This archive report was first published on 23 June 2020.
On June 22, 2020, Apple CEO Tim Cook addressed the company's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) remotely, citing the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The event marked a significant shift in Apple's approach to its annual conference, with the company opting for a virtual format instead of the usual in-person gathering in San Jose, California.
During the conference, Apple announced a range of new features and updates for its iPhone operating system, iOS 14. One of the most notable changes is the introduction of a redesigned home screen, which allows users to pin widgets with updating information. This includes calendar and maps mini-programs, which can be dragged onto the home screen and will persist.
iOS 14 also includes a new feature called 'App Library,' which automatically organizes apps. Users can delete entire pages of apps in one tap or see similar apps, such as all the games from Apple Arcade, using App Library.
Other notable updates include a new picture-in-picture feature, which allows users to pop up a small screen that floats on top of other apps while watching video. The update also includes a redesign of the Siri interface, with Siri now having 20 times more facts than a few years ago.
Additionally, Apple has introduced a new notification system, which informs users when an app is using their iPhone's camera or microphone. The company has also added cycling maps in certain cities, including New York and San Francisco, and will include guides from partners, such as Zagat, inside its Maps app.
Developers can download the new iOS this week, and a public beta will be released in July, Apple said.
