Apple announced the next iOS update at its Worldwide Developers Conference in June. The update is partially released for beta testing already, and the fully developed version will update over the airwaves this fall. Here are some of the most notable features that you can expect, although whether they’re useable depends on which model iPhone you have.
New IOS 15 Features and Upgrades
FaceTime SharePlay, Portrait Mode and More
FaceTime has long been the easiest way to video connect with other iOS users, and it’s getting multiple upgrades that will improve the experience even more.
FaceTime Portrait Mode utilizes spatial audio technology to make it seem as if a person’s voice is coming from where they are on screen, and Group FaceTime will create an easier multi-user interface that’s a bit similar to Zoom.
SharePlay enables users to share their real-time digital experiences with other FaceTime users, making it possible to sync Apple Music songs, Apple TV+ (and ESPN+, Hulu etc.) shows and streaming services. FaceTime will also expand to Windows, so iOS users can now connect with non-Apple users.
IMessage Sharing Capabilities
iMessage will make it more convenient to share photos and memories with friends.
Photos could always be sent over the platform, but now they’ll be grouped together when you send multiple at a time. The group will appear as a dynamic collage that users can swipe or tap through, and they’ll be stored as a group. Sharing songs and other items will work similarly. Whenever you want to access shared photos or memoirs, check the new Shared with You folders in Photos, Apple Music and News.
Multiple Maps Upgrades for In-World Directions
Apple Maps will receive multiple upgrades, not the least of which is more detail to the maps themselves. The most impressive features, however, are the ones that will create in-world directions.
Maps will have more data on elevation, road colors and rich labels, which will allow the platform to provide directions as you walk or drive along a route. Directions will be provided in a 3D format. Medians, turn lanes, bike lanes and pedestrian walkways will all be pointed out, as well as major landmarks. Should you ever get lost, you can now scan a building or another landmark to see if it’s logged into the platform.
In addition to the driving and walking improvements, Maps also has new benefits if you take public transit. The platform will automatically follow along a route, providing notifications when you need to embark. This will work with either iPhones or Apple Watches.
Additional Privacy Features
Apple made news earlier this year when it made privacy controls for apps more prominent, thereby increasing usage of them. The next iOS update will continue Apple’s emphasis on privacy and allow even more control over how data is used. These improvements include:
- All Siri requests will be processed on the iPhone by default
- Mail Privacy Protection prevents senders from seeing whether an email was opened
- Mail Privacy blocks IP addresses from senders (preventing location identification)
- App Privacy Report shows an overview of how apps use the phone’s features
All Features Only Available on Newer Phones
Although iOS 15 is rolling out to most supported iPhones, only newer models will be able to fully realize these features.
Older models that have an A12 bionic chip for their processor will miss out on many features, because this chip isn’t powerful enough for several of these features. The iPhone XS, iPhone XR and all newer models have a processor that does support the full update. iPhone X and its predecessors will miss out on the most robust features, including several noted above.
Sell Your Phone and Upgrade
If you need to upgrade your iPhone so that you can take full advantage of iOS 15, selling your old phone will give you cash to help pay for a new one. At MLG Cash, we’ll give you top dollar for your phone and make the selling process easy.
To find out how much your phone is worth, fill out our brief online questionnaire. Provide an accurate description of the phone’s condition, and we’ll tell you exactly how much we can pay. You’ll likely find that our offers are about 30 percent above what many others will give, and our offers come in the form of Paypal transfers (we don’t make you choose a gift card).
When you have a quote and decide to sell your phone, bring it into one of the 5,000-plus participating dropoff locations — which include all UPS Stores. Someone will confirm the phone’s condition, and you’ll receive immediate payment through the processor of your choice (Paypal or Walmart Cash Pickup). The dropoff location will take care of getting the old phone to us, and you can immediately apply the payment toward your purchase of a new phone.
We accept many iPhone models, including the iPhone 7, iPhone 8 and iPhone X, that will have limited feature upgrades. If you have any of these, check today how much you could get to upgrade with.