New iPhone? Maybe no, but Apple's iOS 15? Yes

iPhone users may not upgrade their handset every year, but with annual software updates Apple ensures that they feel it is like a new device. This week, Apple announced the iOS 15 software update for iPhones, at its annual WWDC conference. While the update will be rolled out later this year for iPhone 6s and above, the company has revealed all the ways in which the experience of using an iPhone will change.

Here’s what iPhone users can look forward to:

Privacy first

iOS 15 will come with App Privacy Report that will offer an overview of how apps use the permissions granted to them. All access, including location, photos, camera, microphone, and contacts and their use in the last seven days, will be part of this report.

Facetime to take on zoom, Google meet
Apple’s native video calling tool, FaceTime, is set to get spatial audio support. It will also support Portrait mode for videos to blur backgrounds. During FaceTime calls, iPhone users will also have the option to listen to songs or watch shows or movies together. iPhone users will also be able to create a link for FaceTime calls that can be shared with anyone including Android and Windows devices users.

Find focus
Apple is also introducing a new feature called Focus that will reduce distraction by filtering notifications and apps. Users will have the option to create a custom Focus or select a suggested Focus to select which apps and people can notify them. Apple’s suggested Focus will be based on the habits and routine of the user such as their work hours or when they wind down for the day.

New notifications design
Apple has redesigned notifications by adding contact photos for people and larger icons for apps. These notifications will be presented on the basis of priority, with the most relevant notifications at the top and based on user’s interactions.

Live text, advanced spotlight search & more
iPhone users will be able to recognise text in a photo using Live Text. The camera app will also allow iPhone users to recognise and copy text. The Advanced Spotlight feature will allow iPhone users to search photos by location, people, scenes, or objects, and using Live Text, Spotlight will allow users to find text and handwriting in photos. Photos will also come with a new Memories interface, and integration with Apple Music.