Millions of users own an iPhone or some Apple device, and if you ask them to own them, they’ll explain the user interface and the software upgrades. The Cupertino giant provides 5 years of operating system support, which is an amazing feature considering how expensive iPhones are.
At WWDC 2021, Apple unveiled the iOS 15 and watchOS 8, iPadOS 15, and macOS Monterey. As I’ve mentioned, over 5 generations of iPhones can get the upgrade, but Apple eliminates certain devices from the list every year.
Even though the public beta will commence in July, you can try it or the final version – whichever suits you. If you aren’t sure whether or not your device is eligible for the upgrade, we have made a full list of devices that will get the iOS 15 and the iPadOS 15. Without wasting any time, let’s get to it.
List Of iOS 15 Supported Devices
You might be aware that Apple separated iOS and iPadOS, so here’s a comprehensive list of devices that support the latest upgrade from Apple:
List Of iOS 15 Compatible iPhones
Following are the iPhones that will get the iOS 15 upgrade:
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 Mini
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XR
- iPhone X
- iPhone 8 Plus
- iPhone 8
- iPhone 7 Plus
- iPhone 7
- iPhone 6S Plus
- iPhone 6S
- iPhone SE 2020
- iPhone SE 1st generation
- iPod Touch 7th generation
List Of iPadOS 15 Compatible iPads
Here’s a list of iPads that will get the iPadOS 15 upgrades:
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st – 5th generation)
- iPad Pro 11-inch (1st to 3rd generation)
- iPad Pro 10.5-inch
- iPad Pro 9.7-inch
- iPad (5th – 8th generation)
- iPad Mini (4th & 5th generation)
- iPad Air (2nd-4th generation)
iOS 15 Features
Apple has been making strides with iOS for a few years now. Be it introducing widgets last year or a more friendly UI. iOS 15 brings new features, but some already exist on Android. Let’s take a look at what Apple has to offer in this year’s iOS upgrade
1. App Store
You’ll be able to see current events within apps and games that include movie premieres, game competitions, live-streamed experiences, etc. The App Store can now hide screenshots for already installed apps in search results. Lastly, a new App Store widget displays in-app events from the Today tab, collections, and stories.
2. Camera
The new upgrade has some new features for the camera app. You can now take great panorama shots with improved geometric distortion; the mode can also better capture moving subjects, reducing image noise and banding.
Another feature has to do with the zoom. You can swipe up or down while taking a QuickTake video to zoom in or out.
3. FaceTime
FaceTime is getting exciting new features. With iOS 15, you’ll be able to witness voice isolation and Spatial Audio on FaceTime calls. What this does is that the voices sound like they are coming from where the person is located on the screen. FaceTime now supports Portrait mode, which effectively blurs the background.
There’s a new grid view that will make you see more faces on your screen. SharePlay is a new feature that is also a part of FaceTime. It allows users to share media in sync during a FaceTime call. Users can now generate shareable links to a scheduled FaceTime call. These links can be opened on Windows and Android devices.
4. Focus
A new feature, Focus filters notifications, and apps based on what you wish to focus on at a particular time. For instance, when a user’s Focus will blocking incoming notifications, their status will be disclosed to others in Messages. iOS 15 will recommend a Focus for several occasions, like winding down for bed or work hours which uses on-device intelligence, but it is capable of creating a custom Focus.
5. Find My
The Find My app also gets some new features. You can now locate a lost device that was turned off or erased using the Find My network. A friend or family member (who wishes to share their location with you) will now constantly live-stream their location to provide insight into speed and direction.
The feature will now be beneficial for AirPods Pro, and Pro Max users as the Find My widget will give an at-a-glance look at locations. The new ‘Separation Alerts’ will inform users if they leave an AirTag, Apple device, or Find My accessory network in a strange location.
6. Health
The Health app in iOS 15 will get a new sharing tab that will enable users to share their chosen health data with caregivers or family. New changes are also reflected in lab results where the descriptions, highlights, and the option to pin results for quick access are enhanced. The Health app can now detect Trends that will assist users in making a change in their personal health metrics.
Walking Steadiness is a new metric added to the Health app that will help manage fall risk. Blood glucose highlights now display levels during exercise and sleep that feature interactive charts. Moreover, COVID-19 immunizations and test results can be stored in the app with the help of a QR code.
7. Live text
Live Text is like Google’s lens that uses on-device intelligence to identify text in a photo. Users can search for, highlight, and copy the text. The spotlight feature lets you search for photos by location, people, scenes, objects, and text. It also offers web image search and richer results for famous personalities such as actors, musicians, TV shows, and movies.
8. Maps
Maps have gotten some huge updates. You can now see an interactive globe view which is significantly enhanced with a new 3D view for cities. Commercial districts, elevation, buildings, neighborhoods, etc., get a detailed view, along with new road colors and labels, custom-designed landmarks, etc.
Transit navigation has also been redesigned, so now travelers can find nearby stations and pin their favorite lines. Maps will also automatically follow along a selected transit route, informing users when it is almost time to debark. New walking directions enable views that use augmented reality. So, when users hold up their iPhone, the Maps app will generate an exact position to deliver detailed walking directions using the camera.
9. Music
Apple has now introduced spatial audio with dynamic head tracking. So, listeners can now use their AirPods Pro and AirPods Max to listen to music with Dolby Atmos. Moreover, Apple’s dynamic head tracking makes way for a more immersive experience. The new Shared with You will now highlight music shared with you from Messages.
10. Notes
iOS 15 adds some user-created tags in the Notes apps. Users can conveniently sort and characterize notes in new ways. Tag browser lets through which you can tap combinations of tags and quickly view tagged notes. New custom folders collect notes based on tags. You can now mention other users to inform one another of updates. Moreover, the new Activity view shows the recent edit history.
11. Photos app
iOS 15 gives a new update to Memories. It has a new design and an intuitive interface. Memories also support Apple music integration, which suggests songs for personalized Memories.
12. Redesigned notifications
The Notifications have gotten a slight overhaul in terms of design. Contact photos for people are now available, along with large icons for apps. A notification summary collects notifications for delivery at a suitable time and arranges notifications by priority to decrease distraction.
13. Reminders
With iOS 15, Reminders gets a new feature ‘tags’ to help with organization. You can also search and filter reminders based on tags. The new custom smart lists automatically collect reminders together based on tags. There are new quick-access options that will delete completed reminders.
14. Safari
Safari browser has gotten a new overhaul. You can now reach the top of the browser with just one hand that focuses on the webpage’s content. There’s a new, compact tab bar that floats at the bottom of the screen so that users can swipe between tabs easily. Tab Groups feature lets users save tabs and access them on any device.
15. SharePlay
SharePlay is a new feature that allows users to share experiences during FaceTime calls, including media like Apple Music songs, TV shows, or movies. Media is played in sync for all participants, and there are shared playback controls, so anyone in a SharePlay session can play, pause, or skip content and add to a shared queue. SharePlay also gives users the ability to share their screens to view apps together in a FaceTime call.
16. Wallet app
The Wallet app will now support new key types in iOS 15 – like hotel rooms, homes, offices, etc. By the end of 2021, users can add a driver’s license or state ID to the Wallet app. This feature is valid in the US, though.
17. Weather app
The weather app in the iOS 15 has gotten a redesign. It shows more graphical weather data, full-screen maps, and effective layouts that change based on weather conditions. There are new animated backgrounds that can now more reflect the sun’s position and current precipitation. The apps also highlight when it will rain or snow starts and stops.
18. Widgets
Find My widget, Contacts widget, Game Center widgets, App Store widget, Sleep widget, Mail widget, Default widgets, Intelligent widget suggestions. You can now reorder Smart Stacks.
FAQs
What devices will support iOS 15?
All devices starting from the iPhone 6s will get the iOS 15, even the first generation iPhone SE.
Will iPhone 6s get iOS 15?
Yes, the iPhone 6s is eligible for iOS 15. It will get some new features such as easier sharing on iMessage, updated Apple Maps, and spatial audio for FaceTime calls.
How long will iPhone XR be supported?
The iPhone XR was launched in 2018, so Apple will support it till 2023 – two more years.
Is XR worth buying in 2020?
Not according to me. The iPhone 11 is the best bet right now, but if you afford the iPhone 12, it’s the best budget iPhone. The XR doesn’t have a 1080 OLED display and has only a 1:4,000 contrast ratio.
What iPhone should I buy in 2021?
If you want to buy a new iPhone in 2021, the following is the list of devices that are still kicking:
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11
- iPhone SE 2020
Wrapping it up
This is all about the iOS 15 and iPadOS 15. The developer beta is already live, but you can try them in July. Keep in mind that even though an iPhone 6S will get the latest upgrade, some features won’t b supported due to hardware limitations.
What did you think of the iOS 15? Which Apple devices do you use? Are you excited about the upgrade? Tell us in the comments below.