iOS 15: The Missing Features Finally Arrive

iOS 15: A Refined Experience, Not a Revolution

The launch of iOS 15 represents a significant moment in the evolution of mobile operating systems. However, unlike some previous iterations, this release lacks a single, defining feature or overarching concept to immediately capture attention.

Instead, Apple has prioritized enhancements to existing functionalities and the introduction of new capabilities within its native applications. This approach results in a dependable update that is unlikely to generate substantial debate.

Focus and Personalization

The new Focus feature is expected to be embraced by many users. Individuals will likely dedicate considerable time to tailoring their devices to achieve a highly personalized experience.

Conversely, a segment of the user base may overlook or disregard the new features entirely.

Optional Updates and Platform Maturity

A notable aspect of this year’s update is the optionality it provides. Users content with iOS 14 are not compelled to upgrade to iOS 15.

Crucially, continued security updates will still be delivered for older versions, allowing users to remain protected without adopting the latest release. This flexibility signals a shift in Apple’s approach.

This seemingly minor change reveals a great deal about the current status of iOS. Apple now views iOS as a fully developed platform.

Similar to the freedom users have with macOS updates, they can now choose to update iOS at their own discretion.

Implications for Developers

The maturity of iOS also has implications for app developers. The adoption rate of iOS 15 is anticipated to be slower than in previous years.

As users are not immediately required to upgrade, applications will likely need to maintain compatibility with older iOS versions for an extended period.

The Natural Upgrade Path

Many users will inevitably transition to a new iOS version when they purchase a new iPhone, replacing their existing device.

Furthermore, individuals who pre-ordered the iPhone 13 will receive iOS 15 pre-installed on their new devices.

Shifting the Priority: You Over Your Device

A significant update within iOS 15 is the introduction of customizable Focus modes, accessible directly from the Control Center. This feature offers a surprising degree of control and personalization, diverging from typical Apple implementations.

It stands out as one of the most compelling additions in iOS 15. Given the substantial time many individuals dedicate to their smartphones, these devices often demand considerable attention. This new functionality aims to re-establish control, prioritizing the user's needs.

Those accustomed to utilizing “Do Not Disturb” will find the underlying concept familiar – the ability to silence unwanted notifications. Existing “moon mode” settings remain fully functional with the iOS 15 update, requiring no adjustments.

However, the system now allows for the creation of multiple, distinct Focus modes. Apple pre-configures several options, including Work, Sleep, Driving, Fitness, Gaming, Mindfulness, Personal, and Reading. Each mode is adaptable to individual preferences, and entirely new modes can be designed from the ground up.

Activating a Focus mode generally blocks notifications by default. Users can then selectively allow notifications from specific individuals and applications to bypass this restriction. Developers also have the option to designate notifications as time-sensitive, ensuring they are always delivered; responsible use of this capability is crucial.

Three additional settings enhance the functionality. Firstly, users can choose to inform contacts within Messages and compatible apps that notifications are currently silenced. Secondly, entire home screen pages can be hidden from view. Finally, notifications can be concealed from the Lock Screen, and badge app icons can be removed from the Home Screen.

The Focus feature becomes particularly powerful when integrated with automation. For example, the “Sleep” Focus can be automatically activated at a scheduled time each night, or the “Work” Focus can engage upon arrival at a designated work location.

Advanced users can further leverage Focus modes by pairing them with Shortcuts. An example would be automatically launching the Clock app when “Sleep” mode is enabled. This feature possesses considerable depth, and early adopters are only beginning to explore its full potential.

iOS 15: A Comprehensive App Update

Apple’s iOS 15 brings with it a significant number of enhancements to its pre-installed applications. While some of these changes represent substantial improvements, others have sparked debate among users.

Let's begin with Safari, which has undergone a design revision. However, the initial iteration showcased during the June WWDC event differs considerably from the final version now available. Apple demonstrably responded to user feedback, refining the browser’s user interface throughout the summer months.

The address bar is now positioned at the screen’s base by default, situated just above the controls for bookmarks, page sharing, and navigation. This placement, in my assessment, enhances usability. Users who prefer the traditional location can easily revert the address bar to the top of the screen.

Beyond this alteration, the changes implemented in Safari are largely positive. Notably, the browser now offers support for conventional web extensions. It will be interesting to observe whether widely-used extensions from Google Chrome become available for Safari. A further beneficial addition is the capability to create and access tab groups across multiple devices.

FaceTime has evolved into a highly adaptable video conferencing platform. Users can now generate shareable links and integrate calls directly into calendar invitations. A groundbreaking feature allows individuals without Apple devices to participate in FaceTime calls via a web browser. Furthermore, a new grid view, reminiscent of Zoom, has been incorporated.

Regrettably, a key FaceTime innovation remains unavailable at this time. SharePlay, the functionality enabling synchronized audio and video playback with contacts, is slated for release later this autumn.

The Weather application has been completely overhauled. It now presents a wealth of detailed information, including precipitation maps, hourly precipitation forecasts, and a UV index. This redesign establishes it as a viable alternative to third-party weather applications. While I still utilize Snowflake, the gap in functionality is diminishing.

Messages now exhibits tighter integration with other Apple applications. When you receive links to articles, photo albums, podcasts, or songs via Messages, corresponding recommendations will appear within Apple News, Photos, Apple Podcasts, and Apple Music, respectively. This addition, based on my testing, is welcome, though unlikely to fundamentally alter your phone usage.

Apple Maps continues to improve, particularly for residents of San Francisco. If you haven’t explored it recently, I recommend giving it another try. It now stands as a competitive alternative to Google Maps.

Select cities, including San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, and London, are receiving highly detailed maps featuring 3D buildings, designated bus lanes, and sidewalk representations. The level of detail creates an immersive, almost game-like navigation experience. The app also boasts a redesigned interface with new place cards, an updated driving view, and revised settings.

Photos has also received numerous refinements. The company consistently enhances the Memories feature each year. While its widespread adoption remains uncertain, it has been improved. Swiping on a photo now reveals additional information, such as shutter speed and lens details.

A significant enhancement to your photo library is the ability to search for text within images. iOS now scans your photos, indexing the text for Spotlight searches.

Similarly, you can now use your camera to identify and select text directly from your surroundings. This is exceptionally useful for tasks like sharing a restaurant address from a menu or translating text while traveling.

Enhancements in iOS 15

Numerous subtle refinements distinguish iOS 15 from its predecessor, iOS 14. A selection of these improvements is detailed below:

• For users possessing compatible credentials, such as home, hotel, office, or identification cards, these can now be conveniently stored within the Wallet application.
• The ability to share select health data with others has been introduced. This functionality proves particularly beneficial for individuals residing at a distance from family members or those seeking to keep their healthcare providers informed.
• Subscribers to iCloud storage now qualify as iCloud+ users. Beyond increased storage capacity, this tier unlocks supplementary features, including iCloud Private Relay – currently in beta – which enhances browsing privacy.
• Furthermore, iCloud+ provides Hide My Email, enabling the creation of randomized email addresses for online account registration.
• For families utilizing iCloud for email management, the option to establish a custom domain name and integrate it with iCloud is now available.

Improved Performance and Features

iOS 15 leverages on-device speech recognition, resulting in significantly faster text dictation capabilities.

Moreover, certain Siri requests are now processed directly on the device, facilitating instantaneous actions like initiating timers, setting alarms, or controlling music playback. This has fundamentally altered my interaction with Siri.

Security and Account Management

A recovery contact can be designated within your account settings to assist in regaining access to your iCloud account should you become locked out. This feature is designed to encourage wider adoption of two-factor authentication.

Expanding on security, Apple’s integrated password manager, “Passwords,” now supports the storage and automatic completion of two-factor authentication codes, mirroring the functionality of dedicated password managers like 1Password.

Account Legacy and Organization

Users can now designate a legacy contact for their Apple ID. It is strongly recommended to explore this feature thoroughly.

Many individuals have encountered difficulties accessing the digital assets of deceased loved ones due to Apple’s security protocols. Establishing a legacy contact can prevent such issues.

Apple has incorporated tagging functionality into both the Reminders and Notes applications. Additionally, users can now @-mention contacts directly within Notes.

The breadth of changes implemented in iOS 15 is considerable. The decision to upgrade ultimately rests with the user.

The introduction of cut, copy, and paste in iPhone OS 3 was a clear advancement. I personally find the new features in iOS 15 worthwhile and recommend the update. Hopefully, this overview will aid you in making an informed decision.