Apple first announced the iOS 15 update June 7th at the Worldwide Developers Conference, leaving many tech geeks and Apple users alike eagerly awaiting the new its release. However, it was only just released September 20th. The update[KP1] promises to provide a multitude of new features for all iPhones starting from the iPhone 6s and up, including an improved maps app, major updates to FaceTime, and a multitude of other changes that help to progress the way you can use your phone.
iOS 15 is definitely a departure from what Apple users are used to. Many facets of the iPhones that patrons are used to having have received complete redesigns. One of the most noticeable being notifications. When receiving either a text or alert from another app the contact photo or the app icon will now appear along with the notification itself. While this particular change isn’t anything outstanding it is definitely a different appearance that what we have come to expect.
In addition, Safari has also received a fresh look. The search bar is now located at the bottom of the screen and appears above the keyboard when in use. This is a far cry from what users are used to with the search bar previously being located at the top of the screen, and well it isn’t bad per-say it is definitely a change that will take a bit of adjusting. Although, a new aspect that has also been added to Safari is the highly convenient addition of tab groups. That’s right now instead of a jumbled mess of random tabs you can now organize, create, and name new groups of tabs. A highly efficient and long-awaited addition that definitely improves the user interface of apples search engine making it more convenient for students and teachers alike.
This isn’t the only addition that is convenient for students. However, the addition of focus and live text are also major upsides to the new update. Focus allows us to filter specific notifications based on our current activity. It also lets apple users make custom home screens for specific activity settings so it can better cater Widgets and apps to what is needed for current activities as well. It is particularly useful for studying and class, helping to keep from getting distracted. Live text is also another feature that users have been waiting on. It allows customers to copy text directly from an image. It may be one of the most useful tools to come out of this update. With many students working from phones or tablets it definitely helps to speed up many processes that had to be previously done by hand.
Although some of the features that students might be interested to note are not all directly school related, since FaceTime has yet again received improvements. Now Apple customers will not only be able to talk to other Apple users but Android and Windows users as well. In addition, spatial audio has been added, this makes the voices of those on the other end sound as if they are actually coming from the side of the screen they are on. Grid view will also allow six people to FaceTime at a time and will highlight the speaker and with the help of voice isolation you can cancel out inconvenient background noise. Making FaceTime an easier and better experience. Allowing you to better connect with your friends without interruption.
iOS 15 has added a plethora of new features that are useful not only for school but recreation as well. It is definitely an overwhelmingly positive addition for iPhone users, and while it may take getting used to on some fronts it is certainly a reminder that change is not always bad! This update is surely an 8/10.
Zoey Lind // Staff Writer
