New Screen, Same Phone

By: Kaytlin Thornton | Contributor

On Wed. Sept. 16, Apple released the new iOS 14 updates for their devices. According to Apple, the update gives a fresh look to things users do most often, making them easier than ever. 

iOS 14 has new features designed to help users get what they need quickly. A new app library automatically organizes apps into a streamlined view, placing each one into a group of several categories. Picture in Picture mode allows users to continue to watch videos or FaceTime while browsing other apps. Phone calls no longer take up the entire screen and now resemble notification banners.

However, one of the most significant changes in iOS 14 is the widgets, which are normally used to display information from within apps at a glance. Apple has completely redesigned its widgets to have more information and give users the ability to add them to their home screens. Users can choose different types of widgets like clock, weather, news, notes, music, and more, and add them to their home screens for easy access and personalization. 

With the use of third-party apps, users have taken the personalization of widgets a step further. Using Widget apps to apply different pictures, colors, and fonts to create a certain aesthetic for their home screens. Many users appreciate the freedom this gives them, and love the ability to personalize their devices.

“I like the new update a lot because it gives me an opportunity to express myself and my personality on my phone,” said sophomore Jaiden Culbertson. “I can really customize it to fit my personal aesthetic.”

However, like radiological science major Holly Pasley, other users choose to keep their home screens prior to the update.

“I think I’ll stick to my original home screen, because the widgets seem like too much, and they don’t make a lot of sense to me,” Pasley said. 

Whether they choose to customize their home screens or not, Apple users are continuing to explore the additions of iOS 14 and learning how they can make their experience with their devices easier.