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The latest update to the iOS operating system can hardly be called revolutionary. Apple did not dare to make any major changes in the software structure. Perhaps the most important feature of this version of the operating system was the support for 5G networks (it works in some public places in Moscow in test mode).
Otherwise, devices running the new operating system became a little “smarter” and began to understand what the user wants from them, even before they picked up their iPhone.
So, let’s explain everything in order.
IOS 14 release date
Apple has not changed its long tradition. For the first time, a new operating system was presented at the “proprietary” international conference of software developers for Apple (WWDC 2020) on June 22, 2020. Around the same time, closed testing of the operating system began.
Having fixed all the visible flaws, Apple released iOS 14 to the masses on September 16, 2020. Users around the world began to receive the coveted update “over the air”. A month later, the release of the iPhone 12 series took place – smartphones that were originally created for iOS 14. They received the new system right out of the box.
What Devices Does iOS 14 Work On?
Californian developers continue to amaze with the list of devices that work correctly with the new operating system. Just imagine: even the first generation iPhone 14s and SE are updated to iOS 6. These smartphones came out in 2015 and 2016 respectively! Of course, devices that came out later also received support for the latest system.
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12mini
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone XR
- iPhone X
- iPhone 8
- 8 iPhone Plus
- iPhone 7
- 7 iPhone Plus
- iPhone 6s
- 6s iPhone Plus
- iPhone SE (first generation)
- iPhone SE (second generation)
- iPod touch (seventh generation)
What’s new in iOS 14
5G networks
As mentioned above, the main feature of the new operating system for smartphones from Apple is support for 5G networks. Users from North America, Western Europe, Asia and Australia have long been using fast next-generation Internet, while in Eastern Europe and Our Country there is no such joy yet. Accordingly, while for our fellow citizens this update, in fact, turned out to be useless.
Widgets
Apple engineers borrowed the idea of widgets from their competitors at Google. In iOS 14, you can expand app icons to custom sizes – 3, 4, or 16 cells. Much more useful information is placed in the created widgets. For example, the weather for several days at once or a list of tasks for the whole week. Widgets can be pinned to the desktop and used alongside simple shortcuts.
Smart stacks
Now iOS can select folders with favorite applications for the user on the go. For example, the system understands that you like to read before going to bed, so at 22.30 pm a stack with a “reader” and a browser will appear on the screen. Nothing revolutionary, but using the phone becomes a little more convenient.
App library
A feature that is somewhat reminiscent of smart stacks. iOS 14 for the user selects programs similar in functionality and divides them into separate folders. However, the system is not so perfect, and can put applications for paying traffic police fines and ordering pizza in one place.
New dialer interface
Apple finally decided to abandon the huge buttons for answering or rejecting a call. Now, instead of the full-screen version, a small curtain with buttons will appear, which can be stretched to full screen. It is very convenient during games where you can not be distracted or while watching a movie.
Picture-in-picture
Another fiery hello to smartphones with Android. Now iPhone owners will be able to minimize some applications and use them at the same time. For example, chat on Facetime and scroll the feed in social networks. A full-fledged Split View mode has not appeared in Apple tablets either.
Reverse touch
Starting with the iPhone 11, a special sensor has been built into the back of the devices that detects touches. You can use it for convenience and write different scripts. For example, after two touches on the phone, turn on the browser or dial the number of the desired contact. In total, you can record two actions – by two and three touches on the back of the phone.
Updated Siri
The voice assistant also received a small update. In particular, its interface has changed. In the activated state, it has become much smaller and occupies only a small part of the bottom of the screen. The developers also assure that the assistant knows 20 times more than three years ago.
Work Wallet and BMW cars
Apple again decided to distinguish themselves and, together with BMW, developed a keyless entry system for German cars through the iPhone. By synchronizing your smartphone and a foreign car in advance (which should be released no earlier than the summer of 2020!) you will be able to open your BMW through the Wallet application. The function is interesting, but it is unlikely to become popular in our country.
Blitz Applications
Stores, cinemas or cafes will install NFC tags through which you can immediately pay for a product or service directly from your device with iOS 14. Blitz applications work under the control of Apple, so it will be impossible to run into crooks.
Augmented reality glasses
Earlier, Bloomberg wrote that the new version of iOS may provide full support for AR (augmented reality) technologies for working with Apple’s AR glasses. Alas, this device was not destined to appear in 2020. Nevertheless, the Californian company has been friends with AR technologies for a long time, and you can use them directly on your phone for applied needs. For example, in applications with masks or to measure the area of a room.
iOS 14.5
On April 27, 2021, Apple released a major update to iOS 14, which will serve as a bridge to the new iOS 15. It can not be called a full-fledged new operating system, but these updates turned out to be very interesting. We show what features and chips were added to iOS 14.5
Unlock with FaceID even when wearing a mask
Function “on the topic of the day.” Many users complained that their native iPhone did not recognize them because of the mask, which is still required to be worn in public places. Apple listened to the dissatisfaction of users and allowed people wearing masks to unlock the smartphone. But there is one “but”: the user must have a smart watch from Apple with the latest firmware version (at least WatchOS 7.4) on the user’s hand. The smart device will serve as a device that tracks the user’s biometric data. If you want convenience, buy peripherals from an American company.
Privacy protection
In modern realities, user privacy remains a priority for both Google and Apple. With the iOS 14.5 update, Apple allowed iPhone owners to block app activity tracking on their own. It should be explained that marketers monitor all the actions of smartphone owners, for example, the analysis of search queries, the time the device is used, and so on. This is done solely in order to show the desired advertising to a particular user.
Of course, not everyone likes this approach to personal data, so Apple has allowed blocking the collection of user data. In iOS 14.5, the feature can be turned off in the settings. Also, installed applications will now separately request permission to collect activity data.
Offline download of security updates
iOS 14.5 will automatically download critical system security updates to your smartphone. As a rule, such “patches” come out only in emergency cases, so they will not often disturb the user. Apple does everything to ensure that their devices are considered the most secure and stable.
New Emoji
In the latest iOS update, developers have added 217 new emoji at once. Now, for example, you can send emoticons of a woman with a beard or a broken heart to your friends.
How to install iOS 14 (14.5)
Preparation for the installation of all the latest operating systems from Apple occurs automatically. If this does not happen, open the phone settings menu, select the “General” item, and then click on the “Software update” item. It is likely that your phone will not have enough memory to install iOS 14 (14.5), then the system itself will prompt you to delete some files or applications.
If you are unable to update iOS from your phone, then connect your iPhone to your computer using the included Lightning cable and launch the iTunes app. As in the case of the mobile version, in the program, select the “Basic” item, and then click on the “Software Update” item. The program will complete everything by itself, or suggest ways to solve the problem.
Should I install iOS 14 (14.5)
Apple never releases mass updates to its devices without extensive testing. If the iPhone itself prompts you to install a new OS, then this system update has already been recognized as stable. The answer to the question “is it worth installing iOS 14 or 14.5” is definitely yes. With the latest system updates, your Apple device will only work more stable. Plus, you’ll get support for the latest operating system features and apps from the App Store.