The much-acclaimed iOS 14 was officially released by Apple in the fall of 2020 to a global audience that eagerly anticipated its fresh array of functional upgrades, with enhancements in privacy, organization, and creativity standing out among the most noteworthy. Within the technologically diverse and complex ecosystem that Apple has created, achieving optimal user experience from the latest iteration of the iOS platform demands a good understanding of the system’s potential and the numerous ways it can be utilized.
One of the significant upgrades ushered in by iOS 14 is the App Library feature, a new space on the iOS device that automatically organizes the user’s apps into intuitive categories. This offers users the benefit of enhanced organization and time efficiency. To make the most of the App Library, users can remove seldom-used apps from the home screen, making sure to select ‘Add to App Library’ and not ‘Delete App.’ This will help declutter the home screen without permanently eradicating necessary apps.
The iOS 14 also comes equipped with a new feature called Widgets, which provide at-a-glance, adjustable information from a selected app right on the home screen. To maximize the benefits that Widgets offers, users can tap and hold a widget, then select “Edit Widget” to customize it. Widgets can also be stacked based on user preferences, creating a more personalized and interactive information hub on the home screen.
Another enhancement is the picture-in-picture (PiP) functionality in iOS 14. This feature makes multitasking smoother, enabling users to watch videos or use FaceTime while simultaneously navigating other apps. To utilize this, one needs to initiate a FaceTime call or launch a video and then press the home button to minimize the screen. To convert it back to full screen or to close it, simple taps on the appropriate icons will do.
One of Apple’s central focuses with iOS 14 is privacy improvement. Users are now alerted whenever an app accesses their clipboard, and apps are required to seek user permission before tracking activity across other websites and apps. This improved transparency empowers users to control how their data is used, a core tenet of modern cybersecurity. Familiarizing oneself with these alerts, reading them carefully, and making informed decisions can greatly enhance the privacy advantages offered by iOS 14.
The iOS 14 also makes a significant leap in terms of accessibility, with the introduction of the Back Tap feature that triggers certain actions when a user taps the back of their iPhone. This feature can be found under Settings, followed by Accessibility, Touch, and Back Tap. The user can then decide whether to assign the Back Tap feature to take screenshots, mute the phone, or other actions based on personal needs.
Moreover, iOS 14 excels in the customization department, especially with the App Clips feature—small parts of an application that allow users to perform an action without downloading the whole app. App Clips can be discovered and accessed through a variety of channels, including NFC tags, QR codes, Apple-designed App Clip codes, and Safari App Banners.
The Built-in Translation app is another step towards greater inclusivity, providing on-device translations between 11 different languages. Users should leverage this tool to communicate effectively in a diverse array of global languages.
Consequently, Siri has undergone significant improvements. Siri no longer takes up the full screen when activated but instead appears as a small icon at the bottom. This allows users to interact with other parts of the screen without interrupting their interaction with Siri, facilitating seamless navigation.
Even though iOS 14 comes with a plethora of new features and significant improvements, exploiting its full potential rests largely upon the user’s ability to understand and experiment with these functionalities. By doing so, not only will they significantly enhance their digital experience, but also stand at the forefront of the emerging trends within the rapidly evolving technological landscape. There is no doubt that Apple’s iOS 14 lays the groundwork for an even more interconnected and efficient future digital experience.
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