Here is our list with all the new features of iOS 15, the next version of Apple’s mobile operating system. It is a version that pays a lot of attention to small details, such as the applications preinstalled by Apple itself. Among its new features, there is also much prominence of FaceTime and other apps.
We are going to provide you with this list so that you can see at a glance the main functions in a summarized way. In addition, we will also add the list of iPhone models that will be compatible with this new version of the operating system, as well as the instructions to receive the update.
Main new features of iOS 15
Let’s now tell you what are the main new features of iOS 15, the new version of Apple’s mobile operating system.
- Redesigned notifications: One of the first changes you will notice in iOS 15 is in the notifications, which change grouping and design. They will be sorted by priority so that the less urgent ones are not distracting, and will incorporate photos of contacts and larger icons.
- Concentration mode: A new function with which you can choose a profile of use, personal or work for example. In each, you will be able to design a home screen by choosing specific apps and widgets, or the notifications you want to receive. Thus, the same phone can be prepared for different usage scenarios, and adapt to your different routines. This mode can be shared between devices so that once the profiles have been configured, you can send them to your tablet or other cell phones.
- Photo search from Spotlight: Apple improves the native iOS search engine, and now you can use it to find photos you have on your mobile. The system will recognize places, people, and even handwritten notes, and will be able to associate content with a contact.
- FaceTime compatible with Windows and Android: Apple’s video calling application is one of the main highlights of iOS 15, and many new features revolve around it. For example, you will be able to generate links to enter calls from a browser, which opens the door to being able to be used from Windows or Android. It will require support for H.264 encoding.
- FaceTime improves its sound: Spatial audio is added to emulate live conversations, where the interlocutors are heard at different points as if they were spread around the room. In addition, there will be a refined sound so that the voice can be heard better and the noise can be isolated.
- Grid video and blurred background in Facetime: FaceTime also incorporates the new Grid Video view for group calls, where it is better highlighted who is speaking at any given moment. In addition, there is a portrait mode to blur what is behind you while you are on the video call.
- SharePlay for sharing on calls: Another great feature coming to FaceTime is the SharePlay feature, which you can use to share music, video, and other items during calls. It is compatible with Apple TV, meaning you can also watch movies with others on the big screen while connected to a call. It supports screen-in-screen PiP mode, so if you minimize FaceTime or are watching some content, you’ll still see a frame overlay with the call.
- More customizable Memojis: Added options, with more than 40 new outfits, more accessibility devices, and colors or designs.
- Redesigned Apple TV virtual remote: It looks more like the physical remote.
- Find iPhones turned off: The Find option will allow finding iPhones even if they are turned off, and if they are still paired with the Activation Lock, even after being restored.
- Messages improve content sharing: The Shared for you feature is added, which allows us to interact directly with the person who sent it when sharing a link. It also makes it easier to share Apple Music playlists, or have a specific collection in Photos for each contact or group.
- Live Text for photo recognition: It is a kind of Google Lens, but integrated directly within the camera application, in the photo gallery when viewing photos, or when opening screenshots. What it does is recognize texts and transcribe them for you, as well as objects, scenes, books, pets, and other items.
- Add music to your moments: With the Memories feature, you can add music from Apple Music to videos that are generated with the photos you have as a keepsake. This Moments feature has always had its own music, and now you can add your songs from Apple’s service.
- EXIF information in Photos: The Photos app will now allow you to view the EXIF data of your saved images and videos.
- Editing location, date, and time in Photos: No more need to buy a third-party app to edit some metadata of your photos, such as location, date, or time. Now you will also be able to tidy up old photos taken with old cameras without GPS data or with incorrect date and time.
- Wallet now supports keys: Apple’s credit card and boarding pass storage app now also adds support for digital keys. You’ll be able to add everything from car keys to theme park ticket systems to hotel cards. These will be shared with the Apple Watch so you can use them from there.
- Removal of old passes in Wallet: The app will automatically hide older passes from Wallet once they have been used.
- Offline Siri: Siri’s voice recognition engine is now performed inside your device, so you can interact with Siri faster, and do more actions offline.
- Redesign of the Weather app: The information will be displayed in a more compact and detailed way. First, you will see the main warnings, and then the possibility to expand the information about them. There are things that do not change, such as the weekly forecast and the widgets of the sections, but everything is more organized and with more information.
- Maps receive new maps: The Maps application will receive an update in different countries.
- Forecasts in Maps locations: When you are consulting a location in the Maps app, now it will show real-time information such as temperature, rainfall, and other data such as elevation or monuments and details that are in the area.
- Improved Maps navigation: When you enter the Maps navigation mode, lane directions and more complex intersections will be displayed in three dimensions.
- App privacy report: Apple will implement an App Privacy report, which will let you know how each app treats your personal information. You will be able to know, for example, with whom your data has been shared in the last few days, and in Safari you will see the attempts to access your information by third-party apps.
- More information in the Health app: Details such as the cadence of your steps, speed, stride, and other data related to the way you walk are added.
- Share your health data: The Health app now adds a tab to share your data with family members, doctors, or caregivers.
- Two-factor codes are generated: iCloud Password Keychain can generate two-factor codes, so you don’t have to resort to third-party apps like Microsoft Authenticator.
- Extra iCloud space for setting up new devices: iCloud will give you all the space you need for free for three weeks to back up your old device and dump it on a new one.
- New Widgets: New official widgets arrive for Search, Contacts, Game Center, Sleep, Mail, or App Store.
- And if you do not want to upgrade to iOS 15: From now on, on iOS, you will be allowed to stay on the previous version, iOS 14 in this case, and receive only security updates.
Supported devices
Now, we move on to tell you the list of devices compatible with iOS 15. There is good news, and it is that they will receive the update a lot of iPhone generations, from the 6s onwards.
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 Mini
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 Mini
- iPhone SE (2nd generation)
- iPhone SE (1st generation)
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XR
- iPhone X
- iPhone 8 Plus
- iPhone 8
- iPhone 7 Plus
- iPhone 7s
- iPhone 6s Plus
- iPhone 6s
- iPod Touch (7th generation)
How to install iOS 15
To install this new version of iOS, as always, you have to go into your phone’s settings and click on the General section. There, click on the Software Update option, and your device will start checking for new iOS versions.
But you don’t have to worry too much, because updates will also be notified automatically, as iOS checks for new versions every day. Checking for them is only for when you can’t wait any longer and want to keep checking.
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