iOS 14 Overview: What’s New?
Apple released its much-anticipated iOS 14 update for iPhone and iPad in September 2020. Boasting a range of new features designed to improve user experience, iOS 14 has been welcomed with open arms by Apple fans all over the world. If you’re excited about the new possibilities iOS 14 brings to the table and want to know how to update your iPad, keep reading.
One of the most significant changes brought about by iOS 14 is the new home screen design. Users can now add widgets of different sizes on their home screen and customize their layout. This means you can mix and match important apps and widgets, placing them right where you need them for quick and easy access. You can also create attractive icon sets (e.g., uniform color schemes or custom images), giving your home screen a personalized touch that expresses your aesthetic.
Another cool feature is the App Library. It’s a new way of organizing your apps, where you don’t need to have them front and center on your home screen. Instead, you can access them by swiping right on your home screen and navigating to the App Library. It categorizes all your apps automatically into folders, prioritizes frequently used apps, and lets you search your entire app library all at once. This is a great way to declutter your home screen and keep your most commonly used apps at the ready.
iOS 14 also lets you use picture-in-picture (PIP) mode, which is already available for iPad users. PIP mode allows you to watch videos in a small window while doing other tasks on your device. You can move or resize the PIP window, and even close the video when you’re done, and still have it play in the background. This feature is a game-changer for productivity, because it allows you to dive deeper into multitasking without losing sight of what you’re watching.
For messaging enthusiasts, iOS 14 introduces a few nifty updates. One such update is the new pinned conversations feature. You can now pin up to nine conversations (group or individual) to the top of your Messages app, making it easier to access your essential contacts. Additionally, when you receive a group message, you now have the option to directly reply to a specific message in the thread, rather than only at the end of the conversation. Furthermore, Apple now lets you create personalized Memoji, including an expanded range of facial expressions and age options.
Apple has also made improvements to Siri and Search with latest iOS 14. Siri now has a redesigned user interface that doesn’t take over your entire screen when you dictate your commands. Instead, Siri appears as a small, colorful bubble at the bottom of your screen and lets you continue working while Siri listens to your query. The search bar has also been updated to reflect frequently used contacts, apps, and topics, making it easier and quicker to navigate around your device.
To sum it up, iOS 14 has brought about significant changes that aim to improve user experience for Apple devices. With a new home screen design, App Library, PIP mode, updated messaging features, and improvements to Siri and Search, iOS 14 provides users with an even more convenient and seamless experience that aims to enhance your daily life.
Is My iPad Compatible with iOS 14?
If you are planning to update your iPad to iOS 14, it is important to know if your device is compatible with the latest operating system. Apple has a list of devices that can run iOS 14, and if your iPad is not on the list, you will not be able to update. Here are the iPads that are compatible with iOS 14:
- iPad Air 2
- iPad Air (3rd generation)
- iPad (5th generation)
- iPad (6th generation)
- iPad (7th generation)
- iPad (8th generation)
- iPad mini 4
- iPad mini (5th generation)
- iPad Pro (9.7-inch)
- iPad Pro (10.5-inch)
- iPad Pro (11-inch)
- iPad Pro (12.9-inch) (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generations)
If you have one of these devices, you can update to iOS 14. If you have an older iPad that is not on the list, unfortunately, you will not be able to update to iOS 14, and you will continue to use the version of iOS that is currently installed on your device.
It is also important to check the storage capacity of your device before updating to iOS 14. The latest operating system requires at least 2GB of free space to install. If you do not have enough space on your iPad, you will need to free up some of the storage before updating. You can check how much storage you have on your iPad by going to Settings > General > iPad Storage.
If you have a compatible iPad and enough storage space, you can update to iOS 14. Updating your iPad to the latest software version will provide you with new features, improved performance, and better security.
Updating to the latest software is simple, and there are two ways to do it. You can update wirelessly, or you can use your computer to update. Before updating, it is a good idea to back up your iPad to iCloud or your computer. This way, you can restore your iPad to its previous state if something goes wrong during the update.
To update your iPad wirelessly, make sure your device is connected to Wi-Fi and plugged in to charge. Go to Settings > General > Software Update. Your iPad will check for the latest version of iOS, and if it is available, you will see a message to download and install the update. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update.
If you prefer to update using your computer, make sure you have the latest version of iTunes installed. Connect your iPad to your computer using a Lightning cable, and open iTunes. Select your iPad from the list of devices and click “Check for Update.” If there is an update available, click “Download and Update.” Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update.
Updating your iPad to iOS 14 is a great way to ensure you are using the latest software and benefiting from all the new features. By following these simple steps, you can update your iPad wirelessly or using your computer and take advantage of the latest iOS version.
Preparing Your iPad for iOS 14 Update
Apple releases new software updates every year to keep improving the performance and features of their devices. One of the latest updates is the iOS 14, available for iPad and iPhone users. Updating your iPad to iOS 14 will give you access to new features, improvements, and security patches. Here are some tips to prepare your iPad before updating to iOS 14.
1. Check your iPad Model
The first thing you need to do is check if your iPad model supports iOS 14. Apple has a list of compatible devices for iOS 14, which includes iPad Air 2, iPad 5th generation, and later models. If your iPad is not compatible with iOS 14, you can continue using the current operating system, but you will not be able to enjoy new features and security patches.
2. Free Up Space
iOS updates require a significant amount of storage space. To avoid any issues during the update process, you should free up some space on your iPad. You can do this by deleting unnecessary files, such as old photos, videos, and apps. If you have a lot of apps on your iPad that you rarely use, you can delete them to free up more space. Additionally, you can back up your photos, videos, and important files to the cloud or your computer to make sure you don’t lose any important data.
3. Backup Your iPad
Before updating your iPad to iOS 14, it’s essential to back up all your data to avoid losing it. You can back up your iPad using iTunes or iCloud. If you prefer using iTunes, connect your iPad to your computer, launch iTunes, and click on “Backup Now.” Ensure that your iPad is fully charged and connected to a stable internet connection. For iCloud, go to Settings, navigate to iCloud, then select Backup. Ensure that your iPad is connected to Wi-Fi and plug it into power. From here, click “Back Up Now” and wait until the backup is complete. This process can take several minutes or hours, depending on the data size and internet speed.
4. Charge Your iPad
Updating your iPad to iOS 14 can take a while, and the last thing you want is for your iPad to turn off while the update is still in progress due to low battery. Therefore, it’s advisable to charge your iPad fully before beginning the update process. If possible, keep it plugged in throughout the entire update process.
5. Ensure Network Connectivity
iOS 14 is a sizable update, and it will require you to download several gigabytes of data. Hence, it’s vital to ensure that you have a stable internet connection before proceeding with the update. You can do this by connecting to a Wi-Fi network or connecting your iPad to your computer with a USB cable. However, ensure that you have the latest version of iTunes installed on your computer.
In conclusion, updating your iPad to iOS 14 is a straightforward process that requires careful preparation to ensure a smooth update experience. Check your iPad model compatibility, free up space, back up your data, charge your iPad, and ensure network connectivity. By following these tips, you will be able to enjoy the new features and improvements that come with iOS 14.
Getting Started: Preparing Your iPad for iOS 14 Update
If you are planning to update your iPad to iOS 14, it is important to prepare your device to ensure that the process goes smoothly without any glitches. Here are a few essential steps to follow to prepare your iPad for the iOS 14 update.
Backup Your iPad: Before updating your iPad to iOS 14, it is crucial to back up all your important files and data. This includes photos, videos, documents, and any other personal information. You can back up your iPad by connecting it to your computer and using iTunes or by using iCloud backup. iCloud backup is the most convenient way as you do not need a computer to do it. To back up using iCloud, go to ‘Settings’ on your iPad, click on your Apple ID, select ‘iCloud,’ and then click on ‘iCloud Backup.’ Tap on ‘Back Up Now’ and wait for the backup completion. Ensure that you have enough storage space on iCloud, as the backup size tends to be significant.
Check for Compatibility: Not all iPad models can support iOS 14, so it is vital to check your iPad’s compatibility before the update. Here is a list of iPad models that can support iOS 14:
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th generation)
- iPad Pro 11-inch (2nd generation)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation)
- iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation)
- iPad Pro 10.5-inch
- iPad Pro 9.7-inch
- iPad (7th generation)
- iPad (6th generation)
- iPad (5th generation)
- iPad mini (5th generation)
- iPad Air (3rd generation)
If your iPad is not on the list above, it means that it cannot support the iOS 14 update.
Free Up Space: The iOS 14 update requires a significant amount of space, so it’s essential to have enough space on your iPad. If your iPad has limited storage space, consider deleting unnecessary apps, photos, or videos to free up some space for the update. Ensure that you have at least 5GB of free space for the update process to commence.
Charge Your iPad: Updating your iPad to iOS 14 can take a while, and you wouldn’t want your device to shut down in the middle of the process due to low battery. Ensure that your iPad is fully charged or connected to a power source during the update process.
Once you have completed all the above steps, you can proceed to update your iPad to iOS 14.
Troubleshooting Common iOS 14 Update Issues
If you are trying to update your iPad to iOS 14, you might come across various issues. Here are some of the most common issues that you might encounter along with their solutions:
1. Not Enough Storage Space
One of the most common issues when updating your device is the lack of storage space. iOS 14 requires at least 6GB of free space to install, and if your device is running low on storage, you might not be able to update it. To free up space on your device, you can delete unused apps, photos, and videos or move them to the cloud or an external hard drive.
2. Slow Internet
If your internet connection is slow, it can take a long time to download and install the iOS 14 update. To fix this issue, you can try connecting to a different Wi-Fi network or restarting your router. You can also try to update your device when the internet traffic is low, such as early in the morning or late at night.
3. Software Update Failed
If you are updating your device and you see a message that says “Software Update Failed,” it can be frustrating. The issue might be caused by a poor internet connection, insufficient battery life, or a bug in the update. To fix this issue, you can check your internet connection, ensure that your device has enough battery life, or try updating your device via iTunes.
4. Stuck on the Apple Logo Screen
Some users have reported that their device gets stuck on the Apple logo screen after updating to iOS 14. This issue can be caused by a software glitch, and to fix it, you can try force restarting your device. To force restart an iPad, press and hold the Sleep/Wake button and the Home button at the same time until you see the Apple logo.
5. Battery Life Drainage
Some users have reported that their device drains its battery life faster than usual after updating to iOS 14. This issue can be caused by various factors, including a bug in the update, significant changes to the settings, or increased use of certain apps. To fix this issue, you can try restarting your device, reducing the brightness or switching off some features, or uninstalling certain apps that are heavy on the resources.
By solving these common issues, you can update your iPad to iOS 14 and enjoy its new features and enhancements.
