Have you updated your iPhone to iOS 14 yet? In two previous Tuesday Tip entries from this year, we touched on a couple of new features that are offered by the latest update from Apple. While iOS 14 was released to the public back on September 16, 2020, I don’t think I am alone in having just updated my Apple device to iOS 14 here in November. So, since this update is still very new to many, let’s dive into a few of the other cool, new features from Apple’s latest update:
One of the biggest new features is the ability to have widgets on the home screen. For instance, instead of having to open the Weather app, the forecast can now be displayed right on your home screen. To add a widget to your home screen, simply hold your finger down on an empty part of the screen or on an app, then tap “Edit Home Screen”. Hit the Plus Sign in the top-right corner of the screen, and from there add as many widgets as you please.
Another great new feature is the way in which calls and FaceTime video are displayed. When someone calls you in iOS 14, the phone call no longer takes up the entirety of your screen. Instead, you will see a little banner drop down from the top of the screen alerting you of the incoming call. This is quite nice as it does not totally disrupt whatever task you are carrying out on your phone at the time of the call.
With FaceTime video, you are now able to carry out other tasks on your phone as well while still actively engaging in the video call. This is contrary to previous iOS versions, where your video was “paused” in addition to not being able to see the person on the other end of the call whenever you attempted to briefly leave the FaceTime. This is a big improvement.
One last quick feature I’d like to touch on (there are several others in the update – these are just some of my favorites) is the ability to reply directly to a specific message in a group text. No longer do messages need to get lost within a large group text. Hold your finger down on a message you’d like to reply to within a group text and select “Reply”. This will make sure that everyone knows who and what you are replying to within the group text.
If you haven’t downloaded iOS 14 to your Apple device yet then get to it! There are plenty of new features that – without a doubt – enhance the Apple mobile experience.
