REFINING THE OPERATING SYSTEM
Apple was keen to emphasize that this year’s
iOS and iPadOS update was designed to
make users’ lives easier, removing some of the
common frustrations and sticking points that
have plagued iOS for years. Incoming phone
calls, for example, now no longer take up the
entire screen, showing up as a small swipeable
banner at the top of the display. Picture in
Picture support from the iPad has also made its
way to the iPhone in iOS 14, which allows users
to watch videos or FaceTime with friends whilst
playing a game on scrolling Twitter.
Search has been handed some love, and it’s now
more compact. Apple has introduced a new
Search in Apps button, so users can look for text
and features within an app like Mail and Files.
And for the first time since iOS was launched,
Apple is finally allowing users to choose their
own web browser and email apps - so Chrome
and Gmail can be used instead.
Apple took time out of its WWDC conference
to further hammer home the fact the company
puts privacy at the forefront of everything it
does. iOS 14 and iPadOS 14 are no exceptions,
with new App Store privacy policies. Apple
now shows when an app is copying content
from a users’ clipboard, and developers must
now request permission before they can track
you within their apps. When a microphone
or camera is being used by an app, a new
orange or green dot will display so that
users have ultimate control over what apps
can see and hear.