This year's World Wide Developer Conference (WWDC 2020) will take place on June 22nd and will be held digitally for the first time in history. Thanks to a mega leak, we have a rough idea of what to expect from iOS 14 and more. Below we summarize all the software leaks - hardware could also be revealed.
Rumors and leaks about new iPhone models are nothing new these days. Software leaks, on the other hand, are actually a little beta goodie. As a rule, new iOS versions often contain hidden functions, the revelation of which is always a small highlight during the beta phase. But leaks about a new iOS generation were a real rarity until this year. According to reports, a stolen iPhone 11 Pro with an early iOS 14 version came into circulation at the beginning of the year - a godsend for the media and co.! The version at the time was quickly copied and sold to various places. The US blog 9to5mac was one of these buyers. Over the last few months, a bunch of new features have been revealed - but beware. Not all of the features that were discovered could make it into the final version of iOS 14. So let's take a look at what Apple could show us at WWDC 2020.
The new list view on the home screen
Overall, iOS 14 is not expected to bring any fundamental design changes. Rather, minor adjustments or optimizations are expected. Nevertheless, the home screen could change. There are indications that the home screen in iOS 14 could get new options for views. According to this, there will be a new page that displays all app icons of installed applications in a list view. In addition, the new list view will contain several different sorting options and other details. This means that users can, for example, filter applications that contain unread notifications. In addition, apps can also be sorted by frequency of use. The new list view should also contain intelligent suggestions and offer Siri support. The suggestions are made based on the time of day and location. The code also revealed a widget function. This means that Apple is working on widgets that are not static, as in iPadOS 13, but can be moved individually by the user - similar to apps.
Will third-party wallpapers be allowed in the future?
The wallpapers section in the settings is to be extensively revised in the next iOS generation. There will be various new categories that will make it easier for users to search for specific wallpapers. Furthermore, the iOS 14 code has shown that third-party providers will also be able to provide wallpapers in a corresponding section under the iOS settings. A new API will be used for this. The ability to integrate third-party content is a feature that has been requested for years. CarPlay will not be left untouched by this update. According to a leak, users will be able to store a custom wallpaper in CarPlay from iOS 14 onwards.
The improved accessibility
Apple wants to make some accessibility changes with iOS 14. For example, people with hearing impairments will receive alerts when the iPhone detects sounds such as fire alarms, sirens, doorbells, and more. The alarm perceived by the iPhone is then converted into haptics so that the user can receive the alert. Furthermore, the iPhone camera will recognize gestures that trigger certain processes. An additional feature that will appeal to people with mild to moderate hearing impairment is called "Audio Accommodations." It is intended to help improve the audio tuning of EarPods and AirPods.
Augmented Reality – Gobi is coming
Of course, there will also be something new in the area of augmented reality. According to a leak, Cupertino on an app that is internally referred to as Gobi. It will initially work in Apple Stores and Starbucks and will offer users more information about individual products. The application will rely on ARKit and enable interaction with real objects.
HomeKit is being significantly expanded
HomeKit is also expected to be a big beneficiary of iOS 14. According to leaks, the system will receive a "Night Shift to Light" function, which essentially includes the ability to automatically adjust the light temperature of compatible lamps during the day. The feature can be compared to the Night Shift function on iPhone, iPad and Mac displays. The HomeKit Secure Video system is also expected to be significantly expanded. Cameras should be able to directly recognize and verify certain people - for example family members.
CarKey – The digital car key
A particularly notable feature that is of interest to many iPhone and Apple Watch users is CarKey. The interface was first discovered in a beta of iOS 13.4 and has now been revealed with all its functions. It is doubtful that Apple has any details ready that could surprise us. The CarKey API can convert an iPhone or Apple Watch into a car key. Strictly speaking, cars that support this interface can be unlocked, locked and started using the iPhone or Apple Watch. As soon as the device has been paired with the car, the digital key is stored in the Wallet app, similar to Apple Pay. From there, the user can also share the car key with family members or friends temporarily or permanently. The key is shared via iMessage. According to some internal documents, BMW is expected to be the first car manufacturer to use the new feature supports.
Apple Maps becomes more helpful
In addition to the functions already mentioned, new things are also expected in relation to Apple Maps at WWDC 2020. According to this, users can find out more information about Apple Stores in the area of availability of hardware repairs in Maps. This means that the app shows, for example, whether screen and battery repairs can be carried out on the same day in a particular store. If you want to buy a new product, you can use Maps to see whether the respective Apple Store offers the exchange of older products. However, the functions should not only work in the Apple Store. According to the leak, some Apple-authorized service partners will also be listed. In addition, Apple Maps will highlight places with seating for couples, discounts for children and private rooms.
New features in iCloud Keychain
The iCloud keychain is very popular with many users. Since it is synchronized with all devices and, unlike competing products, costs nothing, many Apple users use the solution. But there are still features that are missing and applications like 1Password offer - but the whole thing costs something. There are concrete indications of a new password warning and support for generating codes for two-factor authentication. This means that the iCloud keychain will display current information after warnings if users want to use a password that has already been assigned again on another website. This is therefore a useful extension of the existing function for detecting duplicate passwords.
iCloud Keychain: Convenient and secure
Currently, individual accesses within the iCloud keychain are marked with a small exclamation mark if identical passwords are assigned multiple times. This is useful because cracked passwords are often compared on various platforms to find out whether users use other accounts with the same password. The feature therefore increases general protection. Furthermore, Apple seems to be working on a function that supports the generation of codes for two-factor authentication. If the feature actually makes its way into iOS 14, users could rely entirely on the iCloud keychain when using accounts that are protected with two-factor authentication. This would eliminate the annoying need to enter codes, as the process is carried out directly in the background.
Will Project Clips be revealed at WWDC 2020?
Another particularly interesting feature is called Clips. According to the leaks, Apple is working on a system that can run certain parts of third-party applications without installing them on the device. This means that users can access certain dynamic or interactive content provided by developers via this new API. According to the leak at the time, Apple seems to already be testing the feature with apps such as OpenTable, Yelp, DoorDash, Sony and YouTube.
iOS 14 with integrated translator
Of course, Safari will also receive new functions under iOS 14. According to initial findings, Apple's browser will have an integrated translator. Users can configure the function so that websites are translated into different languages completely automatically. Of course, the feature can also be controlled manually. The function will also be used in apps - the App Store is given as an example. If the app description or review is written in a foreign language, the user can have it translated automatically.
More options for the Apple Pencil with PencilKit
According to leaks, the Apple Pencil in Safari will also receive more options. Users can use Apple's stylus to mark interesting passages and more. There are also indications that the Apple Pencil will be integrated system-wide in iPadOS 14. This means that users will be able to write with it in any app while the system automatically converts what they write into typed messages. It is assumed that support for Apple's new handwriting functionality, like Dark Mode, will have to be taken over by developers who offer apps in which text input is possible.
New shortcuts for iPad keyboards
A hint was recently discovered that Apple is working on new shortcuts in iPadOS. However, they are only available for the Magic Keyboard and Smart Keyboard. These are intended to control the brightness of the iPad. The backlight of the new Magic Keyboard for the iPad Pro series should also be customizable. However, it is not known whether other function keys will be replaced in this way. The hints were found in a current iOS 13.5.5. However, it is expected that Apple will only introduce the feature in iOS 14 or iPadOS 14.
"Where is?" app with new notification functions
Apple has already completely redesigned the "Where is?" app in iOS 13. But there will also be new features this year. The leaked iOS 14 code contains hints that the application will have new notification functions - location alarms. These are activated when devices do not arrive at certain locations at certain times of the day. It is currently possible to receive a notification when leaving or arriving. This will expand the existing notification function. But that's not all. It should also be possible to receive a notification when a person leaves a certain location too early. For example, parents could check whether their children leave a friend or school early. There will also be a feature that will help the app visually locate lost objects (AirTags) or devices using augmented reality.
OS recovery in a new way
If an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch needs to be restored, a Mac or PC is required so that the device can be connected using a USB cable. Apple wants to expand the requirements. This means that in the future it could be possible to restore an iPhone over the air, for example. Alternatively, the whole thing could also be done by connecting the affected device to another iPhone. Both options are currently being tested under the name "OS Recovery".
Which iPhone and iPad models will be compatible with iOS 14?
Now let's get to the question of all questions. Will my iPhone or iPad be compatible with iOS 14? The answer is actually quite simple - only Apple knows. But what would the rumor mill be without rumors? Exactly - boring. So far, a total of two reports have been documented that have dealt with exactly this topic. The second of these rumors was only recently made public. The following devices should be compatible with iOS 14:
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 11
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone XR
- iPhone X
- iPhone 8
- iPhone 8 Plus
- iPhone 7
- iPhone 7 Plus
- iPhone 6S
- iPhone 6S Plus
- iPhone SE 2016
- iPhone SE 2020
- iPod touch (7th generation)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch
- iPad Pro 11-inch
- iPad Pro 10.5-inch
- iPad Pro 9.7-inch
- iPad (7th generation)
- iPad (6th generation)
- iPad (5th generation)
- iPad mini (5th generation)
- iPad Air (3rd generation)
As you can see, Apple will reportedly keep the iPhone 6S in stock for another year. However, this information should be treated with caution until WWDC 2020. If the source is right, some users will be happy about it. At the same time, it was noted that devices with an A9 chip will be discontinued next year. Accordingly, the iPhone 6S, iPhone 6S Plus and iPhone SE 2016 will no longer be included by Apple in 2021. But as I said - remain skeptical and please don't get too excited too soon.
WWDC 2020 – New hardware on the way?
In addition to iOS 14, iPadOS 14, tvOS 14, watchOS 7 and macOS 10.16, Apple could also introduce new hardware products. The iOS 14 code contains references for a new Apple TV model with a revised remote control as well as the leaked trackers called AirTags. Apple could present both at this year's World Wide Developer Conference. There are also hints from leakers that Apple's brand new over-ear headphones called AirPods Studio could be officially unveiled. Since Apple has already presented new hardware during a WWDC in the past, the presentation of these products is not completely out of the question - let's wait and see.
The above-mentioned functions have all been leaked over the last few months. However, that does not mean that Apple will necessarily present them on June 22nd. It often happens that functions are tested and removed during development or appear much later or not at all. Apart from that, we have to take the current situation into account. Apple's development progress is also suffering from the ongoing global corona crisis. Therefore, delays cannot be ruled out.
By the way – did you know that Apple internally calls WWDC simply “Dub Dub”? The name is derived from “double-u”. So, the next “Dub Dub” can come! (Image: Apple)
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