Major changes are planned for iOS 14 and iPadOS 14, the next versions of Apple's mobile operating system for phones and tablets Rumor has it that Apple is developing a new list view for the software to complement the traditional grid and widget pages

Until recently, we did not have a good idea of what the list view would look like However, based on details reported by 9to5Mac, a new set of mockups by UX designer Parker Ortolani imagine how Apple's proposed changes will actually take shape

A closer look at Ortolani's pitch reveals three tabs at the top of the display, below the search bar: alphabetical, recently used, and notifications The first two tabs need no explanation, but the last one may provide a quick way to see which apps have alerts that need more immediate attention

Ortolani also imagines Siri Suggestions playing a role in this design These recommendations would appear near the top based on contextual cues, similar to what we are already accustomed to seeing in iOS 13

Where things get more interesting, however, is when you swipe or drag a folder This mockup shows all the apps in it in an indented list that makes the hierarchy easy to grasp visually

For years, many enthusiasts have been calling for Apple to radically redesign the traditional iOS home screen, either by implementing widgets in the grid or by providing more means of theming and customization And with each release, Apple has more or less doubled down on the quintessential iOS look and feel

There is nothing wrong with the grid design, and changing it for the sake of change may excite some, but probably won't sit well with the majority of iPhone owners

On the other hand, adding a sorting option like the rumored list view seems like it would be a good balance The iOS home screen experience you are familiar with is still there, but now a whole new option for users who don't want to thumb back and forth between pages to remember where they put that one app, and would much prefer to see things in a simple, straightforward scrolling way There are

This and other imminent features in iOS 14 will not be officially confirmed until Apple's WWDC 2020 event in June For this year's event, however, Apple is taking an entirely new approach to WWDC, adopting an online format as a response to the "current health situation" and restrictions on large gatherings