The launch of iOS 14 means that Apple's philosophy on apps is changing

Recently, Apple released iOS14 at the 2020 Worldwide Developers Conference. This operating system is mainly a follow-up to last year's iOS 13.

Just as iOS 13 got off to a rocky start, it was followed by multiple software updates at launch. The preview of iOS 14 includes a major redesign of the iPhone home screen, video in pictures, better widgets, a new way to automatically organize apps called App Library, and a new Siri interface. In addition to these features, Apple also introduced a new translation app, the ability to unlock your car with your iPhone, and an accessibility feature called Back Tap that allows you to take screenshots, scroll, and more by tapping the back of your iPhone.

iOS 14's new features are mainly focused on the home screen, today's view, and notifications, and its philosophy of apps is changing. Before iOS 14, there were apps and widgets, which were based on the apps you installed and were available on the "Today's View" page. Now, when you need a function from an app you don't have, there is a third form called App Clips.

A development version of iOS 14 is currently available for download, with a public beta set to be released in July. The final version of iOS 14 will arrive in the fall, likely alongside the rumored iPhone 12, which would be the first new iPhone since the iPhone SE was unveiled in April.

iOS 14 App Library makes your iPhone home screen more manageable

The iPhone’s home screen has remained largely unchanged, aside from aesthetic changes, since its introduction in 2007. In iOS 13, the iPhone is forcing apps to be organized and moved in a way that fills the top left corner of the screen, but that can be pretty tedious.

The App Library in iOS 14 is a new page on the home screen that automatically organizes all your apps into a single view. Because it offers several different ways to group and navigate your phone's apps, it's not just limited to the current popular app layout.

A good point is that the App Library bundles apps into group apps by categorizing them. For example, apps like Facebook and Twitter will be grouped into a folder called Social Apps. If you are not interested in using the App Library page, you can still organize your apps using the current way.

It’s also worth noting that you’ll be able to hide pages of apps, which is great for grouping those apps you don’t use often into one place.

Widgets in iOS 14 can be pinned, resized, and stacked

With iOS 14, Apple has redesigned the widgets in iOS 13's Today View. Now you can pin widgets to your home screen and resize them as needed. iOS 14 can automatically create a smart widget stack based on the frequent apps and time you use every day. Just swipe the widget stack to bring different widgets to the top.

But the new smart widget stack design is clearly influenced by Apple's Watch OS and its many more complexities.

App Clips display a small portion of an app for quick functionality

A really nice addition to iOS 14 is App Clips. Let's say you're at a coffee shop and you want to use the rewards program in the cafe's app, but you don't have it installed. Just use the QR code or NFC at the store register and a square card will pop up at the bottom of the screen, similar to connecting AirPods to your phone, which allows you to directly access features selected by the app developer. This practice can save you from having to download a full app to access a feature, especially if it's a one-time use.

This way, App Clips won’t stay on your home screen, and you can access them whenever you need them. Even better, App Clips can also connect to Apple Pay to give you a fast payment experience. This seems like a very useful feature, and I’m excited to see it coming to iOS 14 in the fall.

Set the application as default email and browser

With iOS 14, you can set a third-party app as the system-wide default email or browser app. This means that the Gmail app can be the user's default mail app, or Firefox can be the default browser on the user's phone. This feature has been liked and valued by iPhone users for many years.

The video in the picture appears on the iPhone home screen

Like iPadOS and MacOS, iOS 14 now lets users play picture-in-picture videos on the home screen. This will allow users to watch videos while interacting with other content on their iPhone.

The feature even works when you’re on a phone call or FaceTime. That said, if it’s the same version as on iPadOS 13, you won’t be able to play YouTube videos on the home screen except for the audio.

iOS 14 Messages lets you lock conversations

As in other messaging clients, like Slack and WhatsApp, you can specify someone in a group message thread by typing their name. You can even customize a group thread to only receive notifications when your name is mentioned. iOS 14 also allows users to pin conversations at the top of the Messages app.

iOS 14 gives Siri a comprehensive interface and knowledge

Currently, when you trigger Siri, the entire screen turns black, hiding everything else. When you activate Siri in iOS 14, a small animation will appear at the bottom of the screen, minimizing any visual limitations.

According to Apple, Siri knows more than 20 times more information than it did three years ago. In addition, the Audio Messages feature in the Messages app can be accessed directly from Siri. Memoji will get a range of new customizations. Apple has added 20 new hair and headwear styles as well as new age options.

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