We can finally welcome you to iOS 14, the new version of mobile software for iPhone. During last night’s WWDC conference, Apple unveiled a slew of updates related to the update, so let’s take a look at what is most worthy of iOS 14.
The arrival of iOS 14 has meant a great improvement at a functional and visual level. But the update software doesn’t incorporate dozens and dozens of new features. This is an update with minor refinements in many areas. A kind of polishing in order to bring the operating system a little closer to perfection.
Apple has incorporated new features in Messages, Mail, Siri, Maps, Home and many other applications, but they have also renewed the user interface design of certain elements of the Home Screen, the Lock Screen, the widgets, calls and a long etcetera. In addition, as it has been customary throughout the last years, it seems that the company is paying a lot of attention to its users. So much so, that iOS 14 has incorporated many of the proposals we made a few months ago.
The best of iOS 14!
1. Widgets
Year after year, the company with the bitten apple logo keeps improving its widgets. Previously, instead of adopting the same design of Android widgets, Apple decided to adopt a slower transition until they have finally yielded to the will of their users.
With iPadOS 13, Apple incorporated widgets on one side of the iPad Home Screen. Now, with iPadOS 14 and iOS 14, the company has gone one step further. They have finally introduced the largest customizable widgets on the Home Screen of their devices.
Apple has completely redesigned its app widgets – and will allow developers to do the same with their apps – to provide users with much more information instantly. Users will be able to choose different sizes for their favorite widgets and place them where they want on the screen.
But that is not all. In addition, Apple has introduced a new widget panel where you can search, browse, and access new widgets.
2. App library
We continue with another change both functionally and visually, this is the new Library of applications that Apple has incorporated into the Home Screen. We are talking about a feature that was leaked for a few months and that gives users an alternative to exploring their applications.
The iOS 14 App Library makes browsing content much easier and more comfortable. It is available at the bottom of the Home Screen pages and is organized – completely automatically – by categories such as “Social”, “Entertainment”, “Creativity”, “Games”, etc.
If you want to search for an application immediately, you can also do it. The App Library has a search field to enter the name of the app you want to search for.
The App Library will also offer recommendations and allow users to more easily find the apps they use most frequently. A change, without a doubt, very interesting. And best of all: optional. If you want, you use it, and if you don’t want to, you can continue browsing your app pages as usual.
3. New design of the calls interface
As we mentioned previously, in recent years Apple has put a lot of effort into listening to its users. And one of the most requested features was to change the design of the user interface of calls. Let’s face it, it made no sense for phone calls to fill the entire screen. It was too intrusive.
So Apple has redesigned the interface of the calls, which from now on are shown in a small banner in the form of a notification at the top of the screen with the buttons to accept and reject the call. This function will also be available for third-party applications, so it can work with WhatsApp, Skype, Messenger, Instagram… In fact, it is also available on FaceTime.
4. News of Messages
Apple has made some very important changes that will help improve the Messaging user experience. First, users will be able to highlight the most important conversations. These will appear at the top of the screen, in the form of contact photos.
On the other hand, as we very well reported thanks to a leak in mid-March, the Messages application will allow mentions to other users.
5. The Translate application
One of the most surprising and striking news has been the implementation of a new application known as Translate. This application will allow users to translate languages in real-time through voice. Its software is capable of automatically recognizing languages.
Language translation is currently available in Spanish, English, Mandarin Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Russian, German, French, Italian, Portuguese, and Arabic.
6. Home Improvements
Apple has also made changes to its Home app, the home automation app for iOS and iPadOS. From now on, the application will recommend automated actions according to aspects such as time or location.
There is a new option to adapt the lighting of the accessories such as bulbs by changing their brightness automatically. Additionally, security cameras will now be able to include facial recognition in HomeKit.