Hello, hello. Did you hear? Apple is already working on a new update to the iOS and iPadOS at its headquarters in Cupertino, California. Although we still have months to go before the actual release, an early test version of the software was leaked and has consequently set the iOS 14 rumours mill on fire. But wait, before you get excited, keep in mind that not everything being tested will make it into the final version of iOS 14 and some features may even be delayed as Apple has completely overhauled their testing process.
Anywhoo, with that disclaimer out of the way, have a look at all these juicy iOS 14 rumours we’ve compiled for your perusal.
Home Screen Enhancements
The home screen on the forthcoming Apples iOS 14 will apparently have a sortable list view option with Siri suggestions. With this new feature, you’ll not only be able to set viewing filters for categories like recently used apps but also for apps with unread notification. The new list view may also include smart suggestions for apps by Siri to bring you apps you might be searching for based on time of day, habit, and location.
New iMessage Features
A report from the Business Insider claims that Apple is testing out a new iMessage feature that will finally allow users to unsend those embarrassing drunk texts to their exes. The catch is that there are high chances that your ex will know you sent them a text through a notification that a message was deleted. But at least they won’t know its contents? Other features that may make an appearance include the ability to mark a message as unread after opening it (helpful for avoiding social interaction), a group typing feature, and the ability to tag people with @mentions in group chats.
Augmented Reality App
Rumour has it that Apple is planning to introduce a new augmented reality app in iOS 14, codenamed Gobi, that will allow users to get more information about the world around them. Apple might be testing integrations with Apple Store and Starbucks, which means users could simply hold up their iPhone at both of these stores to view information on a product. QR code tags would trigger the AR experiences, and there’s a chance that iBeacons or Apple’s upcoming AirTags could work also as triggers.
Default Third-Party Apps
Starting with iOS 14, Apple may allow iPhone and iPad users to set third-party browsers, mailing apps, and music apps as their default. This would allow apps like Google Chrome to replace Safari, and also allow music apps other than Apple Music to work with Siri on the HomePod.
Custom Siri Voices
Apple is exploring ways to let developers create their own custom voice synthesizers for iOS through a new framework called VoiceProvider. This could replace the default Siri voice, which should up the ante on innovation with Siri. Plus, the iOS 14 feature might also help in being inclusive of languages and dialects that Apple doesn’t support. However, this feature might not make the cut this year.
Easier Accessibility
It’s common knowledge that Apple goes the extra mile to make its products accessible, and iOS 14 seems to be no exception. One enhancement that may be making an appearance is a feature that detects door knocks, fire alarms, or crying babies to aid users with hearing loss, likely in the form of haptic or visual feedback. It’s also possible that there will be new gestures features that will enable the camera to learn and understand hand gestures.
Seymour: iPhone’s New Fitness Coach
Apple is allegedly working on a new app that’s set to launch with iOS 14. This fitness app, codenamed Seymour, will guide users through different types of workout routines on their iPhones, Apple TV, and iPads. The Apple Watch may also help you track your progress through the workout routines.
New Homekit Features
One improvement is the Night Shift feature for lights, which will allow HomeKit to adjust the colour of HomeKit-connected lights based on the time of day. Another new feature may be added to the HomeKit secure video, which will perhaps allow security cameras to recognize specific people based on your photographs.
Apple Pencil Update
With iOS 14’s new PencilKit feature, you might be able to tap into a text field with the Apple Pencil, handwrite a message, and have it converted to a more readable typewritten text before sending it off—much like what we have on the Apple Watch. This feature appears to work with any text input field in iOS.
Multitasking Made Easy
Apple’s iOS 14 might feature a new way to switch apps and multitask with an on-screen grid that’s much like the one in iPads. This feature, which is being called ‘App Switcher’, will reportedly allow you to view 4-6 apps at the same time so you don’t have to do a lot of scrolling to find the app you want.
Well, that’s most of the iOS 14 features (rumored) that came to us through the grapevine. We also heard that the iOS 14 will be compatible with all of the devices that support iOS 13, including older devices like the iPhone SE and 6s. However, there’s no way of verifying the accuracy of this information for now. Apple usually rolls out their new OS around the same time as the launch of a new iPhone, but there’s a good chance that it may get delayed beyond the expected September dates due to the novel coronavirus outbreak.
Still, whenever it may reach our devices, this update seems to be worth the wait! Which feature are you most excited about?
Update: Apple has announced the date for the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) !!! Come June 22, Apple is going to host the keynote virtually. “WWDC20 will be our biggest yet,” says Phil Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. And we’re eagerly looking forward to updates on not just iOS 14, also but watchOS, iPadOS, tvOS, and macOS. We know what we’re going to be doing on June 22. What about you?
