As expected, Apple has taken the wraps off iOS 15 – the next major version of the iPhone’s operating system (iOS) at the WWDC21 virtual event. The presentation, which was delivered by Craig Federighi, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Software Engineering, will deliver features focusing on staying connected, finding focus, leveraging intelligence, and exploring the world.
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As the need for staying connected intensifies, FaceTime has gained support for Spatial Audio to make conversations more lifelike, comfortable, and natural. Whilst using the microphone during audio or video calls, user can decide to turn on ‘Wide Spectrum’ to hear all the noise in the background clearly or ‘Voice Isolation’ to focus only on the user’s voice.
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FaceTime has also gained support for Grid View and Portrait Mode during calls. The app will now allow users schedule and links to FaceTime calls in the same vein as communications tools such as Zoom, and SharePlay will assist with providing the right experience during calls such as listening and watching together, sharing screen.
Messages
Messages has gained a new feature called ‘Shared With You’ in the News App and Photos App as well as library. Shared With You will also be available on the Apple TV and Safari.
Notification
Notifications in iOS 15 is taking a new and redesigned look with larger icons for apps and a new notification summary powered by on-device intelligence which prioritise them based on their importance. While the devices can be silenced with Do-Not-Disturb, users will be able to create profiles that will help them stay focused as distractions are low or minimal.
Photos
Under Intelligence, the new OS will include a ‘Live Text’ feature which allows for copying text from images, screen shots, and photos on the web in 7 languages including Simplified and Traditional Chinese. Others include Photos Search in Spotlight, Photos Memories and Visual Lookup
Wallet, Weather and Map
- Apple Wallet is adding new features including the ability to replace physical keys to unlock cars, homes and hotels using the app on iPhone or the Apple Watch. By the end of the year, the company is looking to integrate physical IDs and US Driving license into the app.
- The weather app has a new design, and the background has been redesigned to ensure the layout changes based on the weather in that area.
- The new Apple Maps will be available in more countries including Spain and Portugal as at today, and Australia and Italy later in 2021. It will now offer more details including new road details and more for exploration purpose.
New In AirPods
Apple also mentioned that AirPods will get features such as Conversation Boost, Notifications Announcements and users can locate their earbuds using the find my network. Spatial Audio, which arrived with the AirPods Pro and AirPods Max, and more recently Apple Music, will find its way to Apple TV (tvOS 15) and Mac (macOS Monterey). Other features coming to iOS 15 including Driving experience in CarPlay and Voice Search in Safari.
Apple iOS 15 has been succeeded by iOS 16. Learn More about iOS 16 and the various features it delivers here.