Tech giant Apple has finally introduced it newest OS update for iPhones at its annual developers conference event WWDC, the iOS 14. The latest iOS version comes with tons of new features and improvements on the previous OS.
Some of the new features in the latest iOS update are not entirely new for Android fans, has some of this features already exist on the Android platform, however, Apple fans are really excited to welcome this new features.
iOS 14 Features
Some of the newly introduced features in iOS 14 update include;
App Library
With the iOS 14 update, apps can now be sorted into different categories on the home screen. This will reduced the number of apps your have on your home screen and give you quick access to app you frequently use. You can access the App Library by simply swiping left on the home screen.
Smart Stack
Since time, Android has been using widgets to display information’s from apps on the homescreen. It is also a means of beautifying the homescreen for many Android lovers. In the new iOS 14 update, iPhone users will be add interactive widgets on home homescreen.
Car Play
Have you ever thought of starting/unlocking your car with your smartphone? With the new iOS update, iPhone users will be able to unlock there cars by using their phone as car key.
Currently this feature only works with the new 2021 BMW 5 series. It works through NFC, you simply need to tap your phone to the door to unlock. To start the car, you just need to place the phone on the charging pad in the car and hit the start/stop button and you’re driving.
Interestingly, you can share your car key through iMessage, including with a restricted driving profile (for the teenager in your life). This feature will also work in iOS 13.
PiP
PiP (Picture-in-Picture mode) is also not a new feature for Android users, however, thi is the first time we’re seeing this feature in iOS. iPhone users can now watch videos in PiP mode while using other apps. PiP is also resizable so it doesn’t cover a portion of the screen you need to see when you’re on a different app.
Siri
Apple has also also introduced a couple of new features in it popular AI assistant Siri. iPhone users can now send an audio message by simply invoking Siri. Siri has also gotten a new translations feature and supports several languages.
Translate app
Apple has introduced a new app similar to the Google translate app or should I say a replacement for Google translate on iPhones. The new app is called Translate. With translate, users can translate texts/audio in different languages and can be used to translate languages in real-time during a conversation between two different people with different languages.
New Messages features
Apple wants improve users experience in its Apple Message by introducing pinned conversation feature. Also, users can now reply to specific messages in a group chat using the in-line reply feature similar to what most popular messaging apps already offers. You can also mention/tag a specific users in group conversations.
Apple Map
iOS 14 comes with some redefined features in Apple Map including Guides, cycling directions, EV Routing, and more.
App Clip
App clips is synonymous to Android slice. This feature lets you use a small part of an app without actually downloading the app. App Clip can be launched by scanning new App designed App Clip codes or from NFC cards, links in messages and more.
List of iOS 14 Eligible Devices
One of the reasons I like Apple is the fact they extend OS support for even older iPhones. iPhone 6 and below has been left out for newer OS updates since the release of iOS 13 but Apple is making sure the iOS 14 gets to all deice that received the iOS 13 update. If you’re curious to know if your device will receive the new iOS 14 update, below is the list of eligible iPhones.
- iPhone 11, 11 Pro, Pro Max
- iPhone X, XS, XS Max, Xr
- iPhone 8, 8 Plus
- iPhone 7, 7 Plus
- iPhone 6s, 6s Plus
- iPhone SE (1st gen)
- iPhone SE (2nd gen)
- iPod Touch (7th gen)
The tech gaint also introduced its new MacOS, WatchOS, and iPadOS at the event, you find more details here.