iOS 15 Spotlight Search: Install Apps & More

iOS 15: A Significantly Enhanced Spotlight Search

The release of iOS 15 for Apple’s mobile devices will bring substantial improvements to the built-in Spotlight search functionality. This update represents a major evolution since the introduction of Siri Suggestions.

A Potential Alternative to Google

The revamped Spotlight is poised to become a viable alternative to Google for several common searches. This includes queries for web images, as well as information pertaining to actors, musicians, television programs, and films.

Furthermore, the new Spotlight will offer expanded search capabilities within your photo library. It will also deliver more comprehensive results for contacts and provide more direct access to apps and their associated data.

Streamlined App Installation

Notably, Spotlight now facilitates app installation directly from the App Store, all without requiring you to exit the search interface.

Increased Accessibility

Spotlight’s accessibility has been continually improved over the years.

Initially located to the left of the Home screen, it transitioned to a swipe-down gesture from any screen in iOS 7, boosting user engagement. Now, this same gesture grants access to Spotlight directly from the iPhone’s Lock Screen.

New Features and Capabilities

Apple showcased several of Spotlight’s enhancements during the Worldwide Developers Conference keynote. These included new “cards” for accessing information on actors, movies, shows, and musicians.

This change has the potential to divert a considerable volume of web searches away from Google or dedicated applications like IMDb.

Leveraging the Knowledge Graph Concept

For years, Google has provided rapid access to frequent searches through its Knowledge Graph. This knowledge base aggregates information from diverse sources to present informational panels alongside standard search results.

These panels encompass details on actors, musicians, shows, and movies.

Now, iPhone users can readily access this information directly on their home screen.

Rich Information Cards

The new cards offer more than just a typical Wikipedia biography. They also feature links to platforms where you can listen to or view content from the artist, actor, movie, or show in question.

These cards include news articles, social media links, official websites, and even direct links to relevant content within your installed apps. For example, a search for “Billie Eilish” might direct you to tour tickets within SeatGeek or a podcast featuring her as a guest.

Enhanced Image and Personal Searches

Spotlight now extends its capabilities to web image searches, allowing you to find people, places, animals, and more – encroaching on another search area traditionally dominated by Google.

Personal searches have also been upgraded in iOS 15. Searching for a contact now displays a card with more than just contact details.

You’ll also see their current status, location from FindMy, recent Messages conversations, shared photos, calendar appointments, emails, notes, and files – functioning almost as a personal CRM system.

Siri Intelligence in Photo Search

Photo searches have been improved with the integration of Siri intelligence. You can now search your photos by the people, scenes, and objects they contain, as well as by location.

The new Live Text feature in iOS 15 is also utilized to identify and return results based on text within your photos. This simplifies finding screenshots of recipes, receipts, or handwritten notes.

App Integration and Actionable Results

Spotlight now displays action buttons on Maps results for businesses, prompting users to interact with the business’s app.

This leverages App Clips, which are small, self-contained parts of an app that allow users to perform tasks without a full download or installation. Examples include viewing a restaurant menu, buying tickets, or making an appointment.

However, this feature requires businesses to support App Clips.

Direct App Installation from Spotlight

A significant, yet understated, change is the ability to install apps directly from the App Store through Spotlight.

This streamlined process could lead to increased app installations by reducing the steps required for a search and download.

Developer Customization

Developers can integrate code into their apps to make data discoverable within Spotlight and customize its presentation to users. This allows Spotlight to search content within apps, further shifting user activity away from traditional web searches.

However, unlike Google’s web crawlers, Spotlight’s in-app search relies on developer adoption.