Apple has been working on the next update foriOS 15andiPadOS 15for a bit of time now. Which means we’ve been working with a variety of different beta seeds over the last couple of months or so. But, now the company is ready for the public release.
Today is the day! Apple is finally ready with the public updates to iOS 15.2 and iPadOS 15.2. These are free upgrades for the mobile operating systems, as is par for the course. To update, there are a few different options. You can head into the Settings app, then select General –> Software Update and follow the onscreen instructions to get the new software downloaded and installed.
Or, you can turn on Automatic Updates and let your device(s) go through the update process overnight, while they are plugged in.
But what’s new?
iOS 15.2 and iPadOS 15.2 don’t add a ton of new features into the mix, but there are some important new additions. Here’s a quick breakdown of what’s new in iOS 15.2:
iOS 15.2 adds theMessages Communication Safety feature, which is built into the Messages app on those platforms, and it serves to offer up warnings of potentially explicit photos being shared in the app. Both children and the parents will be notified of that potentially harmful material. Those warnings will be issued when a photo is shared to the child or sent from the child’s device.
iOS 15.2 adds the ability toquickly see a list ofwhat has been repaired and/or replacedon your device, including batteries, displays, and more.
App Privacy Reportis now available in iOS 15.2 and iPadOS 15.2. This allows users to see just how often apps are accessing a range of sensitive information based on the permissions the user has allowed. That includes camera, location, and much more.
iOS 15.2 adds support forLegacy Contacts, which will allow someone to declare individuals as those who can access the “digital legacy” of someone who has passed away.
The new softwaresupports a new featurein the Find My app called “Items That Can Track Me.” This allows users to quickly see if an item tracker, like an Apple AirTag, is near them — even if it’s not theirs.
iOS 15.2adds a dedicated togglein the Camera app to switch on or off theMacro photography mode.
An important update, even if it isn’t jam packed with a suite of forward facing new changes.
Apple released macOS Monterey 12.1 today as well. With that, Apple finally brings SharePlay to the desktop operating system as well.
Apple also released watchOS 8.3to the public as well. To update, the eligible Apple Watch must have at least 50% battery life, be connected to its charger, and be paired with the iPhone. Automatic Update will download and install the new software overnight when the Apple Watch is connected to its charger. Owners can also open the Watch app, tap on General –> Software Update and follow the onscreen instructions to update to the newest software.
Apple also released tvOS 15.2 to the public as well.
The iOS 15.2 changelog (it’s a doozy)
iOS 15.2 adds Apple Music Voice Plan, a new subscription tier that provides access to music using Siri. This update also includes the App Privacy Report, new safety features for children and parents in Messages, and other features and bug fixes for your iPhone.
Apple Music Voice Plan
Siri and Search
This release also includes the following enhancements for your iPhone:
This release also includes bug fixes for your iPhone:
Some features may not be available for all regions or on all Apple devices. For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit this website:
https://support.apple.com/kb/HT201222
