Today at WWDC, Apple announced iOS 15 for iPhone and iPod touch and there are improvements to Messages, FaceTime and the Notification centre.

FaceTime

FaceTime has gotten the same feature set today across all the platforms, with support for a new grid view and portrait mode for an improved experience. iOS 15 supports SharePlay, allowing you FaceTime other people, share your screen and watch or listen to content together.

For audio, FaceTime also now has some revamped audio features, to block out background noise with Voice Isolation and Spatial Audio.

Users on Windows and Android can now take part in FaceTime calls, via a shareable link. Calls can also be scheduled too.

Do Not Disturb

This section has been updated, with new modes with Focus. Users can use this to filter notifications and it’ll let you focus on what you’re doing, whether it be work or your family. Whatever is set on one device, is set on another.

Weather

The Weather app on iOS 15 has been redesigned, with support for weather maps, new animations, and much more. Each screen dynamically changes based on the conditions too.

Wallet

The Wallet app now supports all kinds of new keys, with HomeKit smart locks, hotel doors and company keys. Apple is also adding support, in the US at least for ID cards and drivers licences.

Safari

Safari removes most of the top bar with the tabs and moves them down so they are in reach, as well as adding swipe gestures between open tabs. Safari on iOS now supports web extensions for the first time too.

Maps

The Maps app now adds a globe view, as well as improving the way it directs drivers around turn lanes and junctions. The Transit directions will now let you know when you have reached your stop on the train for example.

Extra tidbits

  • Find My now works when the device is powered down
  • Memoji have a lot more customisation options.
  • Photos can now recognise text in images, called ‘Live Text’ and provide rich links to phone numbers

Availability

iOS 15 is available to developers starting today with a public beta in July. General release to everyone else will be as usual, available this autumn. Support for iOS 15 is the same as iOS 14, meaning devices as far back as the iPhone 6s from 2015 are still supported. The list is as follows:

iPhone 12
iPhone 12 mini
iPhone 12 Pro
iPhone 12 Pro Max
iPhone 11
iPhone 11 Pro
iPhone 11 Pro Max
iPhone XS
iPhone XS Max
iPhone XR
iPhone X
iPhone 8
iPhone 8 Plus
iPhone 7
iPhone 7 Plus
iPhone 6s
iPhone 6s Plus
iPhone SE (1st generation)
iPhone SE (2nd generation)
iPod touch (7th generation)

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