Your iPhone might have just received iOS 15, but iOS 15.1 is available. Although it's only an 0.1 version, this update adds many significant features and enhancements to your iOS experience.
This includes the most popular SharePlay feature, along with a range of camera enhancements and much more. We'll go over what we're expecting from it - something we have a pretty good idea of, thanks to betas. We'll also provide information about the compatibility with iOS 15.1.
The features of iOS 15.1
Since iOS 15.1 is released, these are some of the standout features we've seen so far:
SharePlay
SharePlay was originally scheduled to launch with iOS 15, but it was deferred until now. It is available as the main feature in iOS 15.1 instead.
This lets users stream shows and films as well as listen to their music on FaceTime calls, and keeps the content synchronized across everyone. It also has the ability to share screens.
This type of thing would have been perfect in the midst of the pandemic when the majority of interactions were conducted in a closed manner and even now, we can imagine that it's an important feature for a majority of people.
ProRes
There's more than one major feature to be found in iOS 15.1 and ProRes being included as well. It's only available for the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max, but it's not accessible to the general public.
It's a format for video recording, and while it's not a new format, this is the first time that a smartphone has been able to record using the format. It's created to be lossless in appearance (though the format is technically compressible) as well as less intensive on your computer's processor than formats such as H.264 and H.265 for editing.
But, ProRes documents take up lots of space, which is why you're only able to record in 1080p and 30fps if you're using a phone that has just 128GB of storage. However, for other phones, ProRes tops out at 4K resolution at 30fps.
To enable ProRes when you've got iOS 15.1, simply go into the Camera section of the main Settings app, and then select ProRes under the Formats option.
Auto Macro toggle
One of the camera features that's to be added is the ability to turn off this Auto Macro mode found on the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max. At present, these phones automatically switch to an ultra-wide lens once you are near to something, as this lens can be used to power the macro mode. It can focus even from 2 centimeters away.
So, in the majority of cases, this is the lens that's best for the job when you're close, but there could be instances when you'd prefer to use an alternative lens. If you deactivate Auto Macro, then you'll have the option of choosing.
Lossless audio and Dolby Atmos for HomePods
iOS 15.1 lets you play lossless music and Dolby Atmos with Spatial Audio compatibility through the HomePod or HomePod mini when used in conjunction with HomePod 15.1. These functions are already present on other Apple devices, therefore they're long overdue.
Covid vaccination data in health and wallet apps.
iOS 15.1 lets users upload their Covid-19 vaccine records to their Health app. After that, you will be able to also include a vaccine record in the Wallet app. It will contain a QR code, which can be used by any company or institution with which you would like to confirm your vaccination status.
These features can only be used if you're health care provider has agreed to them and has implemented these features. At the moment, they're only available to healthcare providers who utilize Smart Health Cards. These are currently only used by certain US states and vaccine centers.
Bug fixes
A bug fix for unlocking with Apple Watch
Along with the new features, iOS 15.1 also comes with bug fixes, one of which is an important one, fixing an issue that stops certain users from making use of the Unlock feature using the Apple Watch feature, designed to allow iPhone users with masks to bypass Face ID.
Compatible devices
If you have an iOS 14-compatible device, you're in luck. Surprisingly, Apple has made sure that every iPhone that can run iOS 14 can also run iOS 15. That's quite an accomplishment, considering it spans every gadget introduced in the previous six years.
It's now available for download on compatible iPhones and iPads running iPadOS 15.1 or later. The phones' compatibility dates back to the iPhone 6s, including the first and current editions of the iPhone SE, as well as the seventh-generation iPod touch. The list includes the iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone XR, iPhone X, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone SE (second generation), iPhone SE (first generation), and iPod seventh generation.
Winding Up
And that’s all about the iOS 15.0.1 updates and the perks it brings along with itself.
If you are an iPhone user like many of us, then be sure to check for new updates and waste no time on upgrading the OS of your device.
Good Day!
