iOS 15 Updates for iPhone: Features Apple Didn’t Mention at WWDC

Apple presented new software for almost two hours on Monday. The news came every second. Nevertheless, some exciting information was overlooked.

iOS 15, iPadOS 15 and macOS Monterey – a lot comes together. Apple didn’t find time for some details on Monday, despite the two-hour show:

iPhones Are Becoming XL AirTags

With iOS 15, Apple introduces the ability to locate a lost or stolen iPhone even if it has been switched off on supported devices. The feature uses Apple’s Find My network to help locate supported devices even when they are offline.

How long this option exists after switching off, Apple leaves open but adds that in the future users will also be notified if they “leave an AirTag, Apple device or accessories from the Find My network in an unknown location” that may have been lost. That sounds practical.

If you like to live dangerously, you can deactivate the ability to locate your phone when it is switched off in the settings.

Two-Factor Authentication Built In

In many services, you can secure your account with the help of a so-called second factor. In addition to the password, you then have to enter a code generated each time you log in to identify yourself. Company websites and networks often require such protection. Usually, apps such as Microsoft Authenticator or Google Authenticator are used for this purpose.

With iOS 15, Apple built this function directly into the operating systems of iPhones, iPads and Macs. In the settings for passwords, there is a new option, Configure confirmation code. You can either enter a configuration key or, much more conveniently, scan a QR code if the respective provider offers something like this on its website and supports the system. However, some companies stick to a specific authenticator app.

However, if everything goes well, Apple’s operating system will not only automatically fill in the username and password when logging in but will also use the two-factor code.

More Privacy, But Not Everywhere

With the new operating systems, iCloud users who book a storage space subscription with Apple (from 99 cents per month) have the option of having Apple set up a random email address for logging into online services. The service then forwards all messages sent to this address to the user’s actual address. If such an address is used to send spam or phishing emails, for example, due to a data leak from the respective provider, it can be easily deactivated, or emails addressed to them can be filtered out.

Another function introduced with the new operating systems was the so-called Private Relay, which helps hide the user’s IP address and browsing activity from network providers. The system is reminiscent of how Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and the Tor anonymisation network work but technically works differently.

Apple later clarified that this function would not be available everywhere in the world for “regulatory reasons”. Availability may vary by country or region.

Switching to a New iPhone Becomes Easier

Apple has noticed that many users have difficulties transferring all of their data from the old to the new device after buying a new iPhone. So in the settings, under Reset, you will find the menu item Prepare for a new iPhone in iOS 15. You can also check how much Apple would give you for the old model if you swapped it when you bought the new one. Above all, however, the function transfers data and apps to iCloud for copying to the new iPhone.

Temporary iCloud Storage Space

Apple has not changed the rule that non-paying iCloud users have 5 GB of free storage space. However, probably because this limit is not enough for most users to transfer their data via the cloud, for example, from an old to a new iPhone, the company now offers non-subscribers temporary additional iCloud storage space for a maximum of three weeks. So you should be able to “easily transfer photo albums, files, folders and accessibility settings”.

Wallet Gets Automatic Cleanup

Anyone who uses Apple’s digital wallet “Wallet” a lot knows that mountains of digital tickets will accumulate in it over time. Disciplined people naturally keep things tidy by regularly deleting expired cards. Everyone else is relieved that Wallet does it in iOS 15. The criteria the app uses were not yet clear, at least in the first beta version, because in some cases, maps that were long out of date were displayed in a first test.

You Don’t Have to Upgrade to iOS 15

At the time of the iOS 15 release, Apple allowed users to remain on iOS 14 while continuing to receive important security updates, rather than requiring them to upgrade immediately to iOS 15.

With iOS 15, Apple lifted this limitation, reports “9to5Mac”: “Users have the choice of staying on iOS 14 and receiving important security updates or upgrading to iOS 15 to take advantage of all the new functions.” This gave users the option to delay the upgrade while still receiving security updates at the time. Apple subsequently continued releasing security updates for iOS 15 as well.

As a result, two user groups benefit: on the one hand, the sceptics who stick to the motto ‘Never trust a version 1.0’ and wait at least for the first minor update of the new version before updating their device. The other group wants to test a significant update in detail before releasing it to their employees.

Conclusion

The update to iOS 15 offered some much-needed features that missed our attention during the key presentation made by Apple. Enhancements to Find My, built-in two-factor authentication, privacy controls, simplified iPhone transfers, temporary iCloud storage, and increased options for updates that benefit users.

Some features aren’t necessarily useful for everyone. Find My improvements and easier data transfer are useful during charging or losing a device, but Private Relay and built-in authentication can be other privacy and security options. But some features require device support or service support or are region-specific.

Overall, iOS 15 offered more than just a handful of features. Several changes addressed everyday tasks and gave users more flexibility in how they use and update their iPhones.