iOS 14: Rumours, features and release date

Once a year Apple rolls out a major update to the iOS software that runs on all iPhones. Millions of devices will get major new features for free along with patches for security bugs and interface tweaks. After iOS 13’s troubled launch, Apple fans have high expectations for the iOS 14 update.

Over the past few months, a number of Apple rumour sites have reported getting their hands on early test versions of iOS 14 with details about everything from interface changes to new apps.

iOS 14 RUMOURS: WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

iOS 14 Launch date

Apple will introduce iOS 14 at WWDC 2020, which started on 22 June. The conference will be held virtually.

In the past, the announcement was followed by the release of the developer beta, then the public beta a few months later with with the official release of iOS at the iPhone launch event in early September.

This year the timeline is subject to change. The pandemic is rumoured to have caused production delays for the next iPhone. Apple may be forced to push back the launch event along with the release of iOS 14 to October. Apple has yet to comment.

Updates to the home screen

The home screen in iOS 14 may include a list view option that would allow you to organize apps as a list instead of the current grid view.

The Apple watch already allows you to view apps listed alphabetically, but on the iPhone you will also be able to sort them by most used or by the number of unread notifications.

Changing default apps

Apple has always made its own preinstalled apps like Maps or Music the default choice. This may change in iOS 14 as rumours suggest Apple could allow you to choose third party apps.

@ mentions in Messages in iOS 14

Apple’s Messages app is rumoured to be taking a cue from other messaging apps like Slack and WhatsApp by allowing you to mention specific people in group chats by adding an @ symbol before their name.

The app would also include an option to delete a message once it has already been sent or mark a message as unread as you would with an email. We are also expecting a new batch of emojis along with some new tricks for Animojis and Memojis.

iPad like multitasking features

iOS 14 may also bring multi-tasking features to the iPhone.

Apple is rumoured to be launching an iPhone 12 Max with an even larger screen than the current Max which would benefit from more iPad like features.

New features in Safari

Siri can already translate words and phrases, but iOS 14 could allow you to translate text on your screen.

Safari will get translation powers similar to those found on Google Chrome and allow you to toggle between languages at the click of a button even if you don’t have cell signal or wifi. It may be available on some of Apple’s other apps as well.

Safari may also gain Apple Pencil support with the ability to use it as a cursor to click and scroll as well as take notes or mark up pages.

More accessibility options

There will be an accessibility feature that would allow you to translate sounds. This includes the sound of an alarm ringing or baby crying into haptic feedback for people with hearing loss.

A new workout app with iOS 14

There are also two new app rumours to be coming with iOS 14.

The first one is a workout app that would guide you through different exercise routines. This would include running, cycling, rowing, strength training, dance, yoga and a number of other activities. The app would also be available on the Apple Watch and Apple TV. The app will be free. Apple may charge a subscription for the service or put more premium content behind a paywall as it does with Apple News Plus.

Augmented reality app

Apple may also be working on a new augmented reality app for iOS 14. The app would allow you to get more information about a physical product you are seeing at a store without having to search for it online.

Compatibility

All the rumours so far suggest that iOS 14 will be compatible with all devices running iOS 13. This is good news for people holding on to older devices as previous iOS updates have excluded older models of the iPhone and iPad.