Apple yesterday at the WWDC keynote revealed iOS 14, the latest version of its mobile operating system. Major changes and features that iOS users have been asking for a while are now included in iOS 14. While most of the changes concern the visual elements, there are also some technical changes and new features that are intended to give users a more convenient experience. Although iOS 14 is not as changed completely as macOS Big Sur, it nevertheless appears promising and aims to increase productivity.
1. Minimized Siri
Over the years, one primary gripe from iPhone users has been that Siri takes up the entire screen when activated, which makes the device less useful. Well, that has also been resolved. Now, Siri will appear as a small circular icon at the bottom of your screen, and the results will show up as a banner notification that will not interfere with anything you are doing on your iPhone.
2. Minimized Incoming Call UI
It appears that Apple is finally paying attention to its consumers with iOS 14! Like the issue with Siri, all incoming calls on the iPhone would fill the full screen, making it difficult to use the device for work without either rejecting the call or waiting for the other party to hang up. Thankfully, Apple has addressed this as well with iOS 14, and an incoming call will now be displayed as a notification banner much as on Android. Without having to stop what you are doing on your iPhone; you can accept or reject the call.
3. On-Device Dictation
On iOS, dictation has long been available. However, it processes your voice input to text using your Wi-Fi network or mobile data. With iOS 14, Apple eliminated the need for an active internet connection, meaning that all transcription now takes place directly on your phone, which speeds up the process. Since your data no longer need to leave your device, this is also a good step for privacy.
4. A New Translate App
With iOS 14, the absence of a built-in Translate app has also been resolved. The default Translate app will now take care of it for you, so users no longer need to rely on third-party translation programs like Google Translate. Better yet, if you are traveling, Apple’s translate app will function perfectly offline just like dictation. If you do not have network access, you can communicate in a different language by using offline translation.
5. Big Updates To iMessage
Starting with pinned conversations, iOS 14’s Messages app has seen some significant updates. Important discussions can now be pinned to the top of the Messages app, making it easier for you to access them quickly. The image of the contact you are talking with will serve as the indicator for the pinned messages. Additionally, support for additional styles, faces, and accessories like hats and face masks has been introduced to Memojis.
6. Revamped Maps
Since Apple Maps lacked several features compared to Google Maps, it has also received a much-needed update. Apple has tried to solve this, too, by launching Guides, a service that may help you identify nearby points of interest, restaurants, and shops, as well as reviews and directions to get there. There is a new cycling mode, and if you drive an electric car, there is EV routing as well to assist you to conserve power and add charging stations to your route based on the battery level of your car.
7. Choose The Default Browser
Another “finally” for iPhone users comes with iOS’s inclusion of the option to select a default browser. This issue was previously resolved by jailbreak tweaks many years ago, but users who like browsers like Chrome and Duck Duck Go will be happy to know that such a feature is now officially implemented into iOS.
8. Picture In Picture
Picture in Picture, which was initially offered on the iPad a few years ago, is now available on the iPhone. PiP is not just functional with videos; it is also compatible with FaceTime video calls. Users now have the option to multitask while video chatting with friends thanks to this appreciated feature.
9. Updates To CarPlay
New wallpapers and apps are now available for CarPlay, Apple’s system that lets you connect your phone to your car, making it easier for you to use it for navigation or just listening to music as you drive.
10. Change Default Browser And Email App
The ability to now change your iPhone’s default browser and email client is the final change, which may be as important as other new iOS 14 features on our list. On iOS 13, the default apps were Safari and Mail, but you now have the option to change to Chrome and Gmail or any other program of your preference.
