After long speculations, countless leaks and rumors, Apple has finally unveiled iOS 14 at WWDC 2020. But when will iOS 14 be released for all users?
In addition to iOS 14, Apple also introduced iPadOS 14, tvOS 14, watchOS 7 and macOS 11 Big Sur. As every year, the first beta for registered developers was rolled out on the same evening.
What's new in iOS 14?
The new iPhone operating system contains countless new features, including a feature that many fans have been requesting for a long time. We are talking about widgets. In iOS 14, users can add widgets to the home screen add and thus further personalize the iPhone. In addition, large app libraries can now be made much clearer. A new view is used that organizes applications automatically. iOS 14 also added an app that can translate both text and voice dictation. An online connection is not required for this, as the respective language packs can be loaded directly onto the smartphone. Apple Maps has also received new functions, including support for cycle route descriptions and EV routing. According to Apple, it will also be possible to set default settings for apps for the first time. This means that users will be able to set their preferred browser and a favorite mail app as the default application in the system settings.
Public Beta available from July
However, the feature is currently not available in beta - whether it will appear in the final version of iOS 14 or a point version cannot be answered at this time. Apple has also discussed topics such as data protection and privacy have been given greater focus. You can find more details about the new features in our archive The new iPhone operating system is currently still under development. This means that the beta version will be updated at regular intervals. From July, there will also be a public test version of iOS 14, which will be available to participants in the public beta program. This means that until the final release, both developers and volunteer testers can preview of iOS 14. However, this version may also contain errors and negatively affect the use of the iPhone.
When will Apple release iOS 14 to the public?
So if you don't want to take part in the beta program, you'll have to wait until fall. The final version usually comes out sometime in September along with the latest iPhone models - this year it's the iPhone 12. But in 2020 things could be a little different, as Apple has fallen behind in developing the new iPhone devices due to the COVID-19 crisis. Rumors currently suggest that the new iPhone 12 generation won't be released until October. This could also have an impact on the launch of iOS 14. Alternatively, a launch in September would also be possible despite the iPhone delay. By and large, the release period for iOS 14 can be interpreted as September or October. Experience has shown that the whole thing can be narrowed down further at the end of August based on development progress and hardware rumors. If you want to take part in the public beta program but have no experience with it, you'll find extensive instructions below.
But please note – using a beta also carries risks, you can find out more in our step-by-step guide. (Photo by nikkimeel / Bigstockphoto)
