We say ‘can make redundant', because Apple doesn't always provide you with all the features you'll find in specialized apps. For example, in iOS 15 you can view EXIF data of photos and adjust the date, but that's it. So there is still room for apps that have a lot more features to offer. So it's not always the case that Apple's standard feature competes with a developer's app. But there will also be regular users who will find it more than enough. In this overview we look at a number of functions that you previously needed third-party apps for – though there are also situations where third-party apps still make sense.
#1 VPN apps
With iCLoud+, Apple now offers its own VPN service, where your IP address is replaced by an anonymous IP address. In addition, the requested web address arrives via a second server, so that no connection can be made between your identity and the information you have requested. Your IP address can no longer be tracked. This provides basic functionality: it only hides the real location. With third-party VPN apps, you often have more options: you can indicate which country you want to use the internet through, so that you can still view content with regional blocks. This applies, for example, to international versions of Netflix. Apple does not offer the option to choose your country.
#2 Two-Factor Authentication Codes
Apple already offers the option to record your passwords with iCloud Keychain, so you often no longer need separate apps for passwords. With the arrival of iOS 15, you can also create codes for two-factor authentication, without the need for third-party authentication apps. As a result, there is increasing overlap with existing apps such as 1Password and Google Authenticator.
#3 Live Text replaces Google Lens
With Live Text, you can read text in photos and then copy the text to a note. You can also, for example, select a phone number on a photo and call immediately. This was already possible with Google Lens, so this function is no longer necessary for iPhone users. There is still a difference: while you can also have texts on photos translated from and into Dutch with Google Translate, that is not yet possible at Apple. Only English and Chinese are supported.
#4 View EXIF data of photos
We mentioned it above: EXIF is a new option in the Photos app, which allows you to see where a photo was taken, with which camera and at what time. You can also adjust the date and time of a photo. But much more is not possible. As a result, apps like Metapho are not completely redundant. We continue to mention these apps in our tip about viewing EXIF data on the iPhone.
#5 Browse and orient yourself in Apple Maps
Google Maps already had the ability to look around with AR. The app then recognizes the buildings in the area and explains in which direction you should walk. This is also possible with Apple Maps from iOS 15. The app compares your environment with the database of buildings and then indicates which street you should walk into. You also get more details about businesses and stores in your area. As with the Look Around feature, this is only available in a limited number of locations, so it's far from a threat to Google Maps.
#6 Video calling on the web
Zoom offers it from the start: invite others with a link and then put it in your calendar. It will be available in FaceTime this fall from Apple. You can also make video calls via the web with people who only have an Android or Windows device. Apple has also given the app a makeover with, for example, a grid view, so you can see more people at once. The background can be blurred with a new portrait function. But FaceTime still lags behind specialized video calling apps, as evidenced by the fact that Apple uses a completely different service internally and for sessions like Summer Camp and Today at Apple: WebEx.
The chance that people will now put Zoom aside is not that great. Apple really should have something more to offer. Nevertheless, FaceTime is still an excellent option for private conversations: you can call someone spontaneously, it costs nothing (even if you want to call for more than 40 minutes) and with functions such as Center Stage you are always well in view. The latter also works in Zoom.
#7 Mindful with the Apple Watch
The Breathe app on the Apple Watch gets a makeover with more mindfulness features. For example, you have to imagine things while watching, in short, an animation with moving spots. This is the Reflect function: you can use it to meditate on a certain subject while you are shown an animation. However, this does not replace specialized apps like Headspace, which offer much more extensive training programs.
#8 Share Play: watch videos together
Apps like Netflix already had a function to watch together. You will then both see the same on the screen, as if you were sitting together. This will also be coming to your iPhone, iPad, and other devices in Apple TV+ in the fall. Apple also offers third-party services the option to build it in, but Netflix isn't in the game so you'll still have to use Netflix's own solution. Disney+ and several other names do participate.
#9 Focus: more concentration
There are apps that help you concentrate better, such as Forest. In addition, you grow a forest while you are working. As long as you keep your fingers away from your iPhone, the forest continues to grow. There are also so-called Pomodoro apps that allow you to work concentrated for 25 minutes. The new Focus feature for iPhone, iPad, and Mac is a nice addition to that. But it is not a real replacement.
With Focus you avoid distractions by filtering notifications. You choose a Focus option and indicate which apps you want to use when you work concentrated. You can also create a separate home screen for concentrated work, so that you only see relevant apps on screen. Others can also see your status so they know you don't want to be distracted. This is a feature that comes standard in iOS 15 and something other apps can't imitate so quickly.
More about iOS 15
iOS 15 is the major update for the iPhone and iPod touch. If you want to know whether your iPhone is suitable for iOS 15, you will find the answer in our article. We expect the official iOS 15 release in September/October 2021. Find out what else was announced during the keynote in our WWDC 2021 recap!