After releasing iOS 15 update last month, and minor iOS 15.0.1 and iOS 15.0.2 updates in the past few weeks, Apple today released iOS 15.1 and iPadOS 15.1 update that adds the most expected SharePlay feature. This is designed to work across the various operating systems that Apple offers across its devices, providing its users with a way to view and enjoy content with their friends over a FaceTime call.
The latest iOS update also adds the ability to capture ProRes video using iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max, as well as the option to turn off automatic camera switching when taking macro photos and videos in these devices.
The update also brings verifiable COVID-19 vaccination cards in Apple Wallet, and iPad gets Live Text support in the Camera app. The iOS 15.1 and iPadOS 15.1 also includes other features, and bug fixes. Check out the complete changelog below.
New features in iOS 15.1
SharePlay
- SharePlay is a new way to share synchronized experiences in FaceTime with content from the Apple TV app, Apple Music, Fitness+, and other supported App Store apps
- Shared controls give everyone the ability to pause, play, rewind or fast forward
- Smart volume automatically lowers the audio of a movie, TV show or song when your friends speak
- Apple TV supports the option to watch the shared video on your big screen while you continue the FaceTime call on iPhone
- Screen sharing lets everyone on a FaceTime call look at photos, browse the web, or help each other out
Camera
- ProRes video capture using iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max
- Setting to turn off automatic camera switching when taking macro photos and videos on iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max
Apple Wallet
- COVID-19 vaccination card support allows you to add and present verifiable vaccination information from Apple Wallet
Translate
- Mandarin Chinese (Taiwan) support in the Translate app and for system-wide translation
Home
- New automation triggers based on the current reading of a HomeKit-enabled humidity, air quality, or light level sensor
Shortcuts
- New pre-built actions let you overlay text on images or gifs, plus a new collection of games lets you pass the time with Siri
This release also fixes the following issues:
- 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 colors 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
New features in iPadOS 15.1
SharePlay
- SharePlay is a new way to share synchronized experiences in FaceTime with content from the Apple TV app, Apple Music, Fitness+, and other supported App Store apps
- Shared controls give everyone the ability to pause, play, rewind or fast forward
- Smart volume automatically lowers the audio of a movie, TV show or song when your friends speak
- Apple TV supports the option to watch the shared video on your big screen while you continue the FaceTime call on iPad
- Screen sharing lets everyone on a FaceTime call look at photos, browse the web, or help each other out
Live Text
- Camera app Live Text support recognizes text, phone numbers, addresses, and more so you can take action on them (iPad with A12 Bionic and later)
- Keyboard support lets you insert text directly from the Camera into any text field (iPad with A12 Bionic and later)
Translate
- Mandarin Chinese (Taiwan) support in the Translate app and system-wide translation
Home
- New automation triggers based on the current reading of a HomeKit-enabled humidity, air quality, or light level sensor
Shortcuts
- New pre-built actions let you overlay text on images or gifs, plus a new collection of games lets you pass the time with Siri
This release also fixes the following issues:
- Photos app may incorrectly report storage is full when importing photos and videos
- Audio playing from an app may pause when locking the screen
- Available Wi-Fi networks may not be detected