All the Rumored New Features!
Fitness App
Apple is working on a fitness app for iPhone, Apple Watch, and Apple TV that will let users download fitness-related videos that will walk them through various workouts.
The Apple Watch will be used to track progress through workout routines, which will be displayed on iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV. There will be a variety of different workout types including indoor running, cycling, rowing, stretching, core training, strength training, outdoor walking, dance, and yoga.
New Features for Messages
Apple is testing a range of new features for iMessage, and the new functionality could be included in the iOS 14 update.
There's a new Slack-like mention system that will allow users to tag contacts with their name like @eric. In a busy group chat, this feature will make it possible to mute the conversation but receive push notifications when direct mentions are included.
A mockup of @mentions in Messages in iOS 14
Apple is also working on a feature that would retract iMessages after sending them, with the retraction visible to both parties.
A mockup of iMessage retracting in iOS 14
Typing indicators in group chats could be included, so you can see who is typing in a multi-person chat, and Apple may add support for the /me command, which is currently limited to the Mac.
A mockup of group typing indicators in Messages in iOS 14
We could also see a new feature for marking messages as unread, which would allow them to retain the unread icon to make them more notable so a task or request isn't forgotten.
A mockup of Mark as Unread in Messages in iOS 14
There has been previous evidence that Apple is working on a Catalyst-based version of the Messages app for Mac, and if that's the case, some of these features could also make it to the Mac.
Activity App
watchOS 7 will bring a Kids Mode to the Apple Watch, and iOS 14 will have a tweaked Activity app to accommodate the new mode. Rather than tracking active calories burned, the Activity app for Kids Mode will track movement time instead, a healthier metric for children.
New Augmented Reality App
Apple appears to be planning to introduce a new augmented reality app in iOS 14, which is codenamed Gobi. The app is said to allow users to "get more information about the world around them" through AR.
The app may feature integrations with Apple Stores and Starbucks, which suggests users could do something like hold up an iPhone in an Apple Store to view information about products. AR experiences would be triggered via QR code tags in the area, and there is a possibility that iBeacons or Apple's upcoming AirTags could work as triggers.
The aforementioned Apple-designed QR codes have been found inside the Gobi app, as have references to a Gobi comparison shopping feature that could let shoppers compare items. There are also signs that the Gobi app could allow for promotions or content experiences based on specific locations.
Setting Third-Party Apps as Default
Starting in iOS 14, Apple may allow iPhone and iPad users to set third-party mail, browser, and music apps as their default instead of Apple's own apps.
The change would allow apps like Google Chrome and Gmail to be set as the default apps on iOS devices, so tapping a link or an email address will not open Apple's own apps. The change would also allow music apps used with the HomePod to work with Siri, something that's limited to Apple Music at the current time.
Apple is considering making this move following criticism that its own apps have an unfair advantage over third-party apps given that they're installed by default, can't be replaced, and are often more prominent in the App Store. It's worth noting that Apple is still in the planning stages with these changes and they might not be implemented.
Sleep Tracking - Health App
The sleep tracking feature rumored for the next-generation Apple Watch will integrate with the Health app on iPhone, where users will be able to set a personalized sleep goal. The Health app will also offer up recommendations for improving sleep.
Shot on iPhone Photos App Integration
Apple may be planning to integrate Shot on iPhone photo challenges into the Photos app, allowing all iPhone owners to submit their photo results and see the challenge results in the app.
Apple regularly puts out calls for Shot on iPhone images, hosting contests that provide cash rewards to the winners.
Safari
Safari in iOS 14 could offer a built-in translation feature that would let users translate webpages without using a third-party app or service.
Translation options will be available for each website that's visited, but an automatic translation feature will be able to be enabled as well.
Safari in iPadOS 14 may include full support for Apple Pencil input on websites, allowing it to be used for drawing and marking up as well as scrolling.
Xcode
Apple may be developing a full version of Xcode that runs on iPads, and the Xcode app could come as soon as iOS 14, according to leaker Jon Prosser. Prosser says that Xcode is present in iOS 14, but it is worth noting that there is also a hidden Xcode Preview app present in iOS 13.
Find My
Find My in iOS 14 will gain a new notification feature that will provide alerts when someone doesn't arrive at a specific location at a scheduled time of day, so a parent can do something like set up an alert for when a child arrives at school at a certain time.
If the child doesn't make it to school by the deadline, an alert would be sent.
CarPlay
CarPlay in iOS 14 could support custom wallpapers, displaying the wallpaper on the CarPlay interface. The wallpapers would also switch between light and dark mode based on the time of day.
CarKey
Hints of a new "CarKey" API were found in iOS 13.4, which would allow the iPhone to be used to lock, unlock, and start a car that has NFC capabilities. Sharing features will also be available for assigning keys to friends and family members through the Messages app.
CarKey, which could be coming as an iOS 14 feature, will allow iPhone owners to use their devices in lieu of a physical car key. BMW could possibly be one of the first partners based on code and images found in iOS 14.
Apple Maps
Apple Maps may provide additional information for select businesses in iOS 14, such as specific Genius bar services offered by an Apple Store, movie theaters with IMAX showtimes, and locations with discounts for children.
Gloss