display. Also, Siri is smarter in iOS 14 and can answer a more excellent range of questions. It can send audio messages too. Keyboard Dictation will provide extra privacy for them.
Third-Party Default Apps and Messages
Finally, you can set third-party mail and browser apps as the default in place of Mail and Safari.
You can now pin an essential conversation so that it stays at the top of the app. The “Inline Replies” will let you reply to a specific message in a conversation. The “@mention” feature will enable you to mute a group chat and receive a notification if anyone mentions your name. The new Memoji options are more expressive than ever now.
Maps and Translate App
It provides cycling directions for bike commuters and cyclists, and a route with EV charging stops for electric vehicles. A Curated Guides feature will offer you a list of exciting places to visit in a city.
Plus, Siri can translate phrases and words into multiple languages with a standalone Translate app.
HomeKit and New Safari Features
Suggested Automations, the Control Center widget, Adaptive Lighting features will enhance Apple’s smart home platform.
Safari will deliver 2x faster JavaScript performance than Chrome on Android. A new password monitoring feature will keep an eye on passwords saved in iCloud Keychain. Website Privacy Report will show you all the cross-site trackers installed on a website.
Health App
It has many new features related to the Sleep Tracking feature introduced in WatchOS 7. The Wind Down feature helps you to create a personalized routine to get ready for bed. Plus, it has also bolstered the Hearing Health protections as per WHO guidelines.
Car Key
This feature will help you unlock your car by tapping an Apple Watch or an iPhone on the door handle. It can even lock your car and start the vehicle as required. It works even if your iPhone runs out of battery.
AirPods Features and App Clips
You can automatically switch your AirPods and AirPods Pro between the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch. Plus, a spatial audio feature for the AirPods Pro will bring movie theatre-like surround to your earbuds.
App Clip feature will let you use a part of an app without downloading it. Businesses can create App Clip NFC tags, QR codes, place cards in Maps, Message links, etc.
Privacy Enhancements and other Features
Updated privacy protections will need developers to get permission before accessing devices on a local network. App Store product pages will include summaries of developers’ self-reported privacy practices in an easy-to-read format.
Likely, there are dozens of tweaks and enhancements for other apps. The camera app has a new Exposure Compensation control, developers App Store subscriptions available for your families, etc.
iPhone is compatible with iPhone 6s and later. It means that it can run on all iOS 13 enabled devices.
Conclusion
iOS 14 brings in many new features, but it is still a beta version and not the final product. iOS 14 has something for iOS 14 Overview: New features, Updates & Release Date every user. But, if you download it, then do take a back-up as you might face some bugs.
You may even take professional guidance from a reputed app development company for better understanding.