Apple Officially Releases iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 – Free Upgrades Start

Highlights include FaceTime's SharePlay, spatial audio, Focus Mode, and iPad multitasking enhancements

On September 20th (local time), Apple began offering "iOS 15" and "iPadOS 15". This update is the first major version upgrade in a year. It was announced at the developer event "WWDC 2021" held in June this year, and a preview for general users was held from July.

Apple officially releases "iOS 14" and "iPadOS 14" - Default browser and email can be changed

iOS 15

　The next OS "iOS 15" for iPhone/iPod touch will not be available for remote work or going out due to the spread of the new coronavirus infection (COVID-19). In response to the forced restraint, we strengthened communication and content sharing functions to maintain user connections.

In particular, "FaceTime" has introduced "SharePlay", which allows you to share content (movies, programs, music, screens) with the other party, and you can hear the voice from the position and direction where the other party is displayed. New functions such as "spatial audio" and "separate voice", which minimizes ambient noise and pushes the user's voice to the front and delivers it clearly, have been introduced. A grid display that arranges participating members in tiles and a portrait mode that blurs the background and focuses on the subject are also supported. In addition, Windows and Android users will also be able to use FaceTime using a web browser, which will also have end-to-end encryption to protect their privacy.

In addition, the content (link is an image) shared with you in the message app will be displayed in the [Share with you] section of the corresponding app It became so. The feature is built into the Photos app, Safari, Apple Music, Apple Podcasts, and Apple TV apps.

　In addition, some improvements have been introduced to prevent it from getting in the way when you want to concentrate on your work. With Focus Mode, you can filter notifications based on what you're doing so you don't get distracted. Notifications have also been redesigned, and finally introduced the ability to check the contents later at a convenient time.

　The bundled apps have also been enhanced in various ways. In particular, the "Map" app has been redesigned, allowing you to explore the city in 3D and experience walking routes in augmented reality (AR). In addition, the OCR function "Text Recognition Display" (Live Text), which uses the artificial intelligence function on the device to recognize text contained in the system and in photos on the web, is also convenient (Japanese not supported). ). The privacy control function of the "Siri" and "Mail" apps has also been renewed, and transparency has increased, such as more detailed management of personal information.

iPadOS 15

In "iPadOS 15" for iPad, the home screen has been improved. In addition to being able to place widgets on the home screen along with apps, the popular "App Library" on iOS has been introduced and can be called from the dock.

　In addition, the multitasking function, which allows you to use multiple apps at the same time or by switching between them, has also been enhanced. For example, when using "Split View", which splits the screen and displays two applications at the same time, a slightly complicated operation was required in the past. However, with “iPadOS 15”, just tap the newly created multitasking menu (three horizontal dots icon) at the top of the app and select “Split View”. You can also create a "Split View" by dragging and dropping apps with the "App Switcher" that switches apps.

　In addition , "Quick Memo" that allows you to take notes immediately with Apple Pencil, a translation function that can be used system-wide, etc. have been added. You can also use improvements to "FaceTime" such as spatial audio and portrait mode introduced in iOS, as well as "focus mode".

In addition, in the second half of 2021, support for "Swift Playgrounds", which allows you to develop apps using "Swift" code on the iPad, is planned. You can also submit your developed apps to the App Store.

How to update

"iOS 15" and "iPadOS 15" are provided as free updates and can be updated from the [General] - [Software Update] section of the "Settings" app. Since major changes have been made to "iOS 15" and "iPadOS 15", serious problems are also expected. We strongly recommend that you back up your data before updating. It is also possible to stay on "iOS 14.8" and "iPadOS 14.8" for the time being.

Compatible devices for "iOS 15" are "iPhone 6s" or later, "iPhone SE" 1st generation or later, "iPod touch" 7th generation or later . "iPadOS 15" compatible devices are "iPad Pro", "iPad" 5th generation or later, "iPad mini 4" or later, "iPad Air 2" or later.