Apple’s latest iPhone software update is here. We’ll walk you through what’s new and how to get the download.
Apple just publicly released iOS 15 for iPhones last month, alongside four new phones, the iPhone 13 and 13 Mini, and the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max. And now a new OS update has arrived. The dedicated operating system for all iPhone devices, iOS 15 brought a variety of new and improved features when it launched. In the first month, we saw a couple of small patches, including a security fix, but no major updates yet.
However, with the launch of iOS 15.1 — Apple’s first major upgrade to the new OS — we finally get some of the new features we’ve been waiting for. Here’s what you need to know about today’s launch of 15.1.
When is the iOS 15.1 release date?
Apple released iOS 15.1 on Monday, Oct. 25.
How do I download iOS 15.1?
To download the iOS update, go to Settings > General > Software Update. The download has a file size of about 1.4GB. We recommend backing up your device before you begin the download — it’s the safest move before any major update.
What’s in iOS 15.1 for iPhone?
The iOS 15.1 update finally adds support for SharePlay, as well as ProRes video recording for the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max. The 15.1 beta also includes the ability to upload your vaccination card to Apple Wallet. The usual bug fixes should be in there, too.
What is the FaceTime SharePlay feature?
Apple built a lot of hype around its SharePlay feature — an upgrade to FaceTime that allows you to share your screen during the call, letting your friends and family stream the same television and music as you at the same time. However, the feature didn’t launch with iOS 15 last month, leaving many iPhone owners wondering when they could use SharePlay. SharePlay has now arrived with the 15.1 update.
What does ProRes support do?
The biggest draws of the iPhone 13 Pro and the iPhone 13 Pro Max are their stellar cameras. The ProRes video feature helps you get the most out of them by minimizing the amount your videos are compressed, helping to protect the image quality in your videos. It’s great if you like to do creative editing before sharing your captures. ProRes was included in iOS 15.1.
How can I download future iOS betas?
In order to test the beta versions of Apple software, you first need to sign up for Apple’s Beta Software Program. Note that beta versions of software are buggy and not optimized, so we only recommend downloading betas on extra devices, not your primary phone, tablet or laptop. Once you’re participating in the program, you’ll need to download the configuration profile from Apple. Then you should be able to find the latest beta version by going to Settings > General > Software update and selecting Download and Install.
