iOS 15: Apple Unveils FaceTime Updates & Notification Improvements

iOS 15: A First Look at Apple’s Upcoming Operating System

Apple unveiled the initial specifications of iOS 15 during the recent WWDC virtual event. This significant update to the iOS platform is scheduled for release later in the year.

The development of iOS 15 is centered around four key areas: enhanced connectivity, focused attention, intelligent functionality, and expanded exploration.

Key Themes of iOS 15

According to Craig Federighi, Senior Vice President of Software Engineering, the iPhone has become essential for many users.

He stated that iOS 15 is designed to adapt to and enhance the user experience, facilitating connection with important contacts, minimizing distractions, leveraging intelligence for information access, and encouraging discovery of the surrounding environment.

The new release aims to provide a more intuitive and personalized experience for iPhone users.

Core Features and Improvements

iOS 15 introduces a range of new features built around these core themes.

These improvements are intended to make the iPhone an even more integral part of daily life.

Further details regarding specific functionalities within iOS 15 were shared during the keynote and will be released as the launch date approaches.

FaceTime Receives Significant Feature Updates

Apple is implementing spatial audio within FaceTime, enhancing the call experience. Voices will now be positioned in the audio field according to the location of participants on the screen. For example, a caller appearing on the left side will sound as if they are positioned to the left of the listener.

Furthermore, iOS will now automatically detect and attempt to reduce background noise during FaceTime calls. This feature, designed to improve clarity, is optional and can be disabled if desired, such as when intentionally sharing audio like a concert performance.

New FaceTime Capabilities

A new “Portrait mode” is being introduced to FaceTime. This function automatically blurs the background during calls, mirroring the effect found in standard “Portrait mode” photographs.

For professional use, FaceTime now allows the generation of a unique call link that can be incorporated into calendar invitations. Importantly, FaceTime functionality is expanding to include web browsers, enabling individuals without Apple devices to participate in calls.

These enhancements collectively position FaceTime as a more competitive option alongside other video conferencing platforms like Zoom and Google Meet.

WWDC 2021 - Facetime Link

Introducing SharePlay

Apple is also unveiling SharePlay, a new feature that allows for shared experiences during FaceTime calls. Users can now simultaneously listen to music together through Apple Music. Playback is synchronized, and all participants can contribute to the queue.

SharePlay extends beyond music to include shared viewing of movies and TV shows. When one participant initiates video playback, it automatically begins on the devices of others. This functionality is compatible with AirPlay, picture-in-picture, and other standard iOS video features.

Compatibility with SharePlay will be expanded through an API, enabling integration with various streaming services. Initial partners include Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, Twitch, and TikTok.

Enhanced Integration with Messages

The Messages app is receiving improved integration with other Apple applications, including News, Photos, and Music. Content shared through Messages will now appear directly within these respective apps.

Essentially, Messages and iMessage are evolving into a central “social layer” connecting Apple’s various applications.

Refreshed Notification Management in Apple Devices

Apple is introducing a new system for managing notifications, leveraging on-device intelligence to deliver summarized views. Instead of the traditional organization by application and date, notifications will now be prioritized based on their importance.

For example, alerts originating from contacts in your address book will be displayed with greater prominence.

Introducing Focus Mode

When you activate “Do Not Disturb,” your contacts on iMessage will be informed of your status, mirroring functionality similar to that found in platforms like Slack. However, Apple is expanding upon this concept with a new feature called Focus mode.

This mode allows for granular control over which apps and individuals are permitted to send you notifications, and enables you to tailor your notification experience to your current activity.

Customizing Your Digital Environment

Consider a scenario where you are engaged in work. With Focus mode, you can effectively silence notifications from personal applications, as well as calls and messages from personal contacts.

Conversely, during weekend hours, you might choose to suppress work-related email notifications. These settings are synchronized across all of your Apple devices through your iCloud account.

Furthermore, the system can dynamically adjust your home screen, displaying or concealing apps and widgets based on your active Focus mode.

Innovative New Capabilities in iOS 15

Apple is introducing a groundbreaking feature that allows for text recognition within photographs. Dubbed Live Text, this functionality empowers users to select, duplicate, and paste text directly from images. This enhancement also holds potential as a valuable tool for improving accessibility.

Furthermore, iOS 15 will integrate this capability with Spotlight search. Users will now be able to search for content based on text identified within their photos, directly through the Spotlight interface. Crucially, all processing for these features is performed locally on the device.

Enhanced Memories Feature

iOS 15 brings improvements to the Memories feature within the Photos application. These new memories are generated dynamically and offer an interactive experience. According to Chelsea Burnette, Senior Manager of Photos Engineering, they are designed to be “alive” and responsive.

Users can now interact with these memories by tapping the screen to pause the playback. The background music will continue, and the montage will resume when the user lifts their finger.

A new capability allows users to select a specific song to accompany a memory. Further details regarding the updates to the Photos app are anticipated.

Apple Wallet, Weather, and Maps Updates

Following a review of all functionalities within Apple Wallet, the company revealed the ability to scan and securely store identification documents directly within the application. This feature will be implemented progressively, beginning in select participating states. Users will be able to selectively share specific data from their ID with requesting services directly from their iPhone.

Concerning the Weather app, a significant update incorporates many features previously exclusive to Dark Sky, the weather application acquired by Apple. A redesigned interface and expanded data availability are anticipated for users.

WWDC 2021 - weather app

Apple Maps Enhancements

Updates to Apple Maps include newly detailed mapping data now available in numerous countries, with ongoing rollout across Europe. Significant enhancements have been made to areas like San Francisco.

These improvements encompass the depiction of bus lanes, taxi lanes, crosswalks, and bicycle paths. Complex highway interchanges are now rendered in 3D for improved clarity. These features will also be integrated into CarPlay later this year.

Transit features have been expanded, allowing users to save preferred routes and view information on their Apple Watch. Real-time location tracking is now available while traveling on subways or buses. This functionality mirrors features found in applications like Citymapper.

Furthermore, augmented reality directions are now possible, enabling users to view directions overlaid on their real-world surroundings by simply holding up their iPhone.

AirPods Software Enhancements

Apple has revealed a series of updates designed for AirPods users. A new Conversation Mode is included, functioning as an intelligent hearing aid by amplifying conversational speech. Users who have enabled the “Announce Notifications” feature will also receive enhanced alerts.

This setting can be customized to specify which applications deliver notifications and can be adjusted based on the current Focus mode selected. Greater control over notifications is now available.

Locating Your AirPods

The Find My app will now allow users to locate their AirPods, even when they are inside the charging case, utilizing audio cues. Spatial audio functionality is being extended to Apple TV and Macs equipped with an M1 chip.

Furthermore, as previously announced several weeks ago, spatial audio support for Apple Music has commenced its rollout immediately. This provides a more immersive listening experience.

iOS 15 Release Timeline

iOS 15 is feature-rich, offering a substantial update to the operating system. A developer beta is currently available for testing, with its initial release happening today.

A public beta program is scheduled to begin in July, allowing wider user participation. Expect ongoing beta updates throughout the summer months, culminating in the final public release this fall.