In Pictures: Apple’s iOS 15 update sure tweaks some Android features too

Apple’s iOS update offers a straight-forward experiencing of the latest iPhone 13 model – without the need to actually buy one. Or at least, facets of the new model. And that should still serve Apple’s legions of iPhone users just as well.

This year’s update, the iOS 15, went live on Monday. With subtle and aesthetic new features, iOS 15 seems to have even replicated a few Android updates (with Apple’s imprint on the process, of course).

THESE ARE FEW OF THE UPDATES | Selecting texts in photos. Just like Google photos, iPhone users can now copy, look up, translate and share texts from an image. This works provided the image is clear enough for the software to scan.

FACETIME WITH NON-IPHONE USERS | Now you can start a FaceTime call and send a web-link to even those who don’t use an Apple device. They can join from their browser. Since the beginning of the pandemic, video-conferencing apps like Zoom, Skype and Microsoft Teams have been dominating the market. Watch out - Apple’s move could be its entry into the video-conferencing industry.

FOCUS TOOL | Focus lets you block communications from people or apps depending on what you are doing. It is an extension of the existing ‘Do Not Disturb’ option and you can customise defaults or make your own. It also takes a cue from and l notify people who message you that you won't see notifications.

THE SAFARI ADDRESS BAR MOVED: The Safari address bar is moved to the bottom of the screen. It's called the Tab Bar here, and it lets you swipe either way to scroll through open webpages. You can, however, customise it in settings. Go to Settings, Safari Tabs and change it back to Single Tab. You can also organise your open webpages into groups.

AIR QUALITY MAPS | The built-in Weather app now has a temperature map, and when clicked, you can switch it to show air quality around you. Apple has also added a few weather details for each location, like wind direction and visibility, and can notify if rain is imminent.

LEGACY CONTACTS | Just like Facebook and Google, Apple is adding a legacy contact feature to its latest iOS update. Previously, no one could access his or her loved one's locked iPhone when he or she dies. This feature lets you add a legacy contact who can get access to your data after a death certificate is submitted.

OTHER COOL UPGRADES | Siri will finally work even if you don't have an internet connection, but only for limited activities. You can hide your IP address, location and open status from email senders. The Photos app can recognise objects in images and look them up.