iOS 15: The Specifics

As previously mentioned, iOS 15 is the newest version of Apple’s mobile operating system. Before updating your device, you should first determine whether your device’s hardware will be able to support this update. Below is a list of iPhone models that can run the software. If you do not see your device listed, we do not recommend updating your software.

Some of the new features of iOS 15 include:

• FaceTime: the video chat service now has SharePlay, which allows you to stream music and video to all of your friends’ devices while on a call. You can also see all video call participants at the same time with a grid view set up, and spatial audio provides an enhanced and more natural sound quality. You can also FaceTime with those who do not have an Apple device by sending an easy-to-access link that allows them to join the call.
• Messages: the messages application now features pinned conversations, which allow you to move important text message threads to the top of your screen, making them even more accessible. Additionally, messages now have a Shared With You feature that allows any media sent through message – this includes web links, music, videos, photos and more – to be integrated into your local applications for a smoother exchange of data. For example, if someone were to send you a photo, that photo would automatically appear in your photo library in a separate album titled “Shared With You” the same goes for music, links and videos
• Focus: some new features available through iOS 15 for Focus include customizable focus settings that allow you to limit notifications or screen time for certain applications depending on personal preference. These focus settings can then either be manually enabled or scheduled to automatically turn on at set times throughout the day. You can also adjust your focus settings to notify others who try to reach you that you have your notifications silenced. If someone were to try to text you while your focus setting were enabled, they would see a notification on their own phone that you are not receiving texts or calls at the moment. Focus also syncs across all of your Apple devices, meaning once you activate it on one device, it will automatically activate on all of your Apple devices.
• Safari: Apple’s own web browser has also undergone significant changes, including a new location for your search bar at the bottom of your screen rather than the top. You can also sync your currently open tabs across all of your Apple devices, so that if you open a webpage on your iPhone you can then access it from your iPad or Mac product. You can also add new customizations to your start page, such as a personalized background image, and a customized selection of page displays such as weather, privacy report, and Shared With You – similar to your tabs these customizations sync across all of your Apple devices.
• Photos: the Memories feature of Photos, which automatically gathers past photos and presents them as a slideshow or video, has received several upgrades as well. You can now access your Apple Music library and select any song for the background music, and if you cannot find something appropriate yourself, the song recommendations are calibrated based on what’s in your photo and music libraries. Additionally, photos can now have an expanded set of “looks” or styles and filters that can be applied to your videos, depending on mood and ambiance. When playing back your memories, a new and improved interactive interface can allow you to pause, fast forward and rewind without disturbing the flow of audio and visual transitions.

Takeaway: iOS 15 is the newest version of Apple’s mobile operating system and is compatible with iPhones 6S and newer. The software comes with considerable upgrades to applications and features such as Photos, Safari, Focus, Messages and FaceTime.