iOS 15 won’t debut until later this year but there are already plenty of leaks and rumours around what it could mean for iPhones.
iOS 14 made some significant changes to the iPhone home screen. It introduced a whole new design with customisable widgets and an App Library with folders and suggestions. It also added the neat element of picture-in-picture viewing and yet more improvements for Apple’s digital assistant, Siri.
Apple still isn’t done with iOS 14. The company has been releasing new updates ever since iOS 14 first officially rolled out in September and will continue to do so until iOS 15 goes public. But it’s never too early to look to the future.
A new Apple operating system typically goes public with the company’s new iPhone and iPad range, meaning we should see it around September or October. In the meantime, we’ve rounded up all the rumours, leaks and information to come out about iOS 15 so far – which in short is not much right now.
We’ll continue to update this list with more information so remember to keep checking back for the latest info.
Compatibility
Like previous iOS updates, Apple is likely to drop support for certain devices with the rollout of its new operating system. This will likely include the iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus and the 2016 iPhone SE.
All iPhones in generations after the 6 should be compatible which includes:
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone XR
- iPhone X
- iPhone 8
- iPhone 8 Plus
- iPhone 7
- iPhone 7 Plus
- iPhone SE (2020)
- iPod touch (7th generation)
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Notifications
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports that Apple is planning a significant revamp for its notification system in iOS 15.
The new system will reportedly allow users to set different notification preferences based on their status – which includes options like driving, sleeping or other categories. Users will be able to choose whether a notification emits a sound or banner in each category.
This new status system will apparently allow users to set automatic replies to messages. This isn’t a new feature but can only be activated while driving at the moment.
Along with this, it’s said iOS 15 will introduce a new lock screen and control centre to accommodate these features.
iMessage updates
Bloomberg’s report also mentions some significant updates to iMessage so it can better compete with services like WhatsApp. No details have been revealed at this point.
Dual biometric authentication
A report from iPhoneSoft (via Tech Advisor) suggests that Apple will require users to pass two sets of biometric identification in order to access certain features, like Apple Pay or App Store purchases.
This would work by using both Touch ID and Face ID, which suggests new iPhones will return to having some kind of fingerprint scanner.
iOS 15 release date
Apple normally previews its new iOS at the Worldwide Developers Conference mid-year. This will take place on June 7 (or very early on June 8 for Aussies). As per previous years Apple should seed the first version of iOS 15 to developers shortly after WWDC with a public beta in the following months.
iOS 15 will then officially release alongside the iPhone 13 towards the end of 2021.
But don’t worry, we’ll be able to let you know how to download it alongside the developers in June if that’s your jam.
When will we know more about iOS 15?
We’ll keep updating this post as more leaks and rumours crop up. In the meantime you can keep an eye on the latest updates to iOS 14 right here.