What You Need To Know About Apple’s iOS 15

At their annual worldwide developers’ Conference (WWDC) on June 7th, Apple announced new versions of their major platforms, including macOS Monterey, iOS 15, iPadOS 15, watchOS 8, and tvOS15. 

Apple’s focus in all the updates made this time was mainly on privacy, productivity, and more intuitive communication. Most of the features they added to these software updates were centered around those three aspects. This article focuses on iOS 15, its key features, and when we should expect its public release. 

New Facetime features 

Facetime now supports spatial audio and portrait video for all iOS 15 devices. It also includes the Share play feature where you can listen to music or watch TV shows with your friends and family while Facetiming. 

Focus features

This feature is like an improved version of Do not disturb mode. You can create different focus profiles to customize the apps you want to receive notifications from and the contacts that can call you. There is also the option to hide specific home screens with apps that you don’t need to use during your focus time. 

Text and image recognition

In Apple iOS 15, your camera and photo app can turn texts in an image into actual texts that you can copy and paste. For instance, if you see a signpost in the city and point your camera at it, you will have the option of selecting the text, copy it, and then paste it into your notes app. This same capability is also in the photos app. Another fantastic feature is the ability to recognize images of animals within your photos app.

Redesigned Safari 

In iOS 15, the search bar is at the bottom of your screen, not at the top like it used to be. You can also create tab groups to help you organize tabs in a user-friendly manner. Switching between tabs is now more intuitive and uses the same gesture as app switching on Apple iOS devices with no home button. 

ID cards in the wallet app 

You can add supported ID cards and your driving licenses in the wallet app of your iPhone, meaning that you won’t have to move with them again physically. 

Redesigned notifications

Notifications on iOS 15 will now be arranged based on priority. So, notifications from apps and people you care about the most will always be on top. 

Apple Maps have been revamped

Apple maps will now give you a 3D view of cities with significantly more details, including buildings, pedestrian walkways, bike lanes, and a lot more. 

Some of the other apps that have received minor changes include;  spotlight, photos, Notes app, weather, health, Messages, FindMy, Siri, and reminders. 

How to get iOS 15

iOS 15 is currently available as a Developer Beta, so you will have to first register as an Apple developer if you want to get early access to it. However, the official version will be released this fall when Apple finally announces the upcoming iPhone 13.