Apple has announced iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 at this year’s Worldwide Developers Conference.
The company took a slightly more low-key approach to this year’s software updates and did not introduce hard-hitting features we have seen on some previous iterations of iOS and iPadOS. However, refinements to the core applications and user interface should offer users more control and allow them to get more out of the iPhones and iPad.
Apple started discussing FaceTime, announcing the introduction of a new Portrait Mode as well as a grid view, and support for Spatial Audio. For the first time, FaceTime will be available on Android and Windows via shareable links, akin to Zoom calls, designed to encourage more people to choose FaceTime when scheduling business meetings.
Messages has also been given some love, with new ways to share content like podcasts and news articles, whilst Notifications have been overhauled new summaries that intelligently present information and messages from brands and applications based on how you typically use them. For the first time, Do Not Disturb will double as a status so friends and business contacts can know whether or not to message you, and statuses will sync across Apple devices.
Apple has given Photos some attention on iOS 15 with Live Text, so users can select and highlight text from images to paste into documents, whilst the Wallet app has been upgraded with support for identification cards, badges, hotel room keys, and more. Weather has been overhauled, and Apple Maps will now offer a globe view, as well as 3D cities.
On the iPad, Apple brings the Translate app, introduced a new Quick Notes option, and improved Notes to offer more collaboration and organization options. Keyboard shortcuts have been added, whilst multitasking has been overhauled to make it easier to enter full-screen mode, as well as slide over and split view. Apple has also ported other popular apps over to the iPad, including App Library, which appears in the Dock and looks similar to launchpad on macOS.
Are you pleased to see these changes? Let us know and check back soon for more developments.