Even before the iPhone 12: Today comes iOS 14

Apple will release iOS 14 during the day. A lot of users can look forward to this, because the new operating system also runs on older iPhones. ntv.de explains the most important innovations.

The new iPhone 12 series did not make it onto the virtual stage, but Apple still announced the major iOS update for the day after the show yesterday at its September event. Presumably it will be displayed on the devices around 7 p.m. tonight. That will be very many, because iOS 14 is available to all devices that run iOS 13. They also include the five-year-old iPhone 6s duo and the almost equally old first generation iPhone SE. Here are the most important innovations:

Home screen widgets and app library

Visually, there are two big changes. On the one hand, you can now add widgets anywhere on the home screen. They will also be available in different sizes after the update and there are smart stacks. That means you can scroll through widgets of the most frequently used apps or they change automatically at what is likely to be the correct time of day.

On the other hand, the apps have a clear media library. You can reach them by swiping the homescreen to the left until the end. The applications are sorted by categories, with the most recently added and frequently used apps (suggestions) at the top. In the settings you can determine that new apps only appear in the media library and are not automatically placed on the home screen.

When a call comes in, the phone or Facetime app is now content with the top third of the display. This also applies to applications from other providers.

Memojis with mask

Facetime conversations can also be continued minimized as picture in picture while using another app. This is useful, for example, when identifying a meeting point on maps. The picture-in-picture function is also available for videos.

Anyone who communicates with other Apple users can look forward to new messaging features. With iOS 14, it is possible to pin up to nine conversations in the conversation lists. Group chats can now be spiced up with photos and memoji.

To address yourself directly to a person in the group, write their name and it will be highlighted in their chat. You can also adapt groups so that you only receive messages if they are addressed directly. And of course there are new stickers and memoji – including mouth and nose protection.

New translator app

Apple is continuously working on maps to lure users away from Google Maps. That works, but unfortunately only in a few countries outside of the USA for the time being. For example, Apple is introducing special directions for cyclists with iOS 14, but this does not yet work in Germany. The same is to be feared with the new routes for e-cars. For the time being, travel guides are only available for a few selected cities in the USA and for London.

In contrast, the new translator app works really well in different languages. If you turn it into landscape format, you can have conversations almost in real time via the microphone. The translations are very accurate, at least in the common languages. Great: The function is also available offline.

Siri still can't really keep up with the Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa, but the digital assistant has expanded its knowledge and now presents itself in a more compact look. The new option of having Siri send audio messages is practical.

my home is my castle

Apple could not have guessed that the home would be so important this year, but in keeping with the "Corona cosiness", iOS 14 also includes numerous improvements for the home app. Among other things, automations are proposed for new Homekit accessories, lighting can adjust the color temperature throughout the day and the overview prioritizes accessories that "need your attention most urgently". Security cameras can now recognize faces marked in the photo app and you can define areas on which the camera should focus.

Safari is not only intended to be "the fastest mobile browser in the world", but also to become more useful. It now warns of insecure passwords and can view a detailed data protection report of websites. At some point he will also be able to translate websites in Germany, but initially only in the USA and Canada.

With iOS 14, the iPhone can serve as a car key that can be stored in your wallet, but can also be shared. All you need is a compatible vehicle, BMW owners have right of way.

App clips are a type of mini-app that can be used without having to install an application. They seem to come in particularly handy when it comes to making a quick purchase – which you can then of course pay with Apple Pay.

Improved data protection, own standard apps

With iOS 14, Apple is further improving the data protection of its users, with which the company also wants to set itself apart from its major competitor Google. Among other things, a small dot in the top right of the display now shows whether an app is using the camera. For a short time this application will then also be displayed at the top of the control center. Very good: If not absolutely necessary, you can specify in the settings that an app is not allowed to use the exact location. You don't need it for weather forecasts or the correct time zone, for example.

Finally, there are numerous smaller changes, one of which is one of the big innovations: After the update, it will finally be possible to set your own e-mail and browser apps system-wide as the standard. In order not to jeopardize security, developers must first have their applications checked by Apple before they can replace Mail or Safari. Among other things, Apple restricts access to private data.

To change the default browser, go to the settings for the app that is to replace Safari. There you will now find the entry Standard browser app, where you simply tick the box behind the desired application. Changing the standard email app also works.