Each year, Apple gives us a new system update with tons of amazing features, 2020 brings us iOS 14, which is possibly one of the biggest updates yet. It brings a whole host of new features as well as a few updates in all our favourite areas. It’s clear that Apple users are loving every single moment of the new iOS update and it’s understandable as to why!

Widgets

The widgets addition of iOS 14 is probably one of the biggest updates on the platform. For the entirety of Apple, there haven’t been changes this big to the home screen. Widgets used to be visible on a separate screen and changed every so often. With the new iOS update, these widgets can be added to your home screen to create a more custom design. You can change the sizes and placements of these widgets to make sure they’re exactly how you want them to appear.

If you want to add widgets to your home screen, all you need to do is press and hold on the screen. You’ll see a new button in the top left corner of the phone. Press the + icon and you’ll be taken to the widgets screen. This is where you can scroll through a number of different widgets. A huge part of the new update is the Smart Stack. This is a widget that will change depending on the time of the day, where you are or what you’re doing. Overtime, your iPhone will learn what apps you use when and offer you quick access to them.

Messages

We see a lot of different updates to the Apple messages app each year however, 2020 is bringing a whole host of new updates. One of the most helpful updates includes pinning your favourite contacts to the top of your messages. This means that you don’t have to spend hours scrolling through your app trying to find the contact you need. Instead, you can just tap the icon and head right into your messages. A lot more of these updates include new Memoji options, setting group photos and a lot more.

Group chats can get pretty busy, especially when you’ve got plans. This can make replying to certain messages almost impossible. With the new iOS 14 update, you can actually reply directly to specific messages. This will then keep a thread of those messages so you can have a continued conversation in the group chat. For the same sort of situation, you can also mute group chats but receive notifications whenever someone mentions your name. That way, you can make sure you never miss important messages, even when it’s busy.

CarKey

Over the last year, there have been so many rumours surrounding the Apple CarKey feature. These days, a lot of cars use keyless drive, meaning you don’t have to put the key into your car to start it. Using CarKey, you’ll be able to use your iPhone to unlock and start your car. You can even share your key with contacts through your messages, allowing someone else to access your car. This is such a great idea for those who share cars with their friends or family to avoid passing keys around constantly.

You will only be able to use the CarKey feature on the iPhone Xr, Xs, Xs Max, iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max and the iPhone SE 2020. If you want to disable this feature, you can do so through iCloud, which is perfect if you lose your phone!

Maps

There have been so many different rumours around Apple updating their Maps app. There’s been whispers of 3D maps, new effects, cycling and so much more. One thing we were all right about was the cycling update. iOS 14 brings cycle directions to encourage people to get around the place in a more active way. These routes will show busy streets, elevation and even alert you if there are stairs along your route. This is bound to encourage people to get moving in healthier ways.

Electric vehicles are becoming more and more common, which means charging points are more needed. The new maps update brings routes that show different charging stops so you can plan your route and your stops. You’ll even see which chargers are available at these services so you know which ones you’ll be able to stop at. This can make your moving about so much easier than it was before. You’ll be able to improve your impact on the world with no excuse!

App Library

Android phones have had an entire page dedicated to all the apps on your phone for quite some time. Apple has only even had app icons on the home screen. Right at the end of your home screen, you’ll see a page with a number of different folders containing your apps. These folders are sorted via different titles such as entertainment, recently added, etc. If you would prefer to have just the App Library, you can hide apps from your home screen until they’ve all disappeared. You can edit these icons the same way you used to move them about on iOS 13.

iOS 14 Features

A feature that hasn’t really been shared in the news or on social media will help monitor your privacy. A huge issue surrounding technology is the uncertainty as to when apps are listening to you or even watching you. To give you certainty, Apple has a new feature. Whenever your camera is being used, a small green dot will pop up just next to the selfie camera. If the microphone is being used, the dot will be orange. This allows you to be at peace when using new apps as you can see exactly when your camera or microphone is being used.

You’re going to need to get your hands on one of the latest iPhone’s if you want to give iOS 14 a try. If that’s the case, make sure to check out our best iPhone deals. They’ll be able to save you loads of money as well as offering tons of value on top.