At last night's Apple WWDC20, we learnt so much about what's to come in Apples next generation of tech. Here's a quick run through of what we gained from the event"?
Apple didn't unveil the iPhone 12 to succeed the iPhone 11 just yet but we got an exclusive look into the operating system it will use. The new iPhone update is likely come with later this year. Developers won't have to wait as the iOS 14 beta is already available to download.
So, what's new on iOS 14?
The biggest change we all saw was Apple's introduction to widgets. Finally, something Apple users have all been waiting for after seeing this on most Android devices by now. The feature will be added and easily accessible from the home screen. Apple has also improved Siri, making it even smarter with a new visual makeover.
Apple didn't confirm the iOS 14 release date but if we go by previous years we are looking at September this year.
Will your iPhone get iOS 14?
Good news for previous iPhone owners as iOS 14 will be available iPhone 6s onwards (from 2015 or later). That means the devices listed below will be able to download iOS 14 when it lands later this year:
iPhone 6S, iPhone 6S Plus and iPhone SE (first generation)
iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus
iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X
iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max and iPhone XR
iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max
iPhone SE (second generation)
iOS 14 Home Screen Widgets
Actual widgets will be debuting iPhone on iOS 14. These will come in a range of sizes and visually look more attractive than what we've seen in previous versions of iOS.
Apple says it has learned from the way widgets work on Apple Watch, and it wanted to bring that functionality across to iPhone.
A new feature called the 'App Library' also comes at the end of your home screens within iOS 14. This is a new way of better organizing your apps, and it essentially files different services away without you manually having to do it. For example, all your gaming apps, would appear in one folder automatically.
You can also hide specific apps that you don't want on your home screens, and they'll appear in the 'App Library' instead. Don't want people to know you've got certain apps on your phone? You can now hide them and view them in the App Library later.
iOS 14 Siri
Siri has been completely redesigned for iOS 14 and now the reactions from your voice assistant won't take up the whole of the display. They'll now appear as small notifications at the top of your phone, just as regular notifications appear.
Siri's ability to translate has had a major update too, making translations more accurate and sophisticated than ever before and it can now send audio messages for the first time.
iOS 14 Messages
The Messages app is getting a variety of updates, including the ability to pin conversations. You can now pin a particular person to the top of your messaging app, making it easier to keep track of important messages and staying in the loop.
Other improvements include 20 new hair and headwear styles for Memoji that allows you to better customize your character. There are also face coverings for those who want the 2020 look.
Group messages are getting improvements too, including direct replies for specific messages as well as @mentions.
iOS 14 Maps
Introducing Guides, which are editorial content about a place. Think of it like a travel book - now you can get that information directly within the Maps app.
Calling all cyclists! Maps has improvements directly for you, including the option to search for quieter roads or cycle lanes. It should tell you whether it's a steep incline too.
If you have an electric car, there are also now specific routes for you within Apple Maps too, and the app will tell you where charging stations are near-by or on your journey.
iOS 14 Picture-in-Picture
Better picture-in-picture functionality is now available. It'll allow you to keep watching a video at the same time as using other apps, for example; you can reply to a message whilst watching a YouTube video at the same time.
iOS 14 CarPlay
if you have a compatible car, you can now get digital keys that enable you to unlock and turn on your car through your iPhone.
This is specifically for the upcoming 2021 BMW 5 Series at the moment, but this is set to come to other car models in the future. Apple wasn't able to confirm any models or manufacturers yet, but expect this to be something car companies will get excited about.
iOS 14 Privacy
Apple has always expressed the importance of privacy and with iOS 14 it's taking that a step further, by requiring all apps to obtain permission from you before tracking you. Good news all round. ?
Additionally, you'll now be able to choose to share your approximate location with apps rather than your exact location, and get more transparency on an app's use of your phone's microphone and camera.
iOS 14 Smart Home Controls
iOS 14 will give you even more control over your home, with expanded and enhanced smart home controls available in Control Centre. The Home app will also offer more automation suggestions, so you won't have to manually control devices as much.