8 expectations for the iPhone update of 2021
With the presentation just around the corner, it is time for our iOS 15 expectations. From a new design, more privacy to preparations for the new iPhone: we are most looking forward to these improvements. Are you reading?
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These are our iOS 15 expectations
June 7 is the day. Then Apple will unveil iOS 15, the major iPhone update of 2021. Thanks to rumors and leaked information, we already know a thing or two about the new update, so it is time to look ahead. These are our expectations for iOS 15.
1. New design
The iOS design is rock solid, but every year Apple makes some small changes. This time, we expect the iPhone software design to be more like that of the Mac.
Last year, Apple introduced a new look for the Mac software with macOS Big Sur. Almost all app icons were given a fresh look. This new graphic style has not yet been implemented on the iPhone and it would be strange if iOS 15 does not change this.
2. Widgets are getting better
Another big deal: iOS 15 is going to make widgets better. Widgets, or the expanded versions of apps for your iPhone home screen, were the major innovation in iOS 14. Without a doubt, the 2021 update builds on this success.
What can be improved? A lot! Consider, for example, the ability to control apps from your iPhone home screen in the widget, instead of being sent to the app, as is the case now.
→ Also read: iOS 15 wishlist: 9 features that should not be missing
3. Tailor-made for the iPhone 13
It is also logical that iOS 15 is preparing for the iPhone 13. The successor to the iPhone 12 will be presented at the end of this year and will run on the new iPhone software out of the box.
In the corridors it is said that the iPhone 13 will get an always-on screen. Such a display is – as you would expect – always on and that unlocks more possibilities.
The Apple Watch Series 5 and Apple Watch 6 already have an always-on display and can therefore show incoming messages on the lock screen, for example. Perhaps iOS 15 also has this capability.
→ Continue reading: iPhone 13: 6 reasons to look forward to an always on screen
4. More privacy
“Privacy. That’s iPhone ”. The latest Apple advertising is straightforward. Do you care about privacy? Then buy an iPhone. It is therefore only logical that iOS 15 builds on this.
How that happens remains to be seen. Apple has recently rolled out several privacy functions. Think of the tracker block of iOS 14.5 and the possibility to make AirTags handle your data more consciously.
→ Also interesting: Opinion: It’s time for Apple’s own password manager
5. Smarter notifications
Don’t want to be disturbed by your phone during work? Then iOS 15 brings a handy feature. According to news agency Bloomberg, which is usually well implemented when it comes to Apple, the iPhone will soon take your schedule into account.
Notifications may or may not be delivered to your phone, depending on your activities. If you are at work between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., the notification (including a new e-mail or WhatsApp, for example) will be postponed until afterwards.
Speaking of sound: Bloomberg thinks the iPhone will soon make a sound when apps secretly collect data from you. This feature would come on top of the existing tracker block and add extra spying apps to the fingers.
→ Also read: ‘iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 get new homescreen, notifications and more’
6. More freedom of choice
Apple is known as a closed company, but with iOS 14 they let go a bit. For example, since 2020 you can choose a different standard mail app, but the freedom of choice is still limited.
With iOS 15, Apple would let go of the strings a bit more and let you choose a different music app, for example. That’s especially good news for Spotify subscribers, because Music is currently the default iPhone music app.
7. WhatsApp competitor in the making?
Coming back to Apple and privacy for a moment. The iPhone maker has been at odds with all kinds of other tech companies, including Facebook, for months. Facebook owns WhatsApp, making it a direct competitor to iMessage, Apple’s own chat app.
According to website MacRumors Apple has multiple plans to take iMessage to the next level. The ultimate goal of this is to kick Facebook off. Mark Zuckerberg’s company has voiced a lot of criticism at Apple in recent months because the iPhone maker is said to be hurting the ad industry.
→ Also interesting: Apple vs Facebook: years of battle between two tech giants is nearing peak
8. Moving wallpapers
We close these iOS 15 expectations with a small, but no less cool update. It seems that other developers will soon be able to make dynamic wallpapers.
Currently, only Apple is allowed to make backgrounds that automatically color with the light or dark mode of your iPhone. New cool iPhone wallpapers appear online every day, so let’s hope Apple gives this opportunity to other designers as well.
When can I download iOS 15?
Those were the iOS 15 expectations. The key question now is: when can you download the update? We will hear that on June 7th. To 7:00 PM Dutch Time, WWDC 2021 kicks off, Apple’s annual software gathering.
During this presentation, the company will tell you when you can download iOS 15. We think it will be sometime in September. Then we also expect to see the iPhone 13 series.
Which phones can I download iOS 15 on?
On June 7, Apple will also announce which iPhones can run iOS 15. Based on previous versions, we dare to estimate which phones will be able to update later.
Since iPhones generally get five years of iOS updates, we think the iPhone 6S, iPhone 6S Plus, and first iPhone SE will be left out. This means that all devices from the iPhone 7 (from 2016) can update to iOS 15.
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