iOS 14 release date, features, leaks and news. Each year Apple releases a new major software update for the iPhone.
This year, this update is called iOS 14 because it follows iOS 13 from the previous year, and iOS 12 from the previous year, and so on. Like these latest versions, an initial test version of the software has leaked, revealing key features that we can expect in the final version that will likely hit iPhones this fall.
We detail everything we know about iOS 14 below, and we plan to update this guide regularly with the latest version.
We’ve also included information and rumors for iPadOS 14, which may be the next major update for iPad.
iOS 14 Release date
iOS 14 Beta: WWDC preview expected in 22th June
Official release likely in September
If Apple follows the same release schedule as iOS 13, then we can expect iOS 14 to be previewed at the World Developer Conference in June.
Once launched, a diOS 14 beta version will be provided to developers for testing so they can prepare their applications. Apple’s public beta test group, which anyone can join for free, can then test the software.
When the developer and public beta tests are completed this fall, iOS 14 will officially be released with the next generation of iPhones.
iOS 14: features with leaks and rumors
New Fitness app
- Provides access to training videos
- Watch users can also follow training routines
According to MacRumors, Apple is working on a fitness app for iPhone, Apple Watch and Apple TV. It will give you access to fitness and training videos that you can download. Apple Watch users will be able to follow the progress of their training routine and view it on the iPhone, iPad or Apple TV. Types of training will include indoor running, outdoor walking, biking, rowing, stretching, basic training, strength training, etc.
Updating the Messages app
- Includes a Slack-like rating system
- Message removal option also possible
MacRumors said that Apple is testing new iMessage features, including a Slack-like mention system that will allow you to tag contacts with their names (example: @maggie). In a group chat, you can end the conversation but receive notifications when your name is directly mentioned. Input indicators in group discussions can also be added. A retraction message option (with the retraction visible by all parties) is also under development.
Default third-party applications
- Set default third-party apps on Apple apps
- You can use Chrome on Safari, for example
Bloomberg said Apple could allow users to set third-party apps as default apps, compared to Apple’s own apps, including messaging, browser, and music apps. So you can set Chrome or Gmail as the default browser and email app, respectively, on your iPhone. And when you tap on a link or email address, it will always automatically pop up in those apps. Imagine being able to define Spotify instead of Apple Music!
Apple pencil
- PencilKit for iOS 14 is expected
- Will allow you to describe text that will be converted later
According to MacRumors, iOS 14 could include a new PencilKit feature that will allow you to write text by hand in any field with an Apple pencil. Handwritten content will also be converted to standard text. Imagine that you write your text in Messages, but the message is sent as usual. The new PencilKit functionality would work with any text input field in iOS, so it will work with Messages, Notes, Reminders, Mail, etc.
iPadOS 14: leaked features and rumors
Last year, Apple split iOS into iPadOS. While iOS is for iPhone, iPadOS is for iPad. The two are so closely aligned that they follow the same update path. Thus, the next major diPadOS will be iPadOS 14. It will probably be launched alongside diOS 14 but will have unique features for diPad users.
Improved peripheral support
- Auto-disappearing mouse cursor
- More advanced trackpad gestures
The first code discovered from iOS 14 indicates that Apple is working on more advanced cursor support for iPads, further blurring the lines between iOS, iPadOS and MacOS. It implements an automatic disappearance nature for the cursor. The theory is that, once the connected mouse has been immobile / intact, the cursor on the screen disappears. Once the mouse is moved, the cursor reappears on the screen.
This is something of a standard feature in the Mac operating system, but has not yet been implemented on iPadOS. The other feature that seems to be a default option is the ability for the cursor to change shape. Specifically, between an arrow pointer and a hand pointer when you hover over a web link. 9toMac also claimed that iOS 14 could support more advanced mouse / trackpad gestures.
iOS 14 and iPadOS 14: device support
Apple hasn’t announced an official compatibility list for a software update that it hasn’t even previewed yet, but rumors suggest that it will work with all of the same phones as iOS 13, from iPhone SE and iPhone 6s Plus to the latest iPhone 11 series. . As for iPadOS 14, this update should be compatible with all diPad models running iOS 13 – except for iPad mini 4 and iPad Air 2.
What has happened so far?
Here’s everything we’ve heard on iOS 14 and iPadOS 14 so far.
March 10, 2020: iOS 14 points to more advanced cursor support and new iPad keyboards
The code discovered from iOS 14 suggests that Apple is working on more advanced cursor support for iPads, as well as new keyboard models.
February 7, 2020: Apple could release an iPad keyboard with a trackpad this year
Apple is working on an iPad keyboard with a built-in trackpad, and it could launch this year, according to a new report.
- The best SIM offers only: unlimited data for £ 18 / m over three (5G)
February 20, 2020: iOS 14 can allow more default third-party apps for your iPhone, Spotify on Home
Apple has a bit of history about the default apps on its devices.
How to install iOS 14 Beta through a PC with Windows 10 (without iTunes)
