Apple’s WWDC 2020 was unique before it even began. It’s the first time Apple’s developer conference has been streamed exclusively online with no in-person event. Regardless, there were some big announcements, including some you might have been expecting and others that might catch you by surprise.
1- Experience
You’re able to do more with your iPhone than ever before. So iOS 14 reimagines the most iconic parts of the experience to be even more helpful and personal.
Widgets on the Home Screen
Widgets have been totally redesigned to give you more information at a glance — and now you can add them to your Home Screen. Choose from different sizes and arrange however you like.
You can also add a Smart Stack of widgets intelligently curated based on the apps you use most, and the right widget will show up automatically at the right time in your day.
App Library
The new App Library automatically organizes 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.
Compact Calls
Calls from your iPhone, FaceTime, and third-party apps display in all-new compact design that doesn’t take up the full screen.
Picture in Picture
Now you can keep watching videos or continue your FaceTime call while you use another app.
2- Messages
Keeping in touch has never been more essential. So iOS 14 gives you new ways to stay connected to the conversations that matter most, keep track of group conversations, and express yourself however you like.
Pinned conversations
Pin up to nine of your most important conversations to the top of your conversation list, so you can easily get to them.
Group photos
Give your group conversation a visual identity by adding a photo or Memoji, or choose an emoji.
Mentions
Type a name to direct a message to someone. When you are mentioned, your name is highlighted. You can even customize an active group so you only receive notifications when you are mentioned.
Inline replies
Now you can reply directly to a specific message in a group conversation. You can view replies in the full conversation or as their own thread for a more focused view.
New Memoji styles and stickers
Along with new age options and face coverings, choose from over 20 new hair and headwear styles to reflect your hobby, profession, and personality.
3- Maps
Maps is the best way to navigate and explore the world, all while protecting your privacy. With Maps in iOS 14, it’s easier than ever to discover new places to go and environmentally friendly ways to get there.
Cycling directions
You can now use Maps to get cycling directions using bike lanes, paths, and roads. You can also see elevation, busy streets, stairs, and steep passages when planning your trip.
Electric vehicle routing
Maps can track your current vehicle charge and factor in things like elevation to automatically add charging stops along the way. Maps knows which type of charger works for your car, making sure to route you to compatible stations.1
Guides
Apple Maps editors have worked with trusted brands and partners to offer Guides for great places around the world to eat, shop, and explore.2 You can save Guides, and they automatically update when new places are added, so you always have the latest recommendations.
4- Translate
Conversations across languages should feel natural and easy, and should have the ability to remain private. Introducing the all-new Translate app, designed for conversations across 11 different languages.
Conversation mode
With Translate, conversations are easy by design. Just turn your phone to landscape and tap the single microphone button to say something.
On‑device mode
Enable a fully offline experience for Translate. Use all the app features for downloaded languages and keep your translations private without needing to turn off your phone’s internet connection.
Favorites
Save translations in the Favorites tab for easy access later. You can also view your recent history and save phrases you just translated.
Attention mode
Enlarge translated text in landscape view, making it easier to read and more effective at getting someone’s attention.
5- Siri
Siri is a vital way to get information and get things done. And thanks to a new compact design, you can take advantage of everything Siri can do without losing your context.
Compact design
Siri has a completely new look that lets you quickly get information or get things done while still focusing on what you’re doing.
Web answers
Siri can now help you find answers to a broader set of questions by using information from across the web.3
Send audio messages
When you want to be more expressive in your messages, you can now easily send audio messages with Siri.
6- Home
The Home app helps you manage your smart home more intelligently — and most important, more securely. And now it’s even easier to take advantage of the broad selection of HomeKit accessories.
Suggested automations
When you add a new HomeKit accessory, the Home app suggests useful automations so you can put it right to work.
Home status
A new visual status in the Home app prioritizes the accessories that most need your attention and allows you to easily control them.
Adaptive Lighting
Supported lighting accessories can now automatically adjust color temperature throughout the day to maximize comfort and productivity.4 Ease into the morning with warmer tones and remove blue light in the evening as you wind down for the night.
Activity Zones
Define Activity Zones that focus on the most important areas of what your camera sees, so you can be alerted only when there’s motion in the zone you set.4
Face Recognition
Video cameras and doorbells can now identify people you’ve tagged in the Photos app.4 Easily tag people, and choose to be notified based on the person.
7- Safari
Browsing the web should feel fast, powerful, and private. So with iOS 14, Safari is more responsive and capable than ever, while giving you new ways to help protect your privacy.
Translation (Beta)
Safari can now translate websites in seven different languages.5 When you come to a website that Safari can translate, an icon appears. Just tap and read.
Performace
With a blazing‑fast JavaScript engine, Safari delivers up to 2x faster JavaScript performance than Chrome on Android.6
Password monitoring
Safari securely monitors your saved passwords to ensure that they have not been compromised in a data breach. To do this, Safari uses strong cryptographic techniques to regularly check derivations of your passwords against a list of breached passwords in a secure and private way that doesn’t reveal your password information — even to Apple.
Privacy Report
Now you can tap the Privacy Report button to better understand how websites treat your privacy.
8- Car keys and CarPlay
CarPlay has transformed the relationship between your iPhone and your car. Now that relationship gets even more powerful with the ability to unlock and start your car with iPhone.7
Car keys in Wallet
Keep a digital car key in your Wallet app so you can leave your physical car keys at home. Just bring your iPhone near your car door to unlock. Once inside, place your iPhone on a reader or wireless charger to start your car. This feature works with Apple Watch, too.
Share and manage keys
Sharing keys with friends or family is easy. You can customize controls and create restricted profiles, perfect for new drivers. You can revoke and share keys temporarily, too.
Power reserve
Works for up to five hours even after your iPhone battery runs out.
CarPlay wallpaper and new app types
Choose from a set of wallpapers that look great. CarPlay also supports new app types — parking, electric vehicle charging, and quick food ordering.
9- AirPods
AirPods deliver a magical listening experience. With iOS 14, that magic has a few new tricks, whether you’re listening to music, catching up on a podcast, or taking in a movie.
Spatial Audio
With AirPods Pro, you can enjoy a theater‑like experience wherever you are. Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking puts surround sound channels in exactly the right place, even as you turn your head or move your device.8
Battery notifications
New battery notifications conveniently let you know when you need to charge your AirPods.
Automatic switching
Seamlessly move between devices without manually switching your AirPods.9 If you finish a phone call on your iPhone and pick up your iPad to watch a movie, AirPods automatically switch over.
Headphone Accommodations
Adjust your AirPods audio to account for hearing differences. Headphone Accommodations amplifies soft sounds and can tune for your individual hearing, to help music, phone calls, and more sound crisp and clear.10
Audio Sharing for Apple TV
Connect two sets of AirPods to your Apple TV 4K so you can enjoy movies and shows with someone else without disturbing others.11
10- App Clips
Apps from the App Store have changed the way we do just about everything. Now there’s an even faster way to take advantage of them with App Clips. A small part of an app, an App Clip is discoverable the moment you need it and is focused on a specific task.
Discover App Clips
App Clips are easy to discover and use right in the moments you need them. Like renting a bike, paying for parking, ordering food, and so much more.
Fast loading
App Clips are small in file size, so they’re lightning fast to get. After you access an App Clip, a card appears. Tapping Open immediately launches the App Clip, providing a powerful, focused app experience that’s privacy friendly.
Easy and private
Log in quickly with apps that use Sign in with Apple, then make transactions safely and instantly with apps that use Apple Pay.
11- Privacy
Privacy is a fundamental human right and at the core of everything we do. That’s why with iOS 14, we’re giving you more control over the data you share and more transparency into how it’s used.
Privacy information on the App Store
You can now get information on the App Store to help you understand the privacy practices of every app before you download it.14
Recording indicator
An indicator appears at the top of your screen whenever an app is using your microphone or camera. And in Control Center, you can see if an app has used them recently.
Upgrade to Sign in with Apple
Easily switch to Sign in with Apple when logging in to participating apps. You’ll keep the account you already use, but have one less password to keep track of.
Approximate location
Share only your approximate location rather than your exact location — perfect for apps like local news or weather.
A complete list of all new features can be seen here.
