iPadOS 14
iPadOS 14 is the second major release of the iPadOS mobile operating system developed by Apple Inc. for their iPad line of tablet computers. It was announced at the company's 2020 Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) as the successor to iPadOS 13 on those devices, with the first public beta released on July 9, 2020. Its official release is scheduled for later this year.
History
Updates
The first developer beta for iPadOS 14 was made available on June 22, 2020, and the first public beta was released on July 9, 2020[7].
Version | Build | Release date | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
14.0 beta 1 | 18A5301v | June 22, 2020 | Initial beta released to developer beta testers only |
14.0 beta 2 | 18A5319i | July 7, 2020 | Released to public beta testers on July 9, 2020 |
14.0 beta 3 | 18A5332f | July 22, 2020 | Released to public beta testers on July 23, 2020 |
14.0 beta 4 | 18A5342e | August 4, 2020 | Released to public beta testers on August 6, 2020 |
14.0 beta 5 | 18A5351d | August 18, 2020 |
Legend: Past Current Beta
System features
App Clips
App Clips are a new feature expanding on the functionality of the App Store. Intended as a dynamic feature rather than a permanently installed app, App Clips are extremely pared-back with very few OS permissions. At the time of announcement, only the use Apple Pay and Sign in with Apple were shown.
App Clips may be discovered in person via QR codes with App Clips branding. They may also be shared via Messages, or placed on websites or Maps.
Home screen
Widgets
To the left of the first page, the Today View is replaced by a scrollable widget UI. Widgets may be placed on the home screen to sit amongst app icons[8]; they may be resized to 2-by-2, horizontal 2-by-4, or 4-by-4 icons. Widgets of the same size may be stacked over each other and swiped between for convenience; a Smart Stack may be placed which automatically show the most relevant widget to the user based on the time of day.[9]
Compact UI
A series of changes were made in iPadOS 14 to reduce the visual space taken by previously full-screen interfaces; such interfaces now appear and hover in front of an app, allowing for touch (and therefore multitasking) on the app behind. Voice calling interfaces, including Phone, or other third-party apps such as Skype, are made substantially thinner,[10] taking approximately as much space as a notification. Siri's interface is now also compact.
Search and Siri
Improvements to the Search feature on the home screen were made, including a refined UI, quick launcher for apps, more detailed web search, shortcuts to in-app search, and improved as-you-type search suggestions. The search function now appears and functions more like the Spotlight Search feature of macOS.[11]
In addition to being made compact, Siri can now answer a broader set of questions and translate more languages. Users can also share their ETA with contacts and ask for cycling directions.[12]
Privacy
iPadOS 14 adds various new privacy features. Apple states that "privacy is at the core of everything we do." Privacy information can now be seen on the App Store so users can understand what privileges an app has before they download it. A recording indicator appears at the top of the screen whenever an app uses the microphone or camera. Users now share only their approximate location rather than their exact location.[13]
Other features
A recording appears in a corner at the top of the screen whenever the camera or microphone are enabled to maximize user privacy. Likewise, location services may be given only approximately to apps if they do not require a precise location.
The Emoji keyboard was updated with a search bar for quick access.
The user's email and browser apps – by default the stock Mail app and Safari – may now be changed.[14]
Users with devices that do not automatically read NFC tags may add a shortcut on the Control Center to do so.
iPadOS 14 now includes native support for VP9 for videos.[15][16]
In the Notes app, it is now easier to find notes using an improved "on-device intelligence."[17]
Apple Arcade now has direct Game Center integration.[18]
iPadOS 14 adds 20 new hair and head wear styles to Memoji and Animoji.
App features
Camera
The Camera app gained several new features. Features include:[19]
- The ability to mirror photos taken from the front camera
- QR code reading enhancements
- Exposure compensation control
Improvements were also made in shot-to-shot performance. Photos can be shot up to 90% faster, time to first shot is now up to 25% faster, and Portrait shot-to-shot is up to 15% faster.[20]
FaceTime
FaceTime now automatically adjusts the visual appearance of eyes to account for the camera being above where a caller's eyes are displayed, allowing for direct two-way eye contact.[8]
Files
The Files app gained the ability to mount encrypted external drives. However, this capability is limited to APFS-encrypted drives. Upon connecting an APFS-encrypted external drive to the USB-C port on the iPad, the Files app will present the external drive on the sidebar. Selecting the drive will prompt the user to enter the password to unlock the drive. [21]
Home
The Home app received design changes to emphazise suggested accessories alongside those marked as favorite. In addition, a major set of automation capabilities were added for use with compatible HomeKit devices; this automation requires the presence of an iPad, HomePod or Apple TV to facilitate on-device processing.
Home security cameras may be instructed to only alert the user of activity if it occurs in a preselected activity zone. In addition, facial recognition performed in Photos app may be used to alert based on recognized people, with additional integration for use with smart doorbells.
Smart lighting products which support color temperatures may be instructed to match a preset color temperature setting. As the presence of blue light is a major zeitgeber – a factor which influences the perception of time with regards to circadian rhythm – this feature is designed to encourage activity in the day and calmness in the morning and evening.[12]
Messages
The Messages app gained several new features. Users can now pin up to 9 individual conversations to the top of the messages list. In group chats, users may now:[22]
- Mention other users
- Only receive notifications when they are mentioned
- Set a custom image or graphic for group conversations
- Send inline replies to particular messages
Maps
Apple Maps now gives users access to cycling routes, providing information including elevation and stairs. It also provides users with multiple options, suggesting routes with less busy streets. Cycling directions will be available at launch in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Shanghai, and Beijing.[23] Apple announced they will continue to roll out their enhanced maps detail beyond the United States, including Canada, the United Kingdom and Ireland, and other countries in the future.
Apple also introduced EV routing, which allows users to take charging stations into account while planning their route and choose a route where they will be able to recharge when they need to. This feature requires integration with the car. Apple is currently working with Ford and BMW to implement this feature with their electric vehicles.
Guides for various places around the world have been added, which suggest where to eat, shop, and explore.
Safari
Safari, the default web browser in iPadOS, gained the ability to monitor passwords for data breaches and generate privacy reports for trackers on websites. Major improvements were made to JavaScript performance.[8]
Translate
Improvements made to translation are integrated with Siri, and pages may be translated inline in Safari.
Supported devices
All the devices that support iPadOS 13 will also support iPadOS 14. Devices include:
- iPad Air 2
- iPad Air (3rd generation)
- iPad (5th generation)
- iPad (6th generation)
- iPad (7th generation)
- iPad Mini 4
- iPad Mini (5th generation)
- iPad Pro (all models)
References
- Juli Clover (August 18, 2020). "Apple Releases Fifth Betas of iOS 14 and iPadOS 14 to Developers". MacRumors. Retrieved August 18, 2020.
- "News - Apple Developer". Apple Developer. Apple Inc. August 18, 2020. Retrieved August 18, 2020.
- "Apple – iPad Pro – Specs". Apple Inc. Archived from the original on January 4, 2019. Retrieved January 4, 2019.
- "Apple – iPad mini 4 – Specs". Apple Inc. Archived from the original on October 24, 2015. Retrieved October 24, 2015.
- "Apple – iPad Air 2 – Technical Specifications". Apple Inc. Archived from the original on October 26, 2015. Retrieved October 24, 2015.
- "Apple – iPhone XS – Technical Specifications". Apple Inc. Archived from the original on January 4, 2019. Retrieved January 4, 2019.
- Miller, Chance (July 9, 2020). "Apple releasing iOS 14 public beta today with redesigned home screen, widgets, more". 9to5Mac. Retrieved July 9, 2020.
- "iOS 14 Preview - Features". Apple. Retrieved June 22, 2020.
- Apple Special Event. June 22, 2020. Apple Inc. June 22, 2020. Retrieved June 22, 2020.
- Apple Special Event. June 22, 2020. Apple Inc. June 22, 2020. Retrieved June 22, 2020.
- "iOS 14 Preview - Features". Apple. Retrieved June 24, 2020.
- "iOS 14: Release date, New features, compatible devices, etc". 9to5Mac. Retrieved June 24, 2020.
- "iOS 14 Preview - Features". Apple. Retrieved June 24, 2020.
- Warren, Tom (June 22, 2020). "iOS 14 and iPadOS 14 will let you set default email and browser apps". The Verge. Vox Media. Retrieved June 23, 2020.
- Peterson, Mike (June 23, 2020). "iPhones, iPads can now stream 4K YouTube videos in iOS 14". AppleInsider. Retrieved June 23, 2020.
- Bell, Killian (June 23, 2020). "iOS 14 lets you watch YouTube videos in 4K on iPhone and iPad". Cult Of Mac. Retrieved June 23, 2020.
- "iOS 14 Preview - Features". Apple. Retrieved June 24, 2020.
- "iOS 14: Complete Guide to All the New Features". MacRumors. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
- "iOS 14 Preview - Features". Apple. Retrieved June 22, 2020.
- Espósito, Filipe (June 24, 2020). "iOS 14 tidbits: Precise Location toggle, QuickTake and video resolution in the Camera app for more devices". 9to5Mac. Retrieved June 24, 2020.
- "New features coming with iPadOS". Apple Inc. June 22, 2020. Retrieved June 28, 2020.
- "iOS 14 Preview - Features". Apple. Retrieved June 22, 2020.
- O'Kane, Sean (June 22, 2020). "Apple adding cycling directions and EV routing to Maps in iOS 14". The Verge. Vox Media. Retrieved June 22, 2020.
External links
- iPadOS preview – official site
- iPadOS – official developer site
- iOS Reference Library at the Apple Developer site