The Android and iOS OS updates are out. Let’s discuss what’s new and what you need to consider from QA perspective.
New Features Highlights
Both Android and iOS have an exciting list of new features.
Android 11 Features |
iOS 14 Features |
|---|---|
| Screen Recorder Users can record their screens with one click |
Translate A new app has been added to translate text and audio |
| Quick Controls Media controls are now available from Quick settings |
Widgets The redesigned functionality can be added to the home screen |
| Chat Bubbles for Messaging A floating bubble-like icon consolidates messages from the different messenger applications |
Siri Redesigned in a compact view instead of whole screen view |
| Smart device controls Control for connected devices can be accessed using long press of power button |
Compact Calls Notifications and alerts are now displayed in compact view |
| Picture-in-Picture Video Resizing Android has added the option to resize the picture-in-picture window |
Home Screen New App library screen allows you to categorize applications |
| Voice Control Enhanced voice control features are available for managing the device and applications |
Maps The map feature now includes cycling lanes, bike paths and elevation changes |
| Screenshot and Sharing Users can easily take screenshots from recent apps. A share and edit button is available for greater usability |
APP Clip Subsets of an app can be launched for a specific feature without installing the complete app |
| Notifications Notifications are categorized into three sections: Conversations, Alerting, and Silent. You can prioritize important notifications even in 'Do Not Disturb' |
Messages Users can pin up to nine conversations, inline replies, and tag users within the chat |
| Scheduled Dark Mode Users can now schedule Android devises to switch between light and dark themes based on the user’s sunrise and sunset schedule or custom times |
Back Tap Launch a shortcut and take a screenshot by tapping the back of the device twice or thrice |
| One Time Permissions User can provide temporary one-time access for apps that need to utilize particular parts of the device. These include the device’s location, camera and microphone |
Picture In Picture Picture In Picture mode has been introduced for iPhone to watch videos in compact mode. |
Updates in Testing Strategies
With the enhancements in the operating systems, QA engineers need to adjust their strategies to ensure comprehensive testing takes place. So, we collaborated with our engineering team to bring you a first-hand QA perspective on the latest OS versions:
1 Perform compatibility testing for the apps available on previous versions.
2 Verify the new installation and upgrades of existing applications.
3 Verify the integration of the applications with default Mobile/OS features.
4 Walk through all the workflows and features of the application to look for new issues.
5 Focus on the overall security (privacy changes), performance, and accessibility.
6 Verify the web apps and run automation scripts on the latest version of Safari browser.
Highlights For QA Engineers
Usability and multitasking has been the focus for both of the operating systems. Let’s discuss the major updates introduced in these versions, from QA standpoint.
For Android Users
- Verify all your permission-related scenarios against the ‘one-time permission’ feature
- Verify that the notifications are listed correctly according to the User Settings. Also, the alerts should be tested with the scheduled Dark Mode to verify that only selected notifications are shown
- Using the updated Media Controls from quick settings, verify the integration of the phone's settings with the audio apps
- Verify the compatibility of the Chat bubble with other applications
- Verify the integration and listing of connected devices
For iOS Users
- Widgets will provide the user with real-time data-verify that essential information is available on the home screen for easy access
- Verify that a particular scenario works independently and is integrated well with OS permissions like the camera, location, payment wallets, launch from NFC, QR code, and browser or message link
- Siri, picture in picture videos, and new call alerts are available in a compact mode. Verify that the existing apps run when Siri is used or a new call arrives. Also verify that the user is able to simultaneously work on both PIP video and his app
- Verify the Back Tap feature for different functions like camera and app controls
These iOS 14 and Android 11 updates will influence the mobile applications in many ways. QA engineers must understand these enhancements well in order to modify their existing test coverage strategies.
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