6. iMessage changing messages forever.
iOS 14 is introducing a feature called “inline replies” to messages. It essentially allows you to create threads or sub-conversations within a group text like you can in many more robust chat applications like Slack. Inline replies will allow you to respond directly to a specific message within a group chat without appearing as the “bottom” or “most recent” message. You can also tag people within the group chat so they’ll be able to see a message within one of these inline replies. It’s going to take some getting used to, but it’s also going to make group chats be way less chaotic.
7. You can now hide Home Screen pages and apps.
In iOS 14, you have the ability to hide Home Screen pages and apps completely. This is designed to clean up your Home Screen pages and keep the apps that you need–but-never-use, like third-party companion apps for headphones and smart home gadgets, out of sight and out of mind. You’re able to initiate a “jiggle mode” by long-pressing on any app, selecting the “…” at the bottom of the screen, and then you’re going to be able to hide Home Screen pages or individuals apps. Instead of living on a Home Screen page, these hidden apps only live in your App Library.
8. A new Translate app.
Apple is finally adding a dedicated Translate app to your iPhone with iOS 14. It’s able to do both text and voice translations of 11 different languages. There will be a conversation mode that will allow you and somebody of a different language to communicate in real-time. There’s also an offline mode where you can download languages ahead of time, which is obviously ideal if you’re traveling off the grid in a foreign country. It’s nothing that Google Translate hasn’t been able to do for years, but it’s good that they’re finally going to be mainstays of the iPhone.
9. A more helpful Siri.
In iOS 14, Siris allow you to use voice commands to record and send audio messages to your friends. Additionally, Siri has a new compact look when you summon it, similar to the new calls on iOS 14. There is also a widget called Siri Suggestions that you can add to your Home screen, which intelligently suggests different things (such as it’s time to start a workout, order coffee from the Dunkin app, or start up a podcast) based how you use your iPhone every day.
10. The AirPods experience, elevated.
Your AirPods or AirPods Pro can support multiple Bluetooth connections. But with iOS 14, they’re smart enough to know which device you’re using, be it an iPhone, iPad or MacBook, and automatically switch to that device’s audio. For instance, if you’re listening to a Spotify playlist on your iPhone, but then play a YouTube video on your MacBook, the playlist stops playing and you’ll hear the audio of the YouTube video on your computer. No more dealing with Bluetooth Settings.
The other big update is just for the AirPods Pro. It’s called “Spatial Audio” and it allows AirPods Pro to play way more immersive 3D sound. It utilizes the built-in accelerometer in the AirPods Pro to know exactly where your head is positioned in relation to the screen you’re watching, and it’ll then adjust the audio accordingly. It supports 5.1-channel, 7.1-channel and Dolby Atmos audio, meaning your AirPods are able to deliver the most home theater-esque experience possible.