Apple announced iOS 14 Beta, the latest version of its iPhone operating system, yesterday at WWDC. But many features didn’t get mentioned on stage, as is usually with Apple. So, read this article to find all about it’s latest features, how to download and more.
iOS 14 is the fourteenth major release of the iOS mobile operating system developed by Apple Inc. specially for their iPhone, iPod Touch, and HomePod lines. This software, the successor of previously launched iOS 13, was launched at the company’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on June 22, 2020. With its public beta release scheduled for July, it is scheduled for public release in fall.
New Features Of iOS 14 Beta –
1. CarPlay
CarPlay is updated with Route management extended with features to alert users about available stops, such as parking and food ordering; most notably, for electric vehicles, it finds a path with charging stations to ensure the car remains fully charged.
By applying near-field communication, iOS 14 allows the devices to act as car keys with compatible cars. Present in the Wallet app with the appearance as that of a card, these keys can also be shared with other users by iMessage, with controls such as restrictions and temporary one-time access.
Furthermore, to make sure you won’t get locked out of your car, it will use a special power reserve feature to allow access up to five hours after your phone has died.
2. Picture in Picture
Picture-in-picture lets the user watch a thumbnail-size video play in the corner of the screen allowing the user to do other things on the phone screen. Much like on macOS, videos will now hover over apps and can be adjusted in size or collapsed into the side of the display to continue in the background.
The video stays pinned at user discretion allowing the user to open a chat window, scroll through a news story on a browser, or adjust screen settings. PIP allows the user to watch a video or FaceTime on the iPhone from any screen.
3. WidgetsEdit –
IOS 14 Beta is introducing the biggest change to the iOS home screen in years: widgets. Widgets are available in a variety of sizes and iOS 14, Apple allows widgets to be added to the main Home screen to live alongside the apps.
Also, there is even a new “widget gallery” where users can easily add and customize widgets.
There is also a new “Smart Stack” widget that automatically shows relevant apps based on the time of day and alters depending on the activity of the user. Users can stack up to ten widgets at once.
4. Compact Interfaces
The interface for voice-based interfaces such as Phone and Siri is made more compact to allow for multitasking. Picture-in-picture support is enhanced for video calling benefits such as FaceTime or Skype and for video players from browsers, such as Safari through an API
5. Siri-
In addition to the interface changes, Siri can now provide answers for a broader set of questions and translate even more languages. Users can now share their ETA with contacts and also ask for cycling directions.
6. App Library
App Library can now automatically categorizes the apps installed on the device by functions, located on the last page of the home screen. Apps will be arranged based on the frequency of their usage. This feature can allow users to hide home screens or certain apps that they do use frequently to reduce chaos.
7. Translation –
It has a new first-party app called Translate the Apple version of the Google Translate app, with eleven language options to chose from. Siri has been integrated into this app. It works on or offline, using Apple’s Neural Engine to provide real-time language translations.
8. Privacy
Apple has always emphasized privacy and iOS 14 is taking that a step further, by requiring all apps to obtain permission before tracking you.
Also, you’ll now be able to choose to share approximate location with apps rather than exact location and get more transparency about the app’s use of microphone and camera.
7. Back Tap–
More of a hidden feature in iOS 14 to make life easier. It is a new accessibility feature that lets you double-tap or triple-tap the back of your iPhone to perform various tasks or shortcuts. Once set up one can do everything from taking screenshots and launching specific apps to even turning on the lights in house via Apple HomeKit.
Apple has changed Maps, with features new Guides. Guides will give curated recommendations for places to eat and locations to explore. However, the more exciting addition to Maps involves helping to minimize carbon footprint.
In iOS 14, one will get cycling-specific directions alerting for bike lanes and paths. It will let you know if you’re travelling down quiet or busy roads, and also give a glance at the elevation on route to warn for steep hills ahead.
For an electric vehicle, Maps will add an EV routing feature tracking the current charge of vehicle and display charging stations alongside, taking elevation and weather into account.
These are very few points of the whole adventure that awaits you if you opt for it.
How to download-
Unfortunately only the developer version is announced yet, therefore make sure you have either one of the following devices or a developer account before trying to download it. The list of compatible devices is given below –
- iPhone 6S, iPhone 6S Plus, and iPhone SE (first generation)
- iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus
- iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus
- iPhone X
- iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max
- iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (2020)
Before downloading, make sure to create an archived backup of the iPhone, to restore your device anytime. For this, create a backup on Windows or macOS PC via iCloud, and archive it from the drop-down option of the backup.
Then head to developer.apple.com, and scroll down to find iOS 14 Beta. Click on it and head to the download option. Sign in with developer Apple ID, to begin the downloading. Once done, a prompt saying ‘profile downloaded’ will appear. Tap on it, enter a passcode, agree to the consent form, and tap on the ‘install’. Once the entire installation is complete, restart the iPhone.
After that access ‘software update’ and wait for iOS 14 Beta to appear. Then simply download it like any normal software update. Once phone restarts, re-enter Apple ID and password, and you get iOS 14 Beta!
Be aware that this installed iOS 14 beta profile will be valid only until the release of iOS 14. New iOS 14 beta updates, including bug fixes, as well as all-new operating system features, will automatically appear on iOS device.
The final official version of iOS 14 for the public will be released in September.
0 thoughts on “The Desired iOS 14 Beta Launched Finally- How to Download, Features and More”