Sarah Jacobson 
The release of a new version of iOS or iPadOS is something Apple users anticipate with great excitement. Every upgrade brings many new features, bug fixes, and performance updates. But what happens between the announcement of the new version and when it becomes available? Let’s take a look at how Apple releases its software updates to users around the world.
For each major version of iOS/iPadOS (15.1, as of writing this document), Apple creates an initial release build that contains all the necessary information and code (known as a ‘golden master’ build). This is made available to developers registered in the Apple Developer program shortly before it’s announced at their keynote event – typically during an September-focused event.
Apple overviews every golden and seed release for stable performance on both hardware and software levels and for any security issues that could put its users in danger before publicly releasing them. If everything goes according to plan, the master build is finalised shortly after being announced at their keynote and released to developers who have opted-in for pre-release testing using their proprietary testing platform or virtual machine.
After feedback from developers has been taken into consideration (either directly by filing bug reports on public forums such as GitHub or StackOverflow or by sending feedback directly to Apple itself), Apple then takes all changes into account and makes sure that they’re backward compatible with existing user data and settings before pushing out to consumers enrolled in its beta program (if one is available). At that point, the update becomes widely available over-the-air via the Settings app in iPhones / iPads worldwide. For those stuck on older versions of iOS/iPadOS who don’t want to install via OTA or may need help installing via iTunes manually, Apple also uploads full golden master images which can be downloaded from developer centre website through direct links or iTunes if preferred method matches with specific device requirement.
Apple Releases iOS 15.1 and iPadOS 15.1 With SharePlay, ProRes, Auto Macro Toggle, Vaccine Cards in Wallet and More
Apple recently released iOS 15.1 and iPadOS 15.1, featuring new features such as SharePlay, ProRes, Auto Macro Toggle, Vaccine Cards in Wallet and more. Many of these features have been requested for a long time and can be beneficial for improving the user experience.
Let’s look at what’s new in iOS 15.1 and iPadOS 15.1.
SharePlay
Apple has just released the newest version of iOS and iPadOS, iOS 15.1 and iPadOS 15.1, which includes a range of new features that add to the integration and functionality between Macs and Apple devices.
One of the most significant new features included in this release is the addition of SharePlay, Apple’s unified way to share media, experiences, chat, and collaborate across all platforms.
SharePlay is designed for users to have an even more streamlined media-sharing experience; people can now enjoy video calls, music playlists, songs sharing with family or friends without switching between devices or apps. The new feature also supports universal streaming so that all devices playing content can sync together, giving everyone on your call an optimal viewing experience no matter their device. Even if one calls from an iPhone and another from a Mac computer—the content will play in-sync no matter what!
In terms of security—SharePlay ensures private sharing doesn’t mean a loss of control: with end-to-end encryption for sessions, personal data stays personal even while you share it on screen with friends or family. There are additional privacy settings depending on who is joining your session and who you’d like to permit to record or share audio/video with (or not). Furthermore SharePlay intelligently routes traffic keeping your connection safe while providing excellent audio & video quality in group connections where you could have lots going on simultaneously.
ProRes
With the arrival of iOS 15.1 and iPadOS 15.1, Apple has finally included professional grade video codecs in their mobile operating systems. iOS and iPadOS officially support the Apple ProRes codec for high-end video production workflows.
Apple ProRes is one of the most widely used video formats for film and television post production and indicates a highly efficient image quality and reliable shot composition capabilities. In addition, this support enables more comprehensive editing capabilities on devices running iOS 15.1 or higher, giving users the tools to professionally create stunning photos and videos.
Image makers can now record video in higher resolutions, export multiple formats from single sources, edit more quickly with high-quality playback without extended rendering times, plus much more. In addition, users will have access to all current versions of ProRes including ProRes RAW, Transfer (which is great for HDR), Proxy (perfect for low bit rate streaming), 422 (for image enlargements) and 422 LT & HQ depending on their needs.
Auto Macro Toggle
One new feature in Apple’s latest iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 is the Auto Macro toggle. This toggle offers improved support for Macros by automatically enabling and disabling the system-level macros when an app is opened or closed on an iPad or iPhone. This creates a more intuitive experience for users of Apple’s devices as it gives them control over when macros are enabled and disabled, allowing them to customise their experience with the apps they use.
The Auto Macro Toggle is designed to improve the way Macros work on smartphones and tablets, letting users get a better control of their device’s power utilisation. This can help users save battery life and reduce strain on their device’s processing power by only allowing Macros to run when necessary. It can also help simplify user experiences, allowing for fewer manual actions for those who regularly use Macros such as screen size adjustments when using certain apps.
With the Auto Macro Toggle on iOS 15 and iPadOS 15, users now have more control over how they utilise their devices and can take advantage of extra features like power saving functionality that come with it. With this feature, Apple is making significant strides towards simplifying user experiences while reducing strain on hardware and resources.
Vaccine Cards in Wallet
Apple has released iOS 15.1 to bring important updates and new features to the iPhone. One of the new additions is Vaccine Cards in Wallet, an easy way for users to store and access their COVID-19 vaccination records. This will be particularly useful for those who have already been vaccinated, or decide to get their shot in the future, as it will allow them to easily access their records when needed – from doctors appointments to travel requirements.
Apple has worked with governments and health providers worldwide to allow users to add their official vaccine records in Wallet. For example, in the U.S., users with Medical ID enabled may receive digitally signed vaccine cards through most health provider apps or medical office visits. In addition, in some countries such as France, Germany and Canada, users can download a digital version directly through the Health participant’s mobile device without needing to visit their doctor’s office in person while still allowing them access when needed on the go.
The Vaccine Cards are tamper-resistant digital cards that can not only securely verify an individual’s vaccination status but also provide important details about each dose such as type of injection (e.g., Pfizer), location administered, date administered and lot number provided by healthcare professionals (for a record keeping purpose). In addition, it leverages Apple’s Secure Enclave technology and Face ID®, Touch ID® or passcodes. Hence, each device offers a secure way of viewing information without any personal data being shared or stored by Apple or used for other purposes than determining if individuals are medically protected against disease caused by viruses like SARS-CoV-2.
By providing this ability within its operating system alongside features like SOS Emergency Calling, Medical ID and Location Sharing with Contacts at iCloud, Apple continues its commitment go beyond offering just technology tools; but using those same tools and innovations make our communities healthier – it works towards making sure no one gets left behind in times of an emergency.
Other Improvements
Apart from the new features, iOS 15.1 and iPadOS 15.1 bring some other improvements and bug fixes to improve your device’s overall user experience and stability.
These include:
- Improved reliability for cellular data connections when using certain USB accessories
- Performance improvements for downloading apps from the App Store
- Resolved issue where selecting mobile data in the App Store resulted in Wi-Fi being enabled
- Fixes a vulnerability that allowed malicious applications to access restricted memory
- Improvements that enable users who use non-standard characters in their passwords to be able to unlock their device with Face ID or Touch ID
- Fixed an issue that prevented some MFi hearing aids from working correctly with certain Bluetooth devices
- Addressed an issue where audio turned off during phone conversations for customers using certain Pioneer headphones
- Fixes a bug that prevented some customers from changing voicemail greetings on their carrier account
What’s New in iPadOS 15.1
The latest iOS 15.1 and iPadOS 15.1 releases have arrived with several exciting new features, including SharePlay, ProRes, Auto Macro Toggle, Vaccine Cards in Wallet, and more. In addition, all Apple users can now update their devices to the new iPadOS 15.1 version to enjoy the latest improvements, bug fixes, and new features.
Let’s take a closer look at what the new iPadOS 15.1 offers.
SharePlay
One of the most exciting features included in iPadOS 15.1 is Apple’s SharePlay. SharePlay lets you quickly stream music, videos and other content among up to 32 users over Wi-Fi and LTE or 5G networks. In addition, it supports up to 1080p video resolution, streaming videos directly from Apple Music, iCloud Photo Library, iCloud files and more.
The service is compatible with Mac, iPhone and iPad devices running iOS 15.1 or later, and Apple TV models running tvOS 15.1 or later. SharePlay also works with other platforms such as Android devices running Android 7 Nougat or higher and Amazon Fire TV devices that are compatible with AirPlay 2 too. You can even browse the web together using an integrated WebKit view that shows the same web page on all participating devices at once — perfect for online shopping with friends!
ProRes
The ProRes family of codecs make it easier for filmmakers, videographers and other imaginative professionals to work with high-resolution footage.
iPadOS 15.1 brings native support for ProRes codecs including ProRes RAW, which preserves full fidelity and dynamic range by offering a greater colour depth and gamma control choice.
Additionally, iPadOS 15.1 supports direct export of high quality video files via AirDrop, making interoperation with Mac and Final Cut Pro easier than ever before.
With more tools, professionals can create the videos they want in those environments where they can get the most out of them.
Auto Macro Toggle
Apple introduced the Auto Macro toggle feature with iOS 15, allowing you to quickly switch between devices with a single tap or swipes. With iPadOS 15.1 and later, this feature is now available for compatible iPad models.
The Auto Macro toggle lets you quickly switch between your mouse and/or trackpad and your fingerprint scanner as your primary input method, allowing faster switching between devices. To enable the Auto Macro toggle on your iPad, open up Settings > General > Accessibility > Pointers & Input and make sure the ‘Auto Macro Toggle’ switch is turned on.
Once enabled, you can quickly switch between mouse or trackpad and your fingerprint scanner with a simple swipe down gesture from the corner of your screen.
Vaccine Cards in Wallet
iOS 15.1 and iPadOS 15.1 add several new features to the Wallet app, including the ability to store Vaccine Cards. Vaccine cards are official documents that serve as proof of vaccinations and offer health professionals with written verification of immunisation records. Vaccine cards can be used to easily enter information in a medical facility for verification purposes or for travelling between countries.
Vaccine Cards in the Wallet app are secure and private, and easily accessible with a few clicks on your device. You can save your vaccine information directly or scan paper versions of vaccine cards into your Wallet using various methods like taking a picture, scanning codes on government-issued IDs, or typing in the data manually.
Once uploaded, you can access it quickly while ensuring that it is kept safe and secure from unauthorised access or changes from outside sources. Furthermore, any changes made to your medical history will be automatically updated within your card in the Wallet app for easy reference at any time.
Other Improvements
In addition to the features mentioned above, iPadOS 15.1 also offers a variety of other improvements, including:
-The Weather widget on iPad now supports severe weather notifications on the lock screen and home screen, as well as an improved design.
-Apple News now has a special section dedicated to Apple Music and Apple TV+.
-Improvements to Intercom, allowing you to communicate with family members in their preferred language.
-The Photos app now has options for automatic organisational suggestions and improved search results when looking for people or places.
-The Files app now supports drag and drop between windows and is optimised for external drives.
-Apple Arcade further enhances its lineup of games with curated playlists, seasonal collections, and more.
-Safari adds new privacy features that make controlling how websites can access your device’s camera and microphone is easier.
-And much more!
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