iOS 15, iPadOS 15, watchOS 8 and tvOS 15 are here: what’s going to change

iOS 15 is finally available on compatible iPhones. So you just have to go to settings to download the latest version of Apple’s operating system. Not all features will necessarily be directly accessible, but it won’t be long. As is often the case, the American intends to deploy the upgrade on as many devices as possible, and recalled the list of smartphones concerned. As you can see, the iPhone 6s, released in 2015, is still on it: this will likely be its last upgrade.

Sharing above all

This version is obviously supposed to bring more stability and performance while reducing the impact on the batteries. Among all the new features of iOS 15 and iPadOS 15, Apple places particular emphasis on sharing. We told you about it during its presentation in detail on the occasion of WWDC 2021. This translates into more advanced functionality in Facetime and Messages. The first now supports audio spatialization, which makes it possible to restore the location from which the voice comes. It is also possible to directly send a link to connect to a chat (end-to-end encrypted), even from a Windows or Android device. An “isolation” mode helps reduce background noise to be heard better, while a grid presentation makes it easy to recognize the speaker. It is possible to use a portrait mode to blur the background.

Regarding the messages, the links and images exchanged are now in a new section called “Shared with you”. It’s also possible to reply to someone from any app without having to go back to Messages. Memoji lovers will enjoy new outfits and stickers. Collections of photos received by message now display more aesthetically, like a collage.

SharePlay was eagerly awaited, but the functionality will finally be available a little later. The latter allows you to enjoy your movies, series or music at the same time as the person you call on Facetime. For the moment, SharePlay works with home services, but also some third-party services like Disney + or TikTok. Obviously, the American company is opening its API, which means that other firms will be able to offer SharePlay on their applications.

Notifications have also been redesigned and it is possible to receive a small summary of the most important according to a defined schedule. New Focus modes, streamlined for sleep or work, keep you from being overwhelmed with information when you’re focused.

iOS 15 also introduces an automatic translation function similar to that of Google Lens. The latter allows you to extract text from photos or screenshots and render them in your language. The Maps, Photo and Weather applications have also received a little graphic facelift.

Smartwatches and TV also in the spotlight

The update for the firm’s watches is less important. It focuses in particular on well-being and sport, and now offers more training categories. Integration with the iPhone is even deeper. The watch obviously supports the new Focus modes and offers a new app for contacts.

For its part, tvOS15 now allows you to connect multiple HomePod Mini to an Apple TV 4K in order to use them as default speakers. The latter also supports sound spatialization for AirPods Pro and AirPods Max. You will understand, the biggest news concerns above all the iPhone and iPad.