Episode 714: iOS 14: A look at 5 major features of the new iPhone operating system
Macworld Podcast
Deep Dive
Why was the release of iOS 14 a surprise for developers?
Developers were caught off guard because they typically need time to submit their apps and prepare for new OS features, but Apple announced the release the day before, leaving them with little time to adjust.
What are the key privacy features introduced in iOS 14?
iOS 14 includes indicators for microphone and camera access, the ability to grant apps access to specific photos, and notifications when apps access the clipboard. It also blocks cross-website and app trackers by default.
How does the App Library in iOS 14 differ from previous iOS versions?
The App Library automatically organizes apps into categories, allowing users to hide less frequently used apps from the home screen while still keeping them accessible. It also prompts users to delete or keep apps when removing them from the home screen.
What are the three sizes of widgets available in iOS 14?
Widgets come in three sizes: a 2x2 square, a 2x4 rectangle, and a 4x4 square, allowing users to customize their home screen with different levels of information density.
What is the purpose of the Smart Stack feature in iOS 14?
Smart Stack allows users to group widgets of the same size together and cycle through them automatically, using machine learning to show the most relevant widget at a given time. However, it can also be manually controlled by the user.
What is the new compact UI for Siri in iOS 14?
Siri no longer takes over the entire screen, instead displaying a small banner at the bottom. This allows users to continue using their phone while interacting with Siri, making the experience less disruptive.
Why is the new compact UI for phone calls in iOS 14 considered an improvement?
The compact UI for phone calls replaces the full-screen takeover with a small banner at the top, allowing users to accept or dismiss calls without disrupting their current activity. This feature has been long overdue.
What are the limitations of Siri in iOS 14?
Siri still requires an internet connection for most tasks, even those that could be handled offline, such as setting timers or alarms. Additionally, Siri's capabilities vary across devices, and some features available in Spotlight search are not accessible via Siri.
How does iOS 14 handle app access to photos?
iOS 14 allows users to grant apps access to specific photos rather than their entire photo library. This gives users more control over their privacy and limits what apps can see.
What is the significance of the new message filtering feature in iOS 14?
The message filtering feature allows users to filter messages by known and unknown senders, helping to reduce clutter from delivery confirmations and two-factor authentication codes in iMessage threads.
Shownotes Transcript