All the iOS 14 features are coming to iPhones that Android had first!
Apple revealed a range of iPhone features supported by iOS 14, at WWDC 2020; an annual Worldwide Developers Conference. Most of the features introduced might be new for Apple iPhone users, yet these have been standard features of Android devices for some time. Even though Apple has introduced some changes to the home screen over the years, these have not been very remarkable. To begin with, the original iPhone didn’t even let users move icons around, they were all fixed. It was after the App Store took off, that the ability to organize apps into folders was added; without much changes to overall design and layout. The standard icon grid, which was the hallmark of the iPhone ever since its release, has finally been adjusted to allow more flexibility to the end user. Compared to this, Android phones offered a range of customization options from the very beginning. Regardless, iOS 14 update has been pretty impressive, it has made everything a lot faster; accessing apps has become quicker, while the overall functionality has definitely been upgraded.
Apple usually allows the most recent update to be supportive of many devices, even with iOS 14, if your iPhone is currently on iOS 13, you will be able to install the new OS, using iPhones released in after fall 2015. This would include iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s touch and original iPhone SE.
You can find below a summary of the new Apple iOS 14 features that Android already had:
Translate
iOS 14 can support a new Translate app, designed to enable users to carry out conversations in real-time. While Google supports transcription of conversations in eight languages in real-time, iPhone Users would now be able to translate around 11 languages including English, Mandarin, French, German and Korean. Now you can make friends and carry out business transactions in real-time without worrying about the language barrier.
By downloading a language library, all the translation and transcribing happens on the iPhone. This data remains on the phone and is not uploaded to the cloud; which means users don’t need internet connection to converse with someone. This makes the overall process superfast.
Widgets
The new revamped iPhone and iPad versions would come equipped with widgets that will allow automated updates such as weather in your home screen. Prior to this, users could only install apps on the iPhone home screen. Widgets that offer more functionality and more info than app icons have been a mainstay feature of Google’s Android, since it was first launched in 2008. A feature such as this lets you be aware of your surroundings at a glance without putting in any effort.
App Clips
The App Clips introduced by Apple recently enable users to preview “small parts” of apps, without having to download them. This feature is compatible with Apple Pay and Sign In with Apple and can be super effective when used for buying takeout or parking. An identical feature “Instant Apps” was introduced by Google, back in 2016. It allows apps to have their own URLs so users can carry out transactions without downloading the entire app. This comes in very handy if consumers want to make one-time transactions such as buying concert tickets.
App Library
Another highlight of Apple’s redesigned home screen is the App Library that enables grouping and listing of apps. The new iOS 14 also lets users “hide” apps from their main home screen. This is similar to Android’s app drawer that groups features. It would help users organize their apps in a more efficient manner, where finding a particular app would be easier and less time consuming.
Apple Maps cycling directions
iOS 14 supports the new updated Apple Maps app that allows users to travel in a more eco-friendly way. The app has a dedicated “Cycling” option that helps bikers identify paths when considering elevation and lets you see traffic and stairs you might encounter enroute. Android has had a “cycling” option since 2010, enabling users to access detail by detail directions. While Google Maps doesn’t give you information on stairs, it does provide a look at elevation. Cyclists can really benefit from features, while protecting the environment.
Picture-in-picture
The new iOS picture-in-picture feature allows users to watch videos while using other apps. The video shrinks and floats on the screen and can even be swiped away; while the video’s audio will keep playing, allowing users to engage with other apps. Android phones already support floating videos over other apps, but without audio. This is a great way to multitask, especially if the video is related to the task you need to perform on a particular app. It also helps save time.
Wind Down mode
A Wind Down mode has also been introduced to help users get ready for bed. The feature allows users to set a desired bedtime and wake-up time, while putting the phone into Do Not Disturb mode. It also allows users to add shortcuts for meditation or playing relaxing music. Google doesn’t have a separate app to support this feature, however, Google Home app could always be used to set up a bedtime routine. This can really help users organize their time and life, while enabling them to be more efficient with the limited time they have on Earth.
You can find out more details about these latest iOS developments, at WWDC 2020.
