Apple hosted its "Time Flies" event on Tuesday, where it launched the Watch Series 6, Watch SE, new iPad Air and iPad 8th generation. At the end of the event, Apple CEO Tim Cook also announced that the company will release the latest iOS 14, iPadOS 14 and watchOS 7 today.
These updates were first announced at WWDC 2020 in June, and since then these new OS iterations were being tested in beta.
(Also Read: Apple Event: Apple One subscription bundles announced at a starting price of Rs 195 per month)
Apple iOS 14
App library
This new feature will allow users to categorise their apps that are scattered on different pages of the home screen. You can choose how many pages you want to see on your home screen and then remaining apps will be categorised as "Recently Added", "Suggestions" and other folders. You can also search for these apps via the given search option where you will see all the apps listed alphabetically.
Widgets
iOS 14 now comes with widgets that will be visible on the home screen as well. You can customise these widgets by tapping on the "widget gallery" option. The Smart Stack option will show you relevant apps based on the time of the day.
Translate app
Translate app will let Siri translate what you say into 11 languages including English, Japanese, Spanish, Italian, and so on. You can even translate offline. As per the company, Siri knows 20x more facts than before. You can now ask Siri to send an audio message as well.
iMessage
Users will now be able to pin their messages to avoid getting lost in the conversation. You will also be able to reply to a particular message and even mention people while chatting in groups. New Memojis with face masks and options to choose different ages are also introduced in iOS 14.
Three new memojis with different skin tones, different hairstyles, and gestures like hug, fist bump, and blush are also added in iOS 14.
Apple Maps
Apple has added a new feature called Guide that will help users find "great places" around them by showing the latest recommendations by other users. Cycling directions will also be added to the Apple Maps that will let users see elevation data, stairs, traffic in the bike lanes, paths, and roads.
Apple CarPlay
Apple Carplay on iOS 14 will now let you change the wallpaper on the in-car device. With the help of Apple CarPlay, you can simply tap your iPhone and unlock your car. You can just put your iPhone on the charging pad and enable the car's start button. Users can even share their key via iMessage. Apple has announced that the 2021 BMW 5 Series will be the first car to support CarPlay.
App Store
Apple has announced App Clip, which is basically like downloading just a part of the app, immediately when you need it, your initial login and credit card details are filled in via Apple login and Apple Pay. This app will be less than 10 MB in size.
Compatibility
iOS 14 will be available for free for iPhone 6s and later.
Apple iPadOS 14
Redesigned UI
Apple has revamped the UI in the new iPadOS 14 like Photos and Music app now has a new side-bar for easy access. Similar easy access UI changes have also been made to apps like calendar, iMessage, and mail.
Universal Search
Apple has introduced a new feature called Universal Search to its iPadOS 14. It will let the users search for contacts, documents, or even search within an app that supports this feature.
Call notifications
iPad OS 14 now has Android-like compact call notifications. They will pop up on the top of the screen without interrupting your ongoing task.
Apple Pencil
Apple Pencil now has new features like smart suggestions, better handwriting recognition, lets you select handwritten text to change colour, and more. The Apple Pencil will let users select and paste handwritten text in another app and it will be automatically turned into typed-text.
Compatibility
In terms of compatibity, iPadOS 14 is compatible with iPad Air 2 and later, all iPad Pro models, iPad 5th generation and later, and iPad mini 4 and later. iPadOS 14 includes the great features of iOS 14.
Apple WatchOS 7
Watch face share
Apple will now allow you to share Watch faces by simply long press on the desired watch face, tap on share and send to the concerned contact. You can get these faces from third-party apps as well, and can share them with friends and families.
Sleep Tracking
This feature will let users schedule the wake-up alarm and bedtime alarm. Observing your micro-movements, Apple Watch will track your breath while you sleep.
Wind Down
Apple WatchOS 7's this new feature with the help of the iPhone will let the user customise the app shortcuts for snoozing notification, scheduling Apple Music playlist, turning on the Meditation app and so on.
Workouts
Watch OS 7, along with new workout supports, will now let you track your activity while you do Bollywood, Hip Hop, or even a Latin dance.
Handwash Detection
Apple Watch will also help you wash your hands better. It will automatically detect when you start washing your hands and will start a timer. It will tell you how long you have to keep washing your hands and will give a haptic notification when it is done.
Compatibility
It is compatible with Apple Watch Series 3, Apple Watch Series 4, or Apple Watch Series 5 paired with iPhone 6s or later running iOS 14 or later.
tvOS 14
Using HomeKit, you can also sync your camera footage and watch it picture-in-picture on your TV via tvOS 14. tvOS 14 also lets you AirPlay your 4K videos on your TV.
source https://www.firstpost.com/tech/news-analysis/apple-ios-14-ipados-14-watchos-7-tvos-14-to-start-rolling-out-today-all-you-need-to-know-8820381.html
