Apple is facing yet another investigation over alleged unfair practices. UK’s competitions watchdog is investigating claims that Apple’s terms of service in the App Store are uncompetitive. Developers are unhappy that they have to distribute their apps to iPads and iPhones via the App Store. They are also questioning Apple’s commissions.
Apple has always been keen on protecting user data. In the new iOS 14 updates, iPhone users get more control over who uses what data and when.
Developers have to be more upfront with how their apps work. When the new iOS 14 updates are rolled out, app developers would have to explicitly state what data they are collecting from users.
More importantly, a user would have to give an app permission before it can enable tracking. This makes it possible to use an app without being followed about across the web and across devices.
The new iOS 14 updates make it possible to see which device is using your iPhone’s camera and mic. When a mic or camera is engaged, the iPhone will signal with a light near the selfie camera. The user will then be able to determine if the app has permission to use those features. At the same time, a user can choose whether to use an exact GPS location when using an app that requires a user’s location. Instead of giving your exact home address, it will be possible to offer an approximate location. That way, you get to use the app without divulging your precise location to the third-party.
Do you think these features are good enough to protect your privacy?
iOS 14 updates bring a raft of expected changes to the iPhone Messaging app. It is now easier to track conversation without being bored down by the sheer volume of conversations in the iMessage.
iPhone users will be able to pin conversations in the new iMessage. With dozens of conversations filling the inbox, it is easy to miss out on important conversations because they were buried beneath a pile of other messages. Thanks to the new updates, users will be able to pin specific messages to the top of the messaging app.
The pin feature will make it easier to track changes and follow up on important conversations.
The new iOS 14 updates will make it easy to tag members of a group chat more easily. This would allow iPhone users to speak to a comment directly, instead of pasting a message in the group and hoping the right person sees it.
Consequently, iMessage users will be able to reply directly to a message in a group. This inline reply makes it easy to have a meaningful discussion in a group. Group members can also seek clarification without distracting everyone else in the chat.
In addition to being able to set an image or emoji as the group photo, iOS 14 comes with more inclusive Memojis. Users can choose from a variety of Memojis depending on hairstyles, headgears, and even facial covers.
Would you choose iMessage over WhatsApp?
The App Clip feature of iOS 14 unveiled at the 2020 Apple World Wide Developers Conference (#WWDC) on 22.06.2020 is meant to make life easier.
“An App Clip is a small part of an app experience designed to be discovered the moment it is needed.”
The App Clip allows iPhone users to access a particular service in an app without loading the app in the background. In the new iOS 14 updates, users will be able to order a service while still working on other apps. All it requires is for the user to scan a special App Clip code at a shop and the required app will pop up to complete the transaction.
Imagine you are at a restaurant with your friends and you decide to order a cappuccino online. The normal process would involve opening a Coffee Shop app in order to place your order. With the new App Clip feature, however, iPhone users will be able to scan a special App Clip code. Instantly, the order page of the app will pop up on the phone, and you will be able to place your order quickly.
The code can also be sent to you via iPhone’s Messaging app. This would make communication between clients and businesses easy and straightforward. Users will also be able to use NFC tags or QR codes to perform the same function.
The entire process is designed to be seamless. The user grants permissions to each app individually. Meanwhile, all purchases on the App Store can be made using Apple Pay, cutting down delays and making the purchase a smooth experience.
What’s your favourite iOS 14 feature?
iOS 14 revamps the iPhone. There are updates to how apps are managed, changes to how Messaging works, and a dedicated 3D Apple Map for cycling. With App Clips, you don’t even need to load an app before you use it. All of these and more were revealed at the Apple 2020 World Wide Developers Conference, #WWDC.
The new iOS update makes it possible to customise the home screen with relevant widgets. Users can add tools based on entertainment, workout, or any other theme.
iOS 14 makes it possible to pin messages to the top of the list. There is a mention feature that is useful in group messaging. In-line replies also make it easy to keep talking to the right person with iMessage. Memojis now come with different looks and hairstyles.
The new iOS 14 update automatically groups apps based on functionality. It is now easy to track streaming, gaming, and photo editing apps. Users can also choose how many homepages they have and hide some of them to make it easy to find the App Library.
The iOS Picture-in-Picture means you don’t have to stop what you are doing to accept a call. Users can continue using an app and still accept an incoming FaceTime call.
Also, Siri has real-time translations to offer support in multiple languages.
The new App Clip makes it easy to use a part of an app the moment you need it. For example, you can instantly order a coffee by scanning a code at the shop which will automatically load the necessary app for your use. No need to navigate to the specific app before placing your order.
The new updates makes it easy for cyclists to move around. Users can see if there is traffic ahead, if stairs are along the route, and how elevated the ground is. EV routes show drivers charging stations. There are curated guides to selected places of interest as well.
Digital car keys make it possible to unlock and start your car with an Apple Watch or iPhone. Users can also share digital car keys via Messages and disable them in iCloud if a device is missing. AirPods will now be able to automatically switch between Apple devices.
iPhone users will be able to use approximate locations instead of exact locations. This means users don’t have to give up their exact address when using a map feature for example.
Also, an orange light will appear on the iPhone to notify a user if an app us using the phone’s camera or mic. In addition, app developers have to be explicit about the type of data they will collect from users.
Apple Developer Program members can preview the iOS 14 updates at developer.apple.com. iPhone 6s and later users will receive iOS 14 updates in the fall. Meanwhile, a beta version will be available from July at beta.apple.com.
Are you really impressed with the iOS 14 updates?
Mobile Techer 