Good news for iPhone users, Apple on Wednesday introduced iOS 14 as a free software update for iPhone 6s and later, bringing a huge boost to the home screen with beautifully redesigned widgets and the app library, new ways to use apps with app clips, and powerful Messages updates.
The new widgets present timely information at a glance and can be added in different sizes to any page on the home screen.
“We are delighted to see the incredible ways developers are leveraging app widgets and clips to create new experiences that we think customers will love,” Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering, said in a statement.
In iOS 14, the Home app makes smart home control even easier with new automation tips and expanded controls in the Control Center for faster access to accessories and scenes.
“A new health checklist that includes emergency SOS, medical ID, ECG, fall detection and more offers users a centralized place to manage health and safety features in iOS 14,” Apple reported.
Users can choose a smart widget stack, which uses device intelligence to display the appropriate widget based on time, location, and activity.
At the bottom of the home screen pages is the application library that makes it easy for users to access all of their applications with a simple and easy to navigate view.
With Picture-in-Picture support, iPhone users can now watch a video or take a FaceTime call while using another app.
“Incoming FaceTime and phone calls and Siri interactions take on a completely new compact design that allows users to stay in the context of what they are doing,” said Apple.
Users can now pin conversations to the top of their message list, easily keep up with animated group threads through online mentions and replies, and more
personalize conversations by setting a group photo with a picture or emoji.
“Maps makes navigating and exploring easier than ever with new bike directions, EV routes, and curated guides,” Apple announced.
Users can now choose to share their approximate location with app developers instead of their precise location by granting access to an app’s location, and gain even more transparency in using an app’s microphone and camera.
Developers can offer users the option to update their existing accounts to sign in with Apple.
“Later this year, the App Store product pages will include summaries of developer self-reported privacy practices, which will be displayed in a simple, easy-to-read format. Early next year, all apps should get the user’s permission before tracking “Apple said.
AirPods and AirPods Pro get powerful capabilities with iOS 14.
Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking provides a theater-like experience in AirPods Pro. By applying directional audio filters and subtly adjusting the frequencies received by each ear, sounds can be placed virtually anywhere in a space to provide an immersive listening experience.
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