PiP mode to movable widgets: iOS 14 features Android users already have

Apple made the most exciting announcement for iPhone users with the preview of iOS 14. Rolling out later this fall, iOS 14 will bring some major visual changes and new features.

Apple is finally giving iPhone users more customisation options for the home screen. It’s also adding new features to apps like Maps and Messages. All this sounds really exciting but the top features of iOS 14 have already existed on Android.

Widgets

Apple’s widgets have remained on the iPhone’s ‘Today’ screen. With iOS 14, users will be able to bring widgets to the home screen. You can choose different widget sizes and designs and add them wherever on your home screen pages. Widgets have always been customisable on Android with the ability to move them around on any page.

App Clips

App Clips on iOS 14 lets you access the app’s features without having to download them. This works for services like paying for a meal or parking fee. You can scan App Clip codes, QR codes or NFC for App Clips. Google introduced something similar in 2016 with Instant Apps that lets users experience apps without installing them on their phone.

App Library

Apple is making it easier to organise apps on iOS 14. It’s called App Library which brings up home screen pages. You can also hide some of these home screen pages and those that are visible will appear on the App Library. Google has had a similar feature called the App Drawer, something which Android users really find useful.

Picture-in-Picture

Apple has finally introduced picture-in-picture on iPhones. This feature lets you watch videos or video calls while using another app at the same time. This can also finally leverage YouTube Premium’s PiP mode on iOS. Google launched PiP on Android Oreo back in 2017.

Guides, cycling on Maps

Apple Maps is known to lag behind Google Maps in many ways. But Apple is working on that and slowly catching up to Google Maps. On iOS 14, Apple Maps will show Guides, a feature to help people explore interesting spots in a city. It’s also adding cycling routes on Apple Maps.

Google Maps also suggests places to visit with Recommendations and it also has a more personalised For You section. Google first added bike routes in 2010.

Translate app

Apple is launching a new Translate app with iOS 14. It uses real-time translation for 11 languages like English, Mandarin, Korean and German. Google Translate app has existed for years and it introduced real-time translation earlier this March.