New IOS 14 Features Announced By Apple WWDC 2020

New iOS 14 features (screenshot of Apple WWDC 2020 keynote)

JAKARTA - Apple has just introduced its newest iOS 14 operating system, at the 2020 Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) which was held online. Many new features are offered by Apple in this iOS 13 successor.

Quite a few software updates (software) that Apple has presented to polish the performance of the device. A series of new iOS 14 features are focused on the interface (UI) on each iPhone device.

"IOS 14 redefines the most iconic elements of the iPhone experience, starting with the biggest update we've ever had on the Home Screen," said Apple's senior vice president for Software Engineering, Craig Federighi, quoted from Apple's official broadcast, Tuesday, June 23.

Some of the updates that Apple has presented on iOS 14 include the App Library feature which is similar to the App Drawer on Android, widgets that can now decorate the home screen, the picture-in-picture (PiP) feature previously present on the iPad, and various built-in app updates.

Interestingly, iOS 14 can run on all iPhones that previously supported iOS 13. In other words, Apple's old devices that are still under five years old, such as the iPhone 6s to iPhone SE will still get the iOS 14 update.

Apart from the iPhone, other Apple devices such as the third generation iPad Air can also run this latest version of the iOS update. iOS 14 itself can be downloaded, but is still in developer mode (developer beta). The plan, the public beta version of iOS 14 can only be enjoyed by iPhone users in July 2020.

More specifically, VOI has summarized a series of new features that are present in iOS 14. Here's a list of iOS 14 updates:

App Library

This latest feature is actually the same as the existing features on Android smartphones today. Users can group applications in one folder. For example, a user has just downloaded a game, then they can immediately create a special game folder to make it look more neat and easy to find.

Widget

Apple redesigned the appearance of widgets in iOS 14 to be more attractive and accessible. Now users can place it on the home screen with various size options.

New Call Screen

When there is a call, FaceTime, or Siri interaction regarding the device, they will no longer cover the entire screen as happened before. The call will appear in the Notification area at the top, much like the one Samsung One UI-ish has, while the Siri animation is at the bottom of the screen where there is a Home button.

Picture-in-Picture

Any video that is being watched can automatically be minimized when the user swipes to the home screen, and the user can also place it anywhere on the screen as desired.

Siri

Siri is getting a new interface, but that's not the only new trick. The Siri circles are at the bottom of the screen, shaded above all other UI elements, and can pop up Widgets when needed. Other new features include the ability to send voice recordings via Messages and translate more languages.

Apple Translation

The new Translate app can translate text and audio in 11 different languages, including English, Spanish, French and Chinese. This application can also translate in real time when two people speak different languages on the iPhone.

Message Conversation

If there's one thing I really want Apple to fix this year, it's notifications for Messages. Google has a great solution on Android 11, and Apple has something similar.

Now users can pin favorite contacts and groups to ensure that chat stays at the top of their inbox at all times. They will appear with a large circle showing the person's Emoji or photo, and users will see when they are online, their most recent typing, and messages.

Apple Maps

Apple Maps is the pinnacle of iOS 14, and the same version of the app will hit macOS Big Sur too. Apple says its navigation app has gotten a lot better on iOS 14. Bringing updates including options for cycling directions, and support for electric cars, complete with EV charging stations. Apple Maps can also store car or motorcycle license plate numbers.

New features in iOS 14 (screenshot of Keynote Apple WWDC 2020)

iPhone as Car Key

Can your cell phone be the key to a car? Well, with iOS 14 and a supported car, that's just possible. Users can leave the actual physical car key at home and only use the iPhone to unlock the car and start the engine. The first car to support it is the BMW 2021 Series, but more to come.

Users will also be able to share access securely with anyone, and even limit the accessibility that others have. Everything is encrypted and protected by FaceID, and users can easily limit access.