iOS 15 may be least exciting version yet

[MozMan68]

I don’t think they really ever cared (or gave particular emphasis) on power users. They are selling to their base: people who like Apple because it just works. Now that may not be as accurate as it used to be, but it really is what they are doing.

They are selling Toyota Corollas, functionally. You buy it, it does what you want it to do. If you want to soup your phone up, you buy one on which you can do so: an Android.

iOS, as mentioned above, is a mature OS now, like MacOS (then OS X) became about 10-12 years ago. There is only so much you can do within the existing computing paradigm. Apple changed that paradigm back in 2007 with the phone and now that ecosystem has seen much of its innovation curve pass by.

We await the next paradigm shift.

This is so spot on, it's scary...and I get why people on HERE disagree, but I always try to imagine what would happen to my 75+ year old parents if iOS had or did half the crap people on here want. Hah!

iOS users are 5-10% "power users" in my opinion...and I think I'm being REALLY generous with that as I'm on here every day and don't even consider myself close to being as much of a power user as most on here...

<--- Apple Fanboi Level

 

[11235813]

Most self proclaimed "power users" are people who wish to spend the majority of their time customizing their gadgets, rather than using them. Real power users, people who are actual professionals, want their gadgets and OS's to get out of the way and make things as simple as possible for them, because they can't afford to waste time figuring out the intricacies of geek-friendly UI.

 

[jk1221]

This is so spot on, it's scary...and I get why people on HERE disagree, but I always try to imagine what would happen to my 75+ year old parents if iOS had or did half the crap people on here want. Hah!

iOS users are 5-10% "power users" in my opinion...and I think I'm being REALLY generous with that as I'm on here every day and don't even consider myself close to being as much of a power user as most on here...

<--- Apple Fanboi Level

Most self proclaimed "power users" are people who wish to spend the majority of their time customizing their gadgets, rather than using them. Real power users, people who are actual professionals, want their gadgets and OS's to get out of the way and make things as simple as possible for them, because they can't afford to waste time figuring out the intricacies of geek-friendly UI.

True, but there are still some really glaring features missing. Some people say there is still external drive issues with Files not being recognized on new iPads being reported; basic usability stuff.

Widgets why are they not interactive? If I want to change my thermostat or scroll days in my calendar (old Fantastical widget) why cant I? You could with the old style ones that lived separate in the panel! So it actually regressed.

These types of things would not change the OS. There are still some really glaring "more power user" features Apple seems to be sitting on their hands with and not fixing. That doesnt meant grandma cant use widgets (if she even does at all) or can't look at them. But they would serve some function too.

And I mean icon themeing, who would be hurt by that? IT could in fact be a revenue stream in the app store selling theme packs. Rather than hacky shortcut methods. Or put icons anywhere, not just top left to right and down.

None of these would hurt anyone's basic feature set as options to have.

And let's not even get into stuff like Ipad has a weather widget but no app- takes you to the weather website. How embarrassing they couldn't port a simple weather app (or calculator at that).

And that is REALLY frustrating when you get new memoji outfits, which is like a slap in the face that a team spend weeks or more on that crap. Over any of the above type of stuff. I think that is more what the power user vs kids was referring to more so.

It is possible to have a middle ground here rather than defend and justify every choice Apple makes though.

You also have Pro iPads now going up to 2 grand or more, more than a Mac, that do nothing special above a $600 Air. Very similar feature set too since the M1 ad more RAM gets you nothing more. There doesnt appear anything specific to new iPads but calling it a Pro charging 2-3 times the price of an Air. Which is very awkward and makes a Macbook Air or Pro more compelling really; both cheaper than even a base iPad and keyboard with more storage but same specs.

And frankly it's hard to feel bad for them. They backed themselves into this corner that if they make the iPad too good it will eat Macbook sales. They could have kept the pad as a cheap media device as originally released or make it a full computer alternative and not take this buy all our stuff strategy. But they are intentionally gimping the iPad, that much is clear.

 

[macOS Lynx]

Not a single feature that the casual user will be hyped about. All this FaceTime and group sharing is so niche, weird they spent so much time on it

I feel like people create these threads just to get people riled up/triggered.

I find it very interesting that you know the desires and wishes of every single "casual" user on the planet. Most "casual" people I know that I've told about the iOS and iPadOS 15 features seem to be pretty excited or interested in them, especially SharePlay. On top of that, it's clear the average casual user does care about those features, considering just about every major chat app and every major video app has been adding similar features over the past year.

You're absolutely entitled to be disappointed if an update doesn't change things you really care about (As I was with iOS 9,. iOS 10 and iOS 11 - part of why I started using Android again around that time) - but I don't think you have any kind of authority to say "my opinion is universal", now do you?

 

[MozMan68]

True, but there are still some really glaring features missing. Some people say there is still external drive issues with Files not being recognized on new iPads being reported; basic usability stuff.

Widgets why are they not interactive? If I want to change my thermostat or scroll days in my calendar (old Fantastical widget) why cant I? You could with the old style ones that lived separate in the panel! So it actually regressed.

These types of things would not change the OS. There are still some really glaring "more power user" features Apple seems to be sitting on their hands with and not fixing. That doesnt meant grandma cant use widgets (if she even does at all) or can't look at them. But they would serve some function too.

And I mean icon themeing, who would be hurt by that? IT could in fact be a revenue stream in the app store selling theme packs. Rather than hacky shortcut methods. Or put icons anywhere, not just top left to right and down.

None of these would hurt anyone's basic feature set as options to have.

And let's not even get into stuff like Ipad has a weather widget but no app- takes you to the weather website. How embarrassing they couldn't port a simple weather app (or calculator at that).

And that is REALLY frustrating when you get new memoji outfits, which is like a slap in the face that a team spend weeks or more on that crap. Over any of the above type of stuff. I think that is more what the power user vs kids was referring to more so.

It is possible to have a middle ground here rather than defend and justify every choice Apple makes though.

You also have Pro iPads now going up to 2 grand or more, more than a Mac, that do nothing special above a $600 Air. Very similar feature set too since the M1 ad more RAM gets you nothing more. There doesnt appear anything specific to new iPads but calling it a Pro charging 2-3 times the price of an Air. Which is very awkward and makes a Macbook Air or Pro more compelling really; both cheaper than even a base iPad and keyboard with more storage but same specs.

And frankly it's hard to feel bad for them. They backed themselves into this corner that if they make the iPad too good it will eat Macbook sales. They could have kept the pad as a cheap media device as originally released or make it a full computer alternative and not take this buy all our stuff strategy. But they are intentionally gimping the iPad, that much is clear.

You are proving my point…all of that stuff makes sense to you and you really have no concept of how “stupid” people are when it comes to this stuff.

What you feel is regression is Apple saying, “that’s too complicated for our average user”…and again, average user represents probably 90% of the people buying iPhones.

 

[Knowlege Bomb]

You are proving my point…all of that stuff makes sense to you and you really have no concept of how “stupid” people are when it comes to this stuff.

What you feel is regression is Apple saying, “that’s too complicated for our average user”…and again, average user represents probably 90% of the people buying iPhones.

What's hilarious is you'll see users talk about how convoluted iOS has become and in the same breath say "They should give us the option to turn this off" to features they won't use. Settings is already way too bloated.

 

[jk1221]

You are proving my point…all of that stuff makes sense to you and you really have no concept of how “stupid” people are when it comes to this stuff.

What you feel is regression is Apple saying, “that’s too complicated for our average user”…and again, average user represents probably 90% of the people buying iPhones.

Ok take an always on display. You ship it as an OPT-IN feature. Anyone "too dumb" does not know it exists if they dont want to find it. Their device looks nothing different than expected.

It is and always has been a simple answer. You CAN have it both ways; regardless what Apple wants you to believe. There are over 3 BILLION Android devices and people get by just fine with the crap ton of features it has- most are shipped off and opt in if you choose to use them. Somehow billions of people get by just fine still.

What's hilarious is you'll see users talk about how convoluted iOS has become and in the same breath say "They should give us the option to turn this off" to features they won't use. Settings is already way too bloated.

Setting is bloated because of Apple. They put ALL app settings in there rather than in the app. For example, you can change notifications or background refresh in the individual app setting AND the individual Notifications and General->Background Refresh sections. They double and triple stuff up.

The basic setting features are very simple (accessibility features are a different thing). If there were no individual app settings it would be a VERY short menu.

 

[MozMan68]

Ok take an always on display. You ship it as an OPT-IN feature. Anyone "too dumb" does not know it exists if they dont want to find it. Their device looks nothing different than expected.

It is and always has been a simple answer. You CAN have it both ways; regardless what Apple wants you to believe. There are over 3 BILLION Android devices and people get by just fine with the crap ton of features it has- most are shipped off and opt in if you choose to use them. Somehow billions of people get by just fine still.



Setting is bloated because of Apple. They put ALL app settings in there rather than in the app. For example, you can change notifications or background refresh in the individual app setting AND the individual Notifications and General->Background Refresh sections. They double and triple stuff up.

The basic setting features are very simple (accessibility features are a different thing). If there were no individual app settings it would be a VERY short menu.

Now to the next big point you are missing…Android is a system available to all of those users because it is mostly an “open source” system available on thousands of different phones, tablets, etc.

IOS is ONLY available on Apple devices…on purpose…Apple is just about experience, design and brand as it is about function.

iOS is this way on PURPOSE! They do not want you to have too many options as it dilutes the look and feel across all of the devices.

You don't have to like it, but accepting it makes getting through the day much easier…and you always have the option to go buy a phone that runs Android. Here’s a simple list for you to choose from…

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Android_smartphones

 

[jk1221]

and you always have the option to go by a phone that runs Android. Here’s a simple list for you to choose from…

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Android_smartphones

Go figure the expected MR response, dont like it buh buy here's a douchey reply with a Wikipedia list of Android devices. It has NOTHING to do with going to Android or not smart guy. Try hearing what other are saying before making up stuff.

Sadly couldnt have left it at a mature response as the first part was on the merits. Which is still incorrect because you are implying no regular users (90% of regular people buying phones) use Android a baseline more complex OS, which is far reality. And they get by just fine. Billions of them who are normal people know nothing about tech or have no other tech in poorer countries.

Gosh, just remembered why I stopped using MR for many years; because of people with his attitude who have ZERO objectivity or desire to hear varying opinions other than thy holy Apple's spoon fed to them. Clearly the Parler of Apple fanatics; the Apple echo chamber.

 

[MozMan68]

Go figure the expected MR response, dont like it buh buy here's a douchey reply with a Wikipedia list of Android devices

Just remembered why I stopped using MR for many years; because of people with his attitude who have ZERO objectivity or desire to hear varying opinions other than thy holy Apple's spoon fed to them.

Clearly the Parler of Apple fanatics; the Apple echo chamber.

Sadly couldnt have left it at a mature response the first part was on the merits.

Hah…I’m only telling you the facts as to why what you and a lot of people on here have been complaining about for as long as iOS has existed doesn’t seem to matter too much to Apple.

It’s the same every year…again, you don’t have to like it and no one said your opinion wasn’t valid or even agreed to by some on here…maybe even me on some stuff.

My point is, it doesn’t really matter…and I clearly listed the reasons why. Nothing personal.

 

[thatsthequy]

Unless I missed it, not once did they mention during this week's keynote did they mention performance (maybe during the Siri bit they did). But seeing how little has changed, makes me really hyped this will be a full year of stability and reliability. I had a flashback to the El Capitan Release where they started off the announcement talking about the improvements to the existing features in OS X. Apple giving users the option to stay on iOS 14 and still receive security updates - despite no iOS devices being dropped from support this year - echos this even further. They realized what a rocky release Catalina was and we are finally seeing their reaction now to that year.

Privacy enhancements, SharePlay, Focus, Universal Control, and a refreshed Safari are all welcome little add-ons to the ecosystem we know and love.

What are your thoughts? Would you have preferred Apple introduce more groundbreaking features that would have made this year more disruptive and less stable?

 

[TimFL1]

I don‘t know. I think this update is pretty much as packed as iOS 14. SharePlay is massive, the Maps redesign (although very limited availability) is really good, the Focus mode and Notification redesign are top notch, the new AI content in photos is really useful, Universal Control is the future and people probably don’t even grasp how big Matter for HomeKit is going to be (hint: very big). Calling this 14.8 is pretty insulting.

We all had hopes for certain features, but it was clear as night and day that you‘re not getting your macOS feature parity for iPadOS (or the hardware utilized properly) or that there wont be a Siri 2.0.

 

[Apple_Robert]

I think this year's release is far from boring. I am pleased with what I have seen thus far.

 

[fwmireault]

Yeah I have the impression that Apple this year took the time to fix many little things on their OS rather than adding major features. I am not against it, all the tidbits that I’ve seen since monday are all welcomed. I would not qualify the new features as boring, and there’s a couple of pretty major features added too. But I’m not against Apple taking the time to fix many small things and unify more theirs platforms. Of course it could not be like that each year, but Apple will be in a better position next year to offer some bigger features.

Let’s not forget that iOS, tvOS, watchOS, macOS are all mature plateforms, and Apple can only add smaller and smaller fix and features year on year. I’m not saying it’s perfect, but I think it’s normal that the new features feels less revolutionary than 10 years ago. I think iPadOS have some way to do before being qualified as a mature OS

 

[thatsthequy]

All good replies. I guess the "boring" bit was a bit too harsh. But a solid effort to leverage their advantage of owning the phone, tablet, computer, tv, and home space by integrating every one tighter than before is very welcome. I am not underwhelmed this year, I just hope none of this is at the sacrifice of reliability.

 

[macOS Lynx]

Every release according to this website is “bad” or “boring” or “not enough”.

apple could build an OS that was personalized to each user and people would still find a reason to call it disappointing.

 

[Abazigal]

I don't think it's a boring or small release, just that there doesn't seem to be any one big marquee feature to act as a main theme for iOS to revolve around, the same way we had widgets with iOS 14.

 

[Knowlege Bomb]

It runs like a dream on my 12 Pro. I couldn’t be more happy with it. New features be damned; give me a smooth experience for the few things I need to do and I’m happy.

 

[bmac89]

Unless I missed it, not once did they mention during this week's keynote did they mention performance (maybe during the Siri bit they did). But seeing how little has changed, makes me really hyped this will be a full year of stability and reliability. I had a flashback to the El Capitan Release where they started off the announcement talking about the improvements to the existing features in OS X. Apple giving users the option to stay on iOS 14 and still receive security updates - despite no iOS devices being dropped from support this year - echos this even further. They realized what a rocky release Catalina was and we are finally seeing their reaction now to that year.

Privacy enhancements, SharePlay, Focus, Universal Control, and a refreshed Safari are all welcome little add-ons to the ecosystem we know and love.

What are your thoughts? Would you have preferred Apple introduce more groundbreaking features that would have made this year more disruptive and less stable?

I share the same thoughts as the OP. I am happy for a fine tune year. However I also don’t think iOS 15 is boring. Some really cool improvements and features and I’m looking forward to the multitasking improvements. Universal control is amazing - like magic it appears to just work. Unfortunately my other devices are too old though.

However, currently my biggest concern is the Safari update. It might look nice at first in a perfect scenario but the hiding of functional buttons and the moving around of the address bar seem like frustrations & backwards steps. Usually I want to refresh a webpage midway or at the bottom of the page, so the gesture will be of no use. Screens are getting bigger and devices more capable yet everything gets hidden behind one button or share sheet. I really feel like the current safari app has the balance between simplicity & function. By all means add more features and extensions but why take away accessibility to basic functions and make them multi-step procedures.

 

[PsykX]

It runs like a dream on my 12 Pro. I couldn’t be more happy with it.

And while you're bringing the subject, it runs like a dream on my 7 years old old 6s.
Like iOS 14 did.

Can't wait to see what it does on my iPhone 12.

 

[thatsthequy]

Yup! Not looking forward to having to explain the new Safari UI to my family members.

Excited to use it myself though!

 

[macbookguy]

I'm very happy with iOS 15 as announced. Still getting used to the new Safari but that's just changing muscle memory.

 

[TimFL1]

I share the same thoughts as the OP. I am happy for a fine tune year. However I also don’t think iOS 15 is boring. Some really cool improvements and features and I’m looking forward to the multitasking improvements. Universal control is amazing - like magic it appears to just work. Unfortunately my other devices are too old though.

However, currently my biggest concern is the Safari update. It might look nice at first in a perfect scenario but the hiding of functional buttons and the moving around of the address bar seem like frustrations & backwards steps. Usually I want to refresh a webpage midway or at the bottom of the page, so the gesture will be of no use. Screens are getting bigger and devices more capable yet everything gets hidden behind one button or share sheet. I really feel like the current safari app has the balance between simplicity & function. By all means add more features and extensions but why take away accessibility to basic functions and make them multi-step procedures.

Yup! Not looking forward to having to explain the new Safari UI to my family members.

Excited to use it myself though!

I'm very happy with iOS 15 as announced. Still getting used to the new Safari but that's just changing muscle memory.

The whole Safari outcry actually has me smirk. I‘m pretty sure the vast majority of MacRumors has been salivating for one-handed use UX like Safari controls at the bottom of the screen for years. Now we got it and loads of people riot and/or are concerned.


Reload button being tucked away into a submenu and the bar jumping to the top on text entry (instead of being pushed slightly up, like a message box) are the only valid complaints I accept, everything else is a dream come true from an UX perspective and exactly what this place has been asking for.

Muscle memory will get used to the new status quo quickly. Happens all the time, e.g. the changes „slide to unlock > press home to unlock > slide up to unlock“ caused outcry too.

 

[bmac89]

The whole Safari outcry actually has me smirk. I‘m pretty sure the vast majority of MacRumors has been salivating for one-handed use UX like Safari controls at the bottom of the screen for years. Now we got it and loads of people riot and/or are concerned.


Reload button being tucked away into a submenu and the bar jumping to the top on text entry (instead of being pushed slightly up, like a message box) are the only valid complaints I accept, everything else is a dream come true from an UX perspective and exactly what this place has been asking for.

Muscle memory will get used to the new status quo quickly. Happens all the time, e.g. the changes „slide to unlock > press home to unlock > slide up to unlock“ caused outcry too.

I have no issue with Safari control down the bottom - I think that and the gesture for changing tabs is great. My concern is hiding the functions behind one button making simple functions multi-step. I also don’t think the cramped tabs and address bar moving around with tabs is good on the iPad with many tabs open. When scrolling both are hidden anyway so I don’t see a real life advantage in use ability or screen realestate.

 

[TrueBlou]

I’m actually quite pleased with what they have done this time round. Kept the fluff to a minimum, and concentrated on good, useful, meaningful improvements for the most part.

I liked the sound of it when I watched the keynote. But once I actually tried it, I’m even happier with it. I’m particularly keen on the new privacy measures introduced with iCloud+ and the system in general. Working great for me so far.

There’s always a part of me that thinks, well I’ve nothing to hide, but still, I’d much rather be safe and secure, than not. And when it comes to things like advertising revenues, well, I support the websites I like, I buy the apps I like, so for my own part, they’re getting my support and being, in part at least, compensated for the possible drop in ad revenue.

Though I’m perfectly happy for anyone to show me good, old fashioned, plain advertising, with no tracking involved, as some websites have started using. Back in the day, I managed to generate enough revenue with simple non-targeted advertising, it may generate less money per ad (particularly for the operators, rather than the websites and apps) but I’m sure it’s still a viable option these days.