Apple announced many app updates in and OS updates the next version of their operating system iOS14. Here is a list of a few of them.

Thanks to Apple for sharing all this at their WWDC announcement at the Steve Jobs theatre. This year was very different as the entire event was online due to COVID19 restrictions.

What’s new in iOS14?

No more pages and pages of scrolling “App Library” lets you automatically organise your apps

The new App Library automatically organises all of your apps into one simple, easy‑to‑navigate view. Apps are sorted by category and your most used apps are always just one tap away. This will help with those who have several apps on their devices and have to keep sorting them in folders or pages after pages of apps.

Add “Widgets” on the new Home Screen

Widgets redesigned to give you more information at a glance — and you can add them to your Home Screen. Choose from different sizes and arrange however you prefer.

Pick up or decline calls with “Compact Calls” view

You will find a quick view on the top of your screen to pick up calls which no longer will take up the full screen.

Keep watching that video with “Picture in Picture”

This feature lets you continue to watch videos in a pop up window while being on another call or while you use another app.

Get more creative with “Messaging, Groups & Emoji updates”

Pin up to nine most important conversations on the top, have better group conversations and the ability to add an emoji or photo for the group. Seems this feature is bringing native messaging in the app closer to the likes of WhatsAapp and other popular messaging apps.

Type a name and direct a message in a group (much like you “@” someone in social media comments). New emoji, styles and stickers for the ones who like the fun side of the iOS.

Emoji style updates include age options, 20 hair and headwear options and hobby, profession, and personality.

iOS14 updates also include updates to Maps with features such as cycling tracks, electric vehicle routing to find charging stations along the way.

There’s also an all new Translate app, ability to unlock and start your car with the NFC on your iPhone, new Augmented reality features.

Availability

As stated on the Apple release – “The developer preview of iOS 14 is available to Apple Developer Program members at developer.apple.com starting today, and a public beta will be available to iOS users next month at beta.apple.com. New software features will be available as a free software update for iPhone 6s and later. For more information, visit apple.com/ios/ios-14-preview. Features are subject to change. Some features may not be available in all regions or all languages”

You can see the full list of iOS14 updates on Apple’s official website here. Find the full Apple official release here.

Mike Vasavada Director

Mike Vasavada, hailing originally from Bangalore, India, embarked on his journey to Australia in 1999. Reminiscing about the days when he traversed the streets of Sydney in pursuit of his first job while concurrently pursuing his studies at university part-time, Mike reflects on the beginning of his professional odyssey. His initial foray into the Australian job market landed him a position at a contact centre in Chatswood, Sydney, back in 2000.

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