11.03.2020, 2:28 p.m.
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Apple will announce the next major update for iPhones and iPads in June as part of WWDC 2020: The first features of iOS 14 and iPadOS have already been leaked.
iOS 14 and iPadOS 14 are still a few months away, but the first functions of the upcoming major updates are seeping through. Among other things, a revised homescreen, a new fitness app and an upgrade of the Apple Pencil should be expected.
iOS 14 with new homescreen view
One of the visible major innovations of iOS 14 seems to be the revision of the home screen, like 9to5 Mac reported. Currently iOS apps can only be displayed via the icons on the home screen and via the search. The revision of the home screen should include a new overview with a list of all apps. This should make it easier to see all installed applications at a glance in the future.
With iPadOS, Apple launched a new homescreen for iPads in 2019 – iOS 14 could bring changes to iPhones. (Image: Apple)
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This new list view, which sounds a bit like Android’s app drawer, is also said to offer several different sorting options and other details. According to the 9to5 Mac, for example, applications can be filtered so that all apps are shown with unread notifications. There are also filters for the most recently used apps, so that you can quickly see which applications you use most often and least often. You can then delete the latter if necessary.
In addition, the new list view should offer “intelligent suggestions” including Siri support. Depending on the time of day and location, certain applications should be shown to you. For example, if you are on the go or in the gym, a music app can be recommended.
iOS 14 probably brings new fitness app
One of the new features appearing with iOS 14 is supposed to be a new dedicated fitness app, which is to be developed under the code name “Seymour” and could in the final version be called either “Fit” or “Fitness”. According to Macrumors, it will be self-contained and on iOS 14, watchOS 7 and tvOS 14 can be installed. It is not a replacement for the activity app.
iOS 14 fitness app icons. (Image: Macrumors)
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In the new fitness app, users should be able to download fitness videos with various workouts and activities and use them for fitness training. The Apple Watch is then used to track your sporting activities. It is possible that the types of training for which the watch can be used could also be expanded.
iOS 14 with handwriting recognition and mouse gestures à la macOS
iOS 14 or iPadOS should have handwriting recognition for the Apple Pencil on board. (Photo: Shutterstock / PavelHeyets)
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According to Macrumors, iOS 14 will also include a new interface (API) called the Pencilkit, which should make it possible to use the Apple Pencil more flexibly. Among other things, it should be possible with the API to use handwriting recognition and conversion in normal text input fields of applications such as messages, mail, calendars and others. This is not currently supported. Third-party developers should also have access to the Pencilkit API.
iOS 14 should get better support for the mouse and trackpad. (Image: via 9to5 Mac)
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With iOS 13 respectively iPadOS 13 Apple had integrated rudimentary mouse support for iPads. With iPadOS 14, an extension of the function is indicated, as 9to5 Mac reports. The future range of functions should roughly correspond to what Mac users know from macOS. For example, different types of pointers could be displayed depending on the context. In addition, Mac-like gestures such as a double tap with two fingers on the right mouse button should also be developed for iOS 14, according to 9to5Mac.
9to5 Mac also points out a difference to the Mac: The mouse pointer disappears automatically if you do not touch the connected mouse or the trackpad – yes, trackpads should also be supported. The cursor reappears as soon as it is moved again, according to 9to5 Mac. This behavior of the cursor is a concession to the actual touch experience of the iPad.
iOS 14: New functions expected for iMessage
The iMessage messaging app should also receive some new functions with the iOS 14 update. However, the features don’t sound like absolute reinvention. Instead, Apple apparently integrates functions that are already standard in other chat apps. For example, Apple is testing the mentioning of contacts via @ symbol in group chats as well as withdrawing messages and also a status update function. In addition, messages should be marked as unread. Macrumors indicates that the features are still in the test phase and may not be part of the update.
Apple’s iMessages should receive new functions with iOS 14. (Photo: Shutterstock)
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Macrumors has also come up with new details about Apple’s own tracking tags Airtags: On the one hand, they should be powered by small CR2032 button batteries. The product is activated by pulling a tab on the air day. Subsequently, the Tile can be connected to an iPhone or iPad by moving them close to each other. It is also rumored that they support inductive charging.
New AR app to merge digital and analog worlds further
A new AR app is said to be loud 9to5 Mac enable you to point your phone’s camera at objects in the real world. On the iPhone screen you get information about the respective object or product. The function could help with shopping, for example: If you’re an Apple store, you could use the app to display price information and product features and a product comparison, according to 9to5Mac. Apple is also said to be working with Starbucks for the feature.
Interfaces and SDK should be provided for developers to integrate their tags or identifiers. However, it is still not certain whether Apple will offer the AR function for all or only selected customers.
Siri: Developers should be able to change speech output
Siri with new language options? (Photo: Frank Gaertner / Shutterstock)
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With iOS 14, Apple could provide developers with a new interface that changes the speaking voice of the iOS device. It is currently the case that Siri always uses the standard voice of the speech when reading text. Using the Voice Provider framework, developers can deliver new voice generators with their apps Macrumors. These are to be integrated into the system as an extension, which could be of interest to the home pod, among other things, since it can only be operated by voice. Macrumors cannot confirm with certainty whether the interface will be ready for the launch of iOS 14 or will come later.
Apple could open the wallpaper area for third parties with iOS 14. (Screenshot: 9to5 Mac)
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Other upcoming functions include the expansion of the wallpaper area for third-party providers: New background images should be in iOS 14 in the wallpaper settings let integrated. From now on, it could be easier to change background images, and Apple could also open dynamic background images for external developers. In addition, Homekit is said to be able to change the color temperature of the lighting during the day to match the sunlight. A new function in the area of accessibility should make it possible to identify sounds such as alarms and doorbells for people with hearing impairment.
We assume that the previously leaked functions are only part of what Apple is working on for iOS 14 and iPadOS. Among other things, the company could do that Announce the end of compulsory Safari for iPhone and iPad and give users more freedom in choosing the standard apps.
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