Apple recently released the latest iPhone (and iPad) operating system. IOS 15 is available now for all iPhones made in the past few years, and it brings several notable upgrades to many of these supported models. A few iPhone models won’t support the most robust iOS 15 upgrades, though. If you have an iPhone, here’s what you should know about the recent release of iOS 15.
Fully Released September 20
Apple first announced iOS 15 at the company’s June Worldwide Developers Conference, and a beta version of the platform was made available to developers at that time. The full version wasn’t made available to all iPhone users until September 20, just before the iPhone 13 became available.
All new iPhone 13 and 13 Mini models come preinstalled with iOS 15. Many other iPhone models also support the new software, and an update rollout is already in progress. Most iPhones will download and install the update automatically in the coming days (if they haven’t already).
Capability Depends on Processor Chip
Most recent iPhone models support the iOS 15 platform, but not all phones are able to utilize the update’s most noteworthy features. Whether a particular model is able to fully realize the update’s potential depends on what processor chip the phone has.
IOS 15 is compatible with all phones that support iOS 13 and iOS 14, which includes a wide range of new and older phone models. The update can be installed on all of the following iPhones:
- SE (2016 and 2020)
- 6s (6s and 6s Plus)
- 7 (7 and 7 Plus)
- 8 (8 and 8 Plus)
- X (X, XR, XS and XSMax)
- 11 (11, 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max)
- 12 (12, 12 Mini, 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max)
- 13 (13 and 13 Mini)
Apple’s A12 Bionic chip is the oldest processor chip that’s able to support the full range of features that iOS 15 comes with. Only the following iPhones will realize all of the update’s capabilities:
- SE (2020)
- Some X (XS, XS Max and XR)
- 11 (11, 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max)
- 12 (12, 12 Mini, 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max)
- 13 (13 and 13 Mini)
The iPhone SE (2016), 6s series, 7 series, 8 series and X won’t be able to use all of the new features.
Many Notable New Features
For iPhone models that support all of iOS 15’s capabilities, the new update brings many new features. The following are merely some of the highlights.
Connecting More With FaceTime
FaceTime is getting two major upgrades. Portrait Mode utilizes spatial recognition to make people sound as if they’re coming from where they are on the screen during video calls. SharePlay now lets users sync real-time streaming experiencing, including Apple Music, Apple TV+ and other streaming services.
Conveniently Sharing With IMessage
IMessage comes with a more convenient way to share memories and photos. Rather than only sending one photo at a time, users can now group photos together so that they’re sent as a package. The group is displayed as a collage that can be swiped through.
In-World Maps and Directions
Apple Maps has several upgrades, including more detailed information on elevation, roads and route directions. Maps will also now be able to give in-world directions.
As users travel along a route, Apple Maps follows along and gives real-time directions. Users can get specific information on where to board and offboard when taking mass transit, and all directions can now be viewed in 3D.
The 3D format makes it easier to recognize landmarks and road features, and it also is useful if you’re ever lost. Simply scan a nearby building or landmark, and Mapps may have the feature cataloged. If the building/landmark is cataloged, then Maps can show exactly where you are.
More Accessible Privacy Settings
Furthering Apple’s emphasis to prioritize personal data security, iOS 15 will have several additional privacy features. An App Privacy Report shows how different apps use built-in features, and Siri requests are processed locally by default. Mail Privacy blocks location identification and email open notification, thus greatly limiting the data that email senders can see.
Get Cash for Upgrading
If you’re looking forward to these new features but have an older phone, upgrading is the best way to take full advantage of iOS 15. We at MLG Cash may be able to give you cash for your current phone, which could be used to help pay for your upgrade.
To see how much your current phone is worth, answer a few questions on our website. We’ll show you how much your phone is worth, and you can then take it to one of more than 5,000 dropoff locations nationwide. Assuming your description of the phone’s condition is accurate, you’ll get that amount we promised to pay immediately when you drop the phone off. We pay via PayPal or MoneyGram.
If you have an iPhone 7, iPhone 8, iPhone X or iPhone SE 2016, don’t miss out on the new features. See how much your phone is worth — we buy all of these models — and get some cash to purchase a newer phone with.
