Apple Debuted Its New iOS 15 Software Update, and These Are Our Key Takeaways

Updated on 12/30/2021 at 9:20 PM

Some say the devil (or Kris Jenner) works hard, but Apple works harder. The tech giant held its annual Worldwide Developers Conference in June of this year, and with it came some major iPhone-related announcements (the most crucial of them all). The new updates are now in full swing, and with them comes iOS 15 — a brand-new software — and the update hosts a lot of top-tier upgrades to apps that are worth a discussion. From reinvented FaceTime calls that allow you to share your screen and listen to music with friends, to a new feature that filters notifications as you work, to a whole new way to explore the world with Maps, the updates are just what Apple-lovers have been waiting for.

But with any iPhone software reveal, we want to know . . . how will this affect our day-to-day lives? Well, for one, we can tell you the FaceTime updates will change the game (psst . . . you can now FaceTime with Android users!). Anyone with an iPhone 6S and later will be able to receive the update, so get ready to revamp your favorite tech devices. Read ahead for some of our key takeaways from iOS 15 that we are ready to put into action.

— Additional reporting by Lauren Harano

Updated FaceTime Calls and SharePlay

The updated FaceTime feature and SharePlay are two of the most stand-out features of iOS 15. Apple has made virtual conversations with friends and family feel even more natural with spatial audio — which adjusts the person's voice depending on where they are on screen — and a new microphone mode that will separate your voice from background noise. In addition to the audio, Apple has added features to FaceTime's video, like Portrait Mode and a new grid view for group FaceTime calls. Oh, and if you've ever wanted to FaceTime someone who doesn't have an iPhone, it's no longer a problem — just send them a FaceTime link and they can join.

And if all that doesn't sound good enough, Apple has also added SharePlay, which allows you to share your screen and play music, videos, movies, and more with everyone on the call — how fun!

Redesigned Notifications

Notifications are getting a makeover with contact photos for text messages and larger bubbles for apps so that you can easily decipher between the two (because we all know what it's like to look at your phone and be overwhelmed with notifications). Another feature Apple's introducing is Focus; your iPhone will use device intelligence to filter notifications so that only certain people and apps can notify you.

Maps, Safari, and Weather Have Been Redefined

Three major apps — Maps, Safari, and Weather — have been redesigned for a better user experience. Most notably, Maps now features enhanced details of cities and neighborhoods with new road colors, 3D buildings, custom-designed landmarks, and more. Transit riders will be able to find city stations more easily, and Maps will even notify you of your destined stop.

Learn More Here!

Here's the lowdown in 30 seconds. Thanks, TikTok!