Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) released its first beta version of its latest iPhone operating system (iOS14) and announced the expansion of free coding materials and courses for educators.
Beta version of iOS14 available
The beta version allows iPhone users with models that came out after 2015 to try the software, which is expected this fall. This is not the final version of iOS14, which the company releases typically in September. Through the public beta version, users have a chance to see changes the company has made and new features like a redesigned home screen. The home screen will have widgets updating automatically, reorganizing of apps as well as new Siri interface.
Most importantly, the beta version will not be for everyone as it has bugs. Most users report bugs to Apple to fix them ahead of the official launch of the software later in the year. For users that value stability in their phones, they should wait until Apple releases the official iSO14.
Besides the redesigned home screen, the App library also sorts and automatically organizes the apps. Also, there is less intrusion for incoming calls that usually take the entire screen even when doing something. Calls will now appear like banners, just like other notifications.
Apple expands free coding curriculum
Apple expanded its free resources to help educators with all skill levels to enable them teach Xcode and Swift, which are the company’s latest education initiatives encouraging app development. From July 13, the company will commence free online training for educators, which will introduce the Develop in Swift program.
According to the company, the program has been tailored for student learning styles following feedback from users. The latest series of the curriculum will include four books, which are Develop in Swift AP CS Principles, Develop in Swift Fundamentals and Develop In Swift Explorations, which are currently available. The fifth book Develop in Swift Data Collections will be available this fall. This curriculum will support students in open-source programming languages Xcode and Swift.
