10 New Features in iOS 14 That’ll Convince You to Update Your Phone Now

Every new iOS update, I’ll get this heart wrenching, heart-sinking feeling.

Well, there goes my phone’s storage space again.

Lest you’re unaware, major iOS updates always come with jaw-dropping file sizes. And if you’re unlucky enough to own a ‘potato’ phone, the update will more often than not kill off your already crammed device.

All in all, not a good thing if you’re cash-strapped and can’t afford to replace your phone.

And so, you can probably understand why I’m so hesitant to grant the new iOS 14 access to my phone.

At 2.5GB, this latest update is akin to a DLC update for any mainstream game…

And is generally enough to serve the final blow to my ‘potato’ phone.

10 New Features in iOS 14 That’ll Convince You to Update Your Phone Now

But as a Wise Old Man once said:

“There are things worth dying for.”

And though the new iOS14 update isn’t exactly one worth leaping from a helicopter with no parachute on…

It certainly seems to be worth that last bite of storage space in your phone.

And so, without further ado., here are 10 new features in iOS 14…

That will convince you to update your phone now. 

1. Widgets

In iOS 14, widgets are given a total makeover.

Redesigned to give you more information at a glance, widgets can now be added to your home screen, and are fully customisable.

You can even incorporate a Smart Stack of widgets “intelligently curated” according to the apps you use most, with the appropriate widget turning up at the right time of the day. Examples include the weather forecast in the morning, your obligations in the afternoon and smart home controls at night.

To add a widget, simply long press on your home screen and tap the ‘+’ icon in the top left corner; you’ll be able to select a widget, the shape you’ll like it to be, and drop it on your home screen thereafter.

On a side note, there will also be an upgraded picture-in-picture functionality, which will allow you to watch a video and use other apps at the same time.

Multitasking just soared to a whole new level.

Your eyes might also go bad too.

2. App Library

According to Apple, the new App library automatically organises your apps into one non-complicated, easy-to-navigate view.

Essentially an expansion of the pre-existing folder function, the App Library serves to group all of your apps into different, convenient folders. Apps are also automatically organised depending on their use.

You’ll also get a search bar at the top of the App Library screen, which will allow you to search for individual apps. Suggested apps will also be available at the top of the screen.

Swipe across to the right to trigger the App Library. From there, you can start any of the apps that possess a large icon with a single tap or reveal a category by tapping on the square of four smaller icons.

3. Revamped Messages Function

For ages, Apple’s Messages function has been dropped in favour of more mainstream platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram…

But the latest iOS 14 update may just serve to shake things up.

With the latest update, you’ll be able to:

• Pin up to nine of your most important conversations to the top of your conversation list.
• Direct a message to someone in a group conversation. You can also reply directly to a particular message.
• Select a new visual identity for your conversation, with an option to add a photo, an emoji or a Memoji.

Apart from new-age options and face coverings, there will also be over 20 new hair and headwear Memoji styles for you to choose from.

4. Translate

The all-new Translate app, a feature that’s purportedly designed for use across 11 different languages, will also be available for iOS 14 users.

Convenient and easy-to-use, users can turn their phone into landscape mode and tap the microphone button to translate their speech.

The feature is also available in offline mode, with translations store-able in the Favourites tab for easy access later.

According to Tech Radar, you’ll also be able to translate entire web pages in Safari with just two taps.

Locate the website you wish to translate and tap the ‘A4’ button to the left of the search bar. Should the site be supported, you’ll be able to translate it.

Apparently, Safari can now translate websites in seven different languages.

5. Siri

And it seems that every Apple user’s favourite A.I. has also gotten a much-deserved upgrade.

According to Apple, Siri has a “completely new look” that allows you to acquire information at a faster rate, and get things done while performing other tasks.

It also has over 20 times more facts than just three years ago.

Apparently, Siri can now help you find answers to more questions by using information from across the web. A streamlined interface will appear at the top of the screen for you to pose questions.

Audio messages are also possible with Siri now.

6. App Clips

Apple Clips is a new feature in iOS 14 that will allow you to use an app without having to download tons of files.

Essentially trial versions, these “light and fast” renditions are accessible via a card that appears at the bottom of your screen.

Tapping Open will launch the App Clip, providing a powerful, focused app experience that’s supposedly privacy friendly.

If you’re satisfied with the experience, you can also download the full app directly from the app clip without having to go to the app store!

7. Camera

This one’s for all the avid photo-taking personnel out there.

Apparently, the iOS 14 update has some serious considerations for the camera function, with a plethora of upgraded camera-taking features now available for the Apple-using public.

For one, you can now shoot photos up to 90% faster, at up to 4 frames per second. Time to first shot is now up to 25% faster, and Portrait shot‑to‑shot is up to 15% faster. And with a new setting that gives a higher priority to faster shooting, your phone camera can now modify how photos are processed, so you can take pictures at at a more rapid rate and never miss a shot.

Yeah, you’re gonna be like Deadshot. But with an iPhone.

A new option in Settings also lets you take mirrored selfies, which reflect the front camera preview. Meanwhile, new QR code reading enhancements ensure an easy time in scanning codes, even if they’re small or wrapped around objects.

There’ll also a nifty trick that allows you to start scanning real quick too. We’ll be exploring it in a bit.

8. Airpods

And it seems that they have even made the necessary accommodations for your airpods.

In iOS 14, you will receive battery notifications when AirPods are in need of charging.

You’ll also be able to move between devices without having to manually switch your airpods. For instance, your AirPods will automatically switch over if you’re done with a phone call on your iPhone and have picked up your iPad to resume your movie.

With Headphone Accommodations, you can now adjust the audio of your airpods to account for hearing differences. The feature will assist in amplifying soft sounds, and can tune as necessary to help music, phone calls and more sound more crisp and clear in your ears.

You can also connect your airpods to your Apple TV 4K for a private viewing experience!

9. Apple Maps

Apple’s map finding function is also getting a real boost in the latest update.

For one, Apple Maps will be inserting nifty guides for the user’s convenience. These guides will provide information like trails, places to eat and varying tourist attractions.

For two, there’ll be a cycling function in the feature, which will allow cyclists to learn of bike lanes, steep hills and dreaded staircases ahead of time. Only certain nations and cities, however, are available for use, for now.

Electric car users will also be able to use the Apple Maps function to track their current charge, as well as learn of areas where charging-up is available.

When in urban areas with relatively poor GPS signals, you’ll be able to procure a highly accurate location and orientation. Maps will also let you know when you’re reaching speed cameras and red-light cameras along your route, with individual cameras visible on the map.

10. CarPlay

Apple’s CarPlay feature is also turning your iPhone into a digital set of keys for your car. With the help of NFC, you can unlock your car with your phone and even grant other users access to your vehicle.

CarPlay also supports new app types, such as parking, electric vehicle charging, and quick food ordering.

Always dreamt of ordering food from your car and retrieving it on the way through?

Well, it’s not such a distant notion anymore.

Bonus

And apparently, SafeEntry’ll now be a breeze.

According to Mothership, those using the iPhone 8 and newer models can now set up their devices to scan SafeEntry QR codes, by just double-tapping the back of their phone.

To do so, you need to go through with four mandatory steps.

Step 1: Go to Settings in the SingPass app and select Siri voice commands.

Step 2: Tap the Add to Siri button under “Scan SafeEntry”, before tapping on Add to Siri.

Step 3: Head to the iPhone’s Settings and locate the Accessibility menu, before tapping Touch under the “physical and motor” sub-menu.

Step 4: Discover Back Tap at the bottom.

At this point, you can opt for either Double Tap or Triple Tap. After making your choice, pick Scan SafeEntry.

And you’re done!

Note, however, that double-tapping only works if your phone is already unlocked, and that the feature is only available on iPhone 8 and up.

Similar shortcuts can also be set up for other SingPass functions.

And So… What’re You Waiting For?

If you’re still on the fence as to whether you should get the latest iOS update, I’m telling you;

You won’t regret it.

With a whole plethora of new features for you to play with, iOS 14 is more than just an update;

It’s the next step in Apple iPhone technology, and one that we genuinely appreciate.

Don’t say bojio ah 😉

For a full list of features that come with the iOS 14 update, you can click here.

You can also peruse the following videos for advice on how to customise your widgets/iOS 14 features: