iOS 15.1 features
Apple has added many new features in iOS 15, but not all of the promised features are available yet. There are still a handful of deferred iOS 15 features coming later this year. We'll see some of those in iOS 15.1, the update that's now available in beta. Some new features have already emerged from the beta of iOS 15.1, which we will highlight for you here.
- SharePlay
- HomePod lossless
- COVID vaccination certificate in Wallet
- Other
Problems and bugs in iOS 15 Are you experiencing problems or bugs in iOS 15? Then read our article on common issues with the update. In it you can also read reactions from other users and you can also share your own problems.
#1 SharePlay returns
SharePlay was an important feature for iOS 15, but Apple decided to postpone the feature halfway through the betas. Fortunately, it doesn't seem to be long before we can use it anyway. Apple is adding SharePlay again in the beta of iOS 15.1, so we can probably start using it again sometime in October. Thanks to SharePlay, you can share your screen via FaceTime, watch a movie or series with someone remotely or stream music with your conversation partner via FaceTime.
#2 HomePod gets lossless audio
It was already known that the HomePod will get support for lossless audio in a software update. Now it is clear that iOS 15.1 and HomePod software update 15.1 are the updates in which this will (most likely) be added. Thanks to lossless, you can play music in higher audio quality. In addition to lossless audio, Dolby Atmos is also supported, 9to5Mac found.
#3 COVID Vaccination Certificate in Wallet (in the US)
iPhone users in the US can add their COVID Vaccine Certificate to Wallet through the Health app in some states. Apple announced the feature, which is part of iOS 15.1. The evidence must be based on the SMART Health Cards specification. This does not work in the Netherlands, but fortunately there are countless other ways to add your vaccination to Wallet. You can put your international QR code in Wallet via, for example, Pass4Wallet.
#4 Other minor changes
Apple has made some more minor changes:
- Head-tracking for music: If you're listening through AirPods Pro or AirPods Max, you can turn off head-tracking from the Control Center. To do this, press and hold the spatial audio button.
- Announce new icon for callers: Under Settings > Phone Apple has added a new icon to the Announce caller option. Instead of a phone call in a speech bubble, it's now a phone with a sound wave.
We expect Apple to release iOS 15.1 sometime in October. Until then, Apple will regularly release new betas.
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. The official iOS 15 release is September 20, 2021. Read our overview of the best iOS 15 features or check the 50+ iOS 15 discoveries for even more improvements. Are you ready for it? Then follow our step-by-step plan for installing iOS 15. For answers to questions, we have an extensive iOS 15 FAQ.