Apple held its first-ever virtual keynote in June, announcing the latest updates for iPhones, iPads, Macs, and more. The keynote also addressed updates that could possibly enhance your next travel experience.
The new software (iOS 14) is set to be released this Fall and these are the 5 improvements travelers can expect to see:
Home Screen Widgets
Widgets provide a quick look into apps and are perfect for travelers who are constantly on the go because it enables you to glance at information without having to open the app.
The new update allows you the customize widgets on the home screen so you can organize which widgets pop up. This will allow you to quickly glance at flight status updates, boarding information, and information regarding your hotel stays.
Digital Car Keys
If you’re notorious for losing your car keys, this update is for you! With the new update, you’ll be able to digitally share your car key with a friend or family member on iMessage. You can end access to your car at any time.
All you have to do is pair your iPhone or Apple Watch with your car by holding your device up to the car’s communications reader.
This feature currently only works with select cars but Apple is working on implementing this technology to more cars and making the feature an industry-standard by 2021.
Translate App
This new app will make traveling non-English speaking countries a breeze. Translate allows for you to translate languages seamlessly.
To use this app, just tap your phone’s microphone button and start speaking. The app will translate what you’re saying into the text of the language you need to translate.
Currently, the app will support Arabic, Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish — with plans to add more languages in the future.
Travelers won’t have to worry about running up their phone bill because the new app works offline once you download the languages you want to translate.
App Clips
We all know the struggle of needing to download a certain app while traveling and once we return home, we forget to delete it and our storage space is filled. Apple has heard our struggle and has made it much easier to download what we need when on the go.
App Clips is a new feature that allows travelers to download only the part of the app that is needed in that moment. This way, data and storage space isn’t compromised.
Apple Maps
The new update of Apple Maps will auto-update when new businesses open and remove the ones that go out of business.
There will also be a new feature which adds cycling directions for those of us who prefer biking around new cities when traveling.