Apple held its annual World Wide Developers Conference [1] on Monday, and with it came some major announcements specifically iPhone-related (the most crucial of them all). Essentially, Apple will be releasing iOS 15 — a brand new software — come fall, and the update hosts a lot of top-tier upgrades to apps that are worth a discussion. From reinvented FaceTime calls that allow you to share the screen and listen to music with friends to a new focus feature that filters notifications as you work to a whole new way to explore the world with Maps and so much more.
But with any iPhone [2] software reveal, we want to know . . . how will this affect our day-to-day lives? Well for one, we can tell you the FaceTime updates in themselves will change the game (Psst . . . you can now FaceTime with Android users). Anyone with an iPhone 6s and later will be able to receive the update. Read ahead to see some of our key takeaways from iOS 15 that we're most excited about.
Updated FaceTime Calls and SharePlay
The updated Facetime feature and SharePlay is one of the most stand-out features of iOS 15. Apple has made virtual conversations with friends and family feel even more natural with spatial audio — which adjusts the person's voice depending on where they are on screen — and a new microphone mode that will separate your voice from background noise. In addition to the audio, Apple has added features to FaceTime's video like portrait mode and a new grid view for group FaceTime calls. Oh, and if you've ever wanted to FaceTime someone who doesn't have an iPhone, it's no longer a problem — just send them a FaceTime link and they can join.
And if all that doesn't sound good enough, Apple has also added SharePlay which allows you to share your screen and play music, videos, movies, and more with everyone that's on the call — how fun!
Redesigned Notifications
Notifications are getting a makeover with contact photos for text messages and larger bubbles for apps so that you can easily decipher between the two (because we all know what it's like to look at your phone and be overwhelmed with notifications). Another feature Apple's introducing is Focus, which allows users to select a focus, and your iPhone will use device intelligence to filter notifications so that only certain people and apps can notify you.
Maps, Safari, and Weather Have Been Redefined
Three major apps: Maps, Safari, and Weather have been redesigned for a better user experience. The most notable being Maps, which now features enhanced details of cities and neighbourhoods with new road colours, 3D buildings, custom-designed landmarks, and more. Transit riders will be able to find city stations more easily, and Maps will even notify you of your destined stop.