Apple Confirms iOS 15 Launch Date With New Focus and Safari Features
Apple announces that iPhone users can download the free iOS 15 update starting September 20. The release brings major new tools like customizable Focus modes, a redesigned Safari, and on-device photo text scanning.
Apple confirms that iPhone users will receive the free iOS 15 update on September 20, following its initial unveiling at the Worldwide Developers Conference. The standout addition in this release is the new Focus mode, which allows users to customize their notification settings based on their current activity. People can create specific profiles for work, sleep, or workouts to filter out distractions and only receive alerts from selected apps and contacts.
The update also introduces significant changes to several default applications, including a heavily redesigned Safari browser that Apple refines based on earlier user feedback. Additionally, a refreshed Weather app, enhanced Apple Maps, and improved FaceTime features round out the broader system-wide enhancements. Safari's new look initially sparks controversy, but Apple actively listens to user concerns to smooth out the experience before the public launch.
Another major feature is Live Text, which scans photos for text directly on the device so users can copy, paste, and search for words in their pictures through Spotlight. The update supports a wide range of devices, including the iPhone 6s and newer, all iPhone SE models, and the latest iPod touch. For users who prefer to wait, Apple continues to provide important security patches for iOS 14, making the upgrade entirely optional.