In June 2021 Apple announced iOS 15, the latest major update for the company’s iPhone operating system. iOS 15 eventually arrived on iPhone on 20 September 2021 and bought interface changes, security fixes and a raft of new features.
However, that isn’t the latest version. On 1 October Apple issued it’s first update to iOS 15: The iOS 15.0.1 update addressed an Apple Watch iPhone unlocking issue and a problem with the system showing the wrong amount of storage available, both are discussed below.
Then on 11 October Apple released iOS 15.0.2, which fixes a number of bugs, including a security issue.
In addition iOS 15.1 is currently being beta tested and we expect that to launch to the public in the first part of October.
The iOS 15.0.2 update included the following fixes:
- A security gap that, according to Apple’s security notes, had already been exploited. The error affected Apple’s “IOMobileFrameBuffer” interface (used to control the screen). Malicious code could lead to overflow of memory; gaining unauthorised access to kernels. Jail breakers use such vulnerabilities to break the system and install a jailbreak, but we are not aware of a jailbreak for iOS 15 so it seems the vulnerability may have been used for malicious purposes
The problem is that you’re putting your faith in someone that you’re likely never to see again or who presumably doesn’t offer a warranty on the item. That can be a real problem if the iPhone breaks down sometime in the near future.
Unlock with Apple Watch won’t work
Users who own an Apple Watch and an iPhone 13 are reporting that the unlock with Apple Watch feature does not work. Apparently some are seeing an error message “unable to communicate with Apple Watch” when they try to unlock their iPhone while wearing a mask. Apple is aware of the problem and we imagine is working on a fix. The company suggests that users stop using the feature until the issue is fixed, but the issue was addressed in the iOS 15.0.1 update that was issued on 1 October.
AirPods Pro controls aren’t working
AirPods Pro users are reporting that they can no longer adjust the Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency settings using Siri. It appears that Apple is addressing this in the iOS 15.1 beta.
Issues with battery life
Slightly shorter battery life after a major iOS update is actually common and it’s not really a bug, it’s more a short-lived side effect of updating.
After updating to a new operating version it is normal for many processes to run in the background and for the system to re-index the data. This can seriously effect your battery life. But it should be short-lived. After a few days, expect the battery life of your iPhone to return to the usual level.
Confusion about Do Not Disturb
Apple has expanded Do Not Disturb in iOS 15. The feature is now part of the new Focus mode, which means it is possible to adapt Do Not Disturb settings depending on sets of circumstances.
Which iPhones get iOS 15?
All the devices that can install iOS 15:
- iPhone 6s
- iPhone 6s Plus
- iPhone SE (2016)
- iPhone 7
- iPhone 7 Plus
- iPhone 8
- iPhone 8 Plus
- iPhone X
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone XR
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (2020)
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- All iPhone 13 models
