How to use iOS 14's best new features

September 19, 2020

iOS 14 is here ... you've updated your iPhone, right? (If not, we'll wait.)

OK, now that you're running the latest, greatest software from Apple, here's how to take advantage of all the fantastic new features in iOS 14. Some of them are pretty amazing.

Oh, and if you somehow missed out on all the big news from Apple's "Time Flies" event this week, we've got plenty of coverage to get you up to speed. Enjoy your weekend ...

Find out how to get the most out of Home screen widgets, the new App Drawer, Picture in Picture and more.

News and opinion

Apple executives took to virtual stages on Tuesday to unveil a parade of important new products. Here’s why you shouldn’t overlook anything Apple just announced.

Plus, more on all the new stuff:

MDM solution Jamf Now provides a simple and inexpensive platform for setting up, managing and protecting Apple devices for all your employees, no matter where they work.

The new iPad Air 4 is going to make choosing a tablet harder. It borrows so many features from the iPad Pro that many who might have gone for one of Apple’s professional tablets should choose the Air instead.

Developers can already start testing iOS 14.2, along with the iPad equivalent. The first betas went out Thursday, and the most notable new feature builds the Shazam music-recognition service into the Control Center.

Apple just made its AppleCare+ breakage insurance cover more accidents. In some cases, twice and even three times as many.

After months of quiet, images and a video leak out supposedly showing Apple’s first over-the-ears headphones.

Plus, more on Apple leaks:

How-tos

Anyone rocking the AirPods Pro will want the just-released firmware update. It brings the Spatial Audio feature Apple promised at WWDC. The AirPods update process is indirect, but we can steer you through it.

watchOS 7 can give you a handy reminder to keep your mitts clean. However, you need to make two quick tweaks to maximize the effectiveness of this new tool.

If you prefer Google’s Chrome, you can ditch Safari when tapping links on your phone or tablet for the first time. And that’s not the only option.

Thinking about picking up one of Apple’s new Solo Loop or Braided Solo Loop bands? They’re not adjustable, so you’ll need to pick the right size for a perfect fit. We’ll show you how.

We live in a multicultural world, but a new translation feature built into Safari will make it just a bit easier for us to understand one another.

Deals

Feeling the urge to hit the road? What better way than in a brand-new Tesla Model 3. With this giveaway from Cult of Mac Deals, you can get one for free. Sign up now for your shot at an actual electric car worth $39,000!

The apps and services in this roundup are great -- and we're offering them all at steep discounts.

The Tokk Cam C2 is smaller than a golf ball cut in half, but it packs a wide range of features, including night vision and Wi-Fi connectivity so you can instantly stream or record high-definition video.

Plus, more deals on gear:

Apple's set-top box is the go-to tool for slinging your Mac’s screen to your television, but that’s a costly option. This Mac app offers a simple and much more affordable solution.

Reviews and recommendations

Even in a world where everything can be stored in the cloud, there’s still a role for an external drive. Especially if it’s high-performance, and can go anywhere. Western Digital’s new solid state drive is slim and light, but also rugged.

Made from a bespoke rubber compound developed specifically for active lifestyles, Laut's Active 2.0 band is lightweight, incredibly durable, and feels great no matter what you're doing.

Every Apple Watch deserves a good charging stand. The W5 from Elago takes you back in time with a one-of-a-kind design that resembles an iconic handheld gaming console.

Tired of looking at the same old iPhone? Switch things up with a new case from Laut. They offer robust protection against scuffs and scratches, as well as hard knocks and drops, and they’re available in a number of eye-catching finishes.