Every Cool iOS 15.1 Feature Update Worth Knowing About

Apple tends to update their devices at the same time, so in addition to its massive macOS Monterey update, the company also released iOS 15.1. The iPhone already had its macOS Monterey moment with iOS 15, but that doesn’t mean iOS 15.1 is an update to sneeze at. In fact, there are some awesome new features packed in this software.

Of course, iOS 15.1 is not going to be nearly as feature-filled as iOS 15 was. Apple packs hundreds of new features in major updates like 15.0, and supplies a handful of new changes in subsequent releases. 15.1 is no different; this update adds some new features, a few bug fixes, but isn’t a complete overhaul to your overall iPhone experience.

Which iPhones can run iOS 15.1?

All iPhones that are compatible with iOS 15 are eligible for this update. The full list is as follows:

• iPhone 13
• iPhone 13 mini
• iPhone 13 Pro
• iPhone 13 Pro Max
• iPhone 12
• iPhone 12 mini
• iPhone 12 Pro
• iPhone 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 11
• iPhone 11 Pro
• iPhone 11 Pro Max
• iPhone Xs
• iPhone Xs Max
• iPhone Xr
• iPhone X
• iPhone 8
• iPhone 8 Plus
• iPhone 7
• iPhone 7 Plus
• iPhone 6s
• iPhone 6s Plus
• iPhone SE (1st generation)
• iPhone SE (2nd generation)

What’s new for iPhone in iOS 15.1?

With iOS 15.1, Apple has made changes in eight key categories. Let’s start off with arguably the biggest news:

SharePlay

Finally. Apple’s delayed feature, SharePlay, is now available on iPhone with iOS 15.1. The FaceTime feature was one of the highlights of the iOS 15 announcement, and allows you to share media from Apple TV, Apple Music, Fitness+, and other apps with friends during a video call.

Everyone on the call has the ability to control the playback of the media, and smart volume will automatically lower the sound of video or song when someone starts to speak. You can even share your screen with SharePlay, making FaceTime all the more like other video conferencing apps.

iPhone 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max Camera updates

With iOS 15.1, Apple has added ProRes video to the iPhone 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max. ProRes is a professional video codec from Apple that lowers video compression while also keeping file sizes limited. Adding this codec to the 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max will give more users access to a professional video standard.

In addition, the update adds the option to turn off automatic camera switching when taking macro photos and videos on the 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max.

Add your COVID vaccine card to Wallet

The new update brings support for adding your COVID vaccine card verification to Wallet. The option is quite limited at this time, as it uses the SMART Health system. You can check here to see if your state or pharmacy supports this system.

Translate gains a new language

The Translate app, as well as system-wide translation, now support Mandarin Chinese (Taiwan).

New Home automations

There are now new automation triggers based on HomeKit-enabled humidity, air quality, or light level sensor devices.

Shortcuts sees an update

You can now add text on images or GIFs using Shortcuts. You’ll also see a new selection of games that you can play through Siri.

Bug fixes for your iPhone

New updates don’t just mean new features; Apple also patches issues with the software, including these six bugs:

• Photos app may incorrectly report storage is full when importing photos and videos.
• Weather app may not show current temperature for My Location, and may display colours of animated backgrounds incorrectly.
• Audio playing from an app may pause when locking the screen.
• Wallet may unexpectedly quit when using VoiceOver with multiple passes.
• Available Wi-Fi networks may not be detected.
• Battery algorithms updated on iPhone 12 models to better estimate battery capacity over time.