In few days time, Apple’s WWDC 2020 will be live and with that, we will be getting the most out from the company as far as the year 2020 goes which also includes hints about the upcoming iPhone (12) as well as the iOS 14 operating system. While nothing much is yet known about this software just yet, there are few things we can relate to as far as the upcoming system is concerned.

Rumors about an upcoming iOS 14 had been around the internet for quite a while now and many have speculated what to expect when the software is finally released as a stable software which would come with the next flagship iPhone later on this year.

Over the past few months, a number of Apple rumor sites have reported getting their hands on early test versions of iOS 14 with details about everything from interface changes to new apps. And while we can’t know for certain whether or not these leaks are the real deal, or whether the changes listed will even make it to the final build of iOS 14, there’s plenty to be excited about. So about the rumors of the iOS 14, below are few tips we could lay our hands upon.

Release date of the iOS 14

Based on current speculations and timings, the iOS 14 could be introduced to the world during the WWDC 2020 which will start just next week, June 22nd assuming things go according to plans. Plans for this year’s WWDC is to hold the event virtually which means there will be no spectator as the conference will be held over the internet only.

But that doesn’t mean the keynote won’t be delivered by the company’s Chief Executive which might include detailed information about the iOS 14 which could confirm rumors about the operating system and what to expect from it.

While Apple had always stuck to the style of first releasing developer beta of it’s iOS after the official announcement during the WWDC, then a month afterwards, the company would usually release the public beta which is then followed by the stable version whenever an iPhone is released which is usually by September and then other updates follow after that.

As things got this year, the timeline might have been bent just a little which might affect that scheduling especially with the Coronavirus pandemic which forced companies to shut off their operations while others laid off their employees, this is a difficult period.

This had even resulted in rumors that Apple might have to shift the release of it;s flagship device later on from September to October which which could of course affect the iOS 14 release according to rumors but Apple hasn’t officially commented about that just yet.

But anyway, with that said, there are rumors about tweaks on the new iOS 14 which includes the following

Tweaked Home screen

The home screen on iOSs had always been the same which serves also as the app drawer unlike Android which has a separate screen for Apps while the home screen can be tweaked out to accommodate widgets and other things, there seems to be a new tweak on the upcoming iOS 14 according to a report gotten from 9 to 5 Mac.

Apple is said to be bringing a list view option that would allow you to organize applications as a list rather than the grid design which is currently being used on the operating system. This type of layout had already been implemented on the Apple Watch which allows user to view applications alphabetically but the according to the rumors about the iOS 14, the list views will be sorted based on emergence of notifications.

You’ll finally be able to change default apps

Remember when we wrote about how Android trumped iOS based on the numerous freedoms you get using the former, one important feature which is being able to step away from the native applications that come pre-installed on the iOS 14 as rumor has it that you’ll now be able to swap it out for another software which can do the same job for example, you can swap Safari browser out for Google Chrome browser and on and on.

You can @Mention in messages and do more

We got this from CNET which states that the Apple’s default message application will be implementing the @ Mention symbol which can basically be used to specify who you’re referring a message to in a group conversation just as we’ve seen in other apps like WhatsApp.

According to MacRumors, there will be an option which will allow the deletion of a message once it has already been sent. And there could be new emoji additions as well as the Memojis and Animojis.

Multitasking functionality

In Android, you can split your screen and use two applications simultaneously and new iOS 14 rumors says we might be seeing that soon as well as Ben Geskin, a known Apple leaker stated in a video which he posted on Twitter which showed what to expect assuming the iOS 14 is being run on the current iPhone 11 smartphone.

While the authenticity of the video is under debate as some argued its a jailbreak rather than the iOS 14 itself, the fact that Apple might release a much larger iPhone 12 Max might just confirm that rumor as well as the larger display will be able to accommodate the use of multiple applications at once.

Safari is also getting tweaked up

The next iOS 14 could see a much better Safari which includes features such as translations as we’ve seen on Google Chrome according to 9 to 5 Mac. The new addition will allow user to be able to switch between different languages as fast as possible.

Also, there could be support for Apple Pencil which will enable using it as a cursor to click as well as scroll and do other things such as taking notes or mark up pages.

More accessibility options 

Yet another 9to5Mac report also mentions an accessibility feature that would allow you to translate sounds, like the sound of an alarm ringing, or even a crying baby, into haptic feedback for people with hearing loss. 

Apple including fitness app

Apple has lately been more about health and wellness and that is a good thing as far as the iOS 14 rumor goes which states that Apple could add up a workout application which will help user through different exercise routines.

MacRumors stated that features to expect on the application includes support for running, cycling, rowing, strength training, dance, yoga and so much more. There will also be availability on other Apple-owned platforms including the Apple Watch as well as Apple TV.

One big thing about the report is that the application will be free of charge even though there might be subscription charges for some high-level services and so forth as well as premium membership for some more robust experience.

Then an AR application

We might see an Augmented Reality application bundled up with the iOS 14 according to rumors from 9 to 5 Mac which states that the application will allow the provision of information about physical products such as products in physical store which can easily be searched on through the internet.

The report references the Apple Store and Starbucks at launch, but it could be expanded to other retailers as well.  

It should run on current iPhones

Current iPhones running the iOS 13 should be compatible with the upcoming iOS 14 which is a nice thing considering the fact that numerous people don’t just want to part ways with their older iPhones just yet while the iPhone SE is still in the market.