Apple’s iOS 15, released in September 2021, brought with it a range of new features and improvements that sought to enhance the user experience for iPhone and iPad owners. As with any major software update, there are both advantages and disadvantages associated with the changes it introduced.
From improved privacy features to redesigned apps, iOS 15 offers significant improvements over its predecessors, but it also comes with a few drawbacks that users should be aware of. This article provides a detailed analysis of the pros and cons of iOS 15, weighing its strengths and weaknesses to help users make an informed decision about whether to update or how to better utilize the new features.
The insights provided here are based on user reviews, developer reports, and Apple’s official release notes, offering a balanced perspective on iOS 15.
Pros Of iOS 15
1. Enhanced Focus Mode
iOS 15 introduced a highly customizable Focus Mode, allowing users to better manage notifications and control when and how they interact with their devices. Unlike the simpler “Do Not Disturb” feature, Focus Mode lets users create multiple customized modes for different scenarios, such as work, personal time, sleep, and driving. Each mode can allow or block specific apps and contacts, ensuring that users receive only the notifications that matter most during different activities. This feature helps reduce distractions and improve productivity, making it a valuable tool for both personal and professional use.
2. Revamped FaceTime Features
FaceTime in iOS 15 received several updates that significantly enhance the video calling experience. One major improvement is SharePlay, which allows users to share music, videos, and their screen with others during FaceTime calls. Additionally, Spatial Audio creates a more immersive sound experience by simulating the directionality of voices, making conversations feel more natural. FaceTime also introduced a Portrait Mode, which blurs the background during calls, similar to how the iPhone’s camera blurs the background in photos. These new features make FaceTime a more competitive option compared to other video conferencing apps like Zoom and Google Meet.
3. Focus On Privacy With Mail Privacy Protection
One of iOS 15’s standout features is its continued emphasis on privacy. The Mail Privacy Protection feature prevents senders from knowing when an email has been opened and masks the recipient’s IP address. This stops email marketers and other third parties from tracking user behavior. This addition to Apple’s privacy arsenal strengthens its commitment to keeping user data secure and gives users more control over how their information is shared.
4. Notifications Redesign
iOS 15 brings a notifications redesign, making alerts more organized and easier to manage. Notifications now feature larger icons for apps and people, making it easier to see at a glance what is important. Additionally, users can take advantage of the Notification Summary feature, which collects and delivers non-urgent notifications at scheduled times. This prevents notifications from interrupting users during busy periods, reducing the risk of being overwhelmed by constant alerts throughout the day.
5. Safari Overhaul
Safari underwent a significant redesign in iOS 15, introducing a more streamlined and user-friendly experience. The address bar was moved to the bottom of the screen for easier one-handed use, and users can now swipe between open tabs more seamlessly. Safari also gained support for tab groups, allowing users to organize their tabs more efficiently. The browser now offers a more customizable experience, with new background images and privacy protections like Intelligent Tracking Prevention, which stops trackers from profiling users based on their browsing history.
6. Improved Maps Experience
Apple Maps received significant improvements in iOS 15, particularly in terms of navigation and design. Detailed 3D city maps were introduced for major metropolitan areas, offering enhanced details like building facades, crosswalks, bike lanes, and more. This makes navigating cities much easier and safer for drivers and pedestrians. Additionally, users benefit from improved driving directions with lane guidance and enhanced transit information. The app’s interface has also been streamlined, making it more intuitive to use.
7. New Features In Messages
The Messages app in iOS 15 received a variety of updates designed to make communication more interactive. Shared with You is a new feature that collects content shared via Messages, such as photos, articles, and music, and organizes them into the relevant apps (e.g., Photos, Safari, Apple Music). This makes it easier to find and revisit shared content later without scrolling through long message threads. Additionally, users can now add “pins” to important messages, ensuring that key information doesn’t get lost in a conversation.
8. Focus On Wellness With Health App Updates
Apple’s Health app also saw meaningful updates in iOS 15, adding new features that promote physical and mental well-being. Users can now share health data securely with family members or healthcare providers, helping to keep everyone informed about important health metrics. The Trends feature allows users to track long-term health trends, such as changes in walking steadiness, sleep patterns, and cardio fitness. These updates make the Health app a more comprehensive tool for managing personal health and wellness.
9. Live Text And Visual Lookup
One of the most innovative features in iOS 15 is Live Text, which allows users to interact with text in images. For example, users can copy and paste text from photos, translate languages, or call phone numbers that appear in images. Visual Lookup enhances this functionality by identifying objects, landmarks, plants, and animals in photos, providing users with more information about the world around them. These features showcase Apple’s advancements in machine learning and make everyday tasks faster and more convenient.
10. iCloud+ Privacy Features
iOS 15 introduced iCloud+, a new subscription service that includes enhanced privacy features for iCloud users. One of the standout features is Private Relay, which encrypts internet traffic and hides users’ IP addresses, making online activity more secure and anonymous. iCloud+ also includes Hide My Email, which generates random email addresses that forward messages to your real inbox, protecting your personal email from spam and phishing attempts. These features make iCloud+ a valuable addition for users who prioritize online privacy.
11. Weather App Redesign
The Weather app was redesigned in iOS 15, offering a more visually appealing and informative experience. The app now provides dynamic backgrounds that change based on current weather conditions, and users can access more detailed weather maps with information on precipitation, air quality, and temperature. This redesign makes it easier for users to stay informed about the weather, particularly in regions prone to extreme conditions.
Cons Of iOS 15
1. Performance Issues On Older Devices
While iOS 15 is compatible with devices as old as the iPhone 6s, users with older iPhones and iPads have reported performance issues after updating. These include slower app load times, battery drain, and occasional system lag. Although Apple has worked to optimize the update for all supported devices, older hardware may struggle to keep up with some of the more resource-intensive features, making the update less desirable for users with older models.
2. Mixed Reactions To Safari Redesign
The Safari redesign, particularly the decision to move the address bar to the bottom of the screen, received mixed reactions from users. While some appreciated the change for its improved one-handed usability, others found it confusing or disruptive. The change in layout and functionality required users to adjust their browsing habits, which may not appeal to everyone. Fortunately, Apple provided the option to revert to the traditional top-bar layout, but this mixed reception shows that the redesign did not suit all users.
3. App Compatibility Issues
With every major iOS update, there’s a period where some third-party apps may experience compatibility issues. iOS 15 is no exception, and several users reported app crashes, bugs, and features not functioning as intended. Developers often need time to update their apps to be fully compatible with new iOS versions, so early adopters of iOS 15 may experience disruptions in their app usage, especially with lesser-known or specialized apps that may not receive immediate updates.
4. Battery Drain Concerns
Battery life has been a frequent complaint among iOS 15 users, particularly in the days following the update. While it’s common for system updates to temporarily affect battery performance as the device re-indexes data and optimizes settings, some users have reported ongoing issues with faster battery drain even after weeks of usage. Battery management has always been a delicate balance in new iOS releases, and iOS 15 is no exception, especially on older devices.
5. Learning Curve With New Features
While iOS 15 introduced many new features, some users may find the learning curve steep. Features like Focus Mode, Live Text, and Safari’s tab management require time and effort to fully understand and implement. For less tech-savvy users or those who prefer simplicity, navigating the new options can feel overwhelming or unnecessary. This complexity may detract from the user experience, especially for those who don’t have the time or interest to explore every new feature in detail.
6. Storage Space Requirements
Updating to iOS 15 requires a significant amount of storage space, especially for users who haven’t performed regular backups or storage management. For iPhones and iPads with limited storage, particularly older models with 64GB or less, freeing up enough space for the update can be a hassle. This could involve deleting apps, photos, or other important data, which can be frustrating for users who rely on their device’s limited storage capacity.
7. Siri Shortcuts Limitations
While Siri has improved over the years, including in iOS 15, some users still find Siri Shortcuts underwhelming compared to automation options on Android devices. Although Siri can now process requests offline and handle a broader range of tasks, the customization and flexibility of Shortcuts still lag behind Android’s more open approach to automation. This can be a drawback for power users who want more control over how their device responds to commands.
8. Inconsistent User Experience Across Apps
Despite the many enhancements in iOS 15, some users have reported inconsistencies in the user experience across apps. For instance, some apps may not fully support Focus Mode, meaning users still receive unwanted notifications even when a focus setting is active. Similarly, while Live Text works well with Apple’s native apps, it may not function seamlessly with all third-party apps. These inconsistencies can disrupt the overall user experience, making the system feel less cohesive.
9. Lack Of Significant Visual Changes
Although iOS 15 introduced a range of new features, some users were disappointed by the lack of significant visual changes in the operating system’s design. Unlike previous updates that overhauled the appearance of iOS (such as the move to flat design in iOS 7), iOS 15 retains much of the same look and feel as iOS 14. For users looking for a fresh, visually exciting experience, iOS 15 may feel more like an incremental update rather than a transformative one.
Conclusion
iOS 15 offers a wealth of new features, focusing on improving user experience, privacy, and app functionality. From the enhanced FaceTime features to privacy-forward tools like Mail Privacy Protection and iCloud+, iOS 15 has made strides in creating a more secure and user-friendly operating system. However, it’s not without its flaws.
Performance issues on older devices, mixed reactions to the Safari redesign, and ongoing battery concerns are notable drawbacks. Ultimately, whether iOS 15 is the right upgrade depends on a user’s device, needs, and preferences. For those with newer devices and a desire to explore new features, iOS 15 provides a meaningful update, while users with older devices may wish to consider the potential downsides before making the switch.