Messages, Safari get interesting new features with iOS 14

Apple previewed iOS 14 at its first-ever virtual WWDC conference. The new update for iPhones comes with a wide range of new features.

A preview of Messages and Safari on iOS 14 (Apple)

The inaugural day of Apple WWDC 2020 saw a slew of new announcements. iOS 14 was one of the biggest highlights of the event. Within iOS 14, Apple has planned many new features for its popular apps, especially Safari and Messages.

First up is Safari. The onboard browser on the iPhones will feature a Privacy Report which is essentially aimed at making it easier for users to check the blocked cross-site trackers.

The browser also comes with a secure password monitoring tool which helps users detect saved password that may have been part of a data breach. The password management system is quite similar to the Have I been pwned? It is worth noting that Mozilla's Firefox has already integrated HIBP to alert users if their passwords are part of the data breaches.

With the iOS 14, Apple has launched built-in translation for entire webpages on Safari.

Next is Messages. Apple's own take on instant messaging platforms has received a bunch of new features. This includes the ability to pin conversations. Users also get thread messaging in groups. Apple has also launched a “mention” feature for group conversations. Messages on the iOS 14 will also allow users to personalise a group conversation by adding an image or emoji. Memojis on Messages has received new hairstyle, headwear, and lots more.

Even as Memojis are exclusive to Apple's iMessage, the rest of the new features seem inspired by WhatsApp. Facebook's instant messaging app has been offering features such as mention and pin a chat for quite some time.

iPhone users will be able to try out these new features starting next month when the company rolls out the public beta. For the stable release, you may have to wait three-four months.