What is iOS 15.5?

iOS 15.5 is a significant software update released by Apple for iPhones and iPads. It was made available on May 16, 2022, following a beta testing period. While not as feature-rich as some of its predecessors, iOS 15.5 brings important enhancements to several core apps, crucial security patches, and addresses various bugs. This update is recommended for all users to ensure their devices are running smoothly and securely.

Key Features and Improvements in iOS 15.5

Apple Cash Enhancements in Wallet

A notable improvement in iOS 15.5 is the streamlining of Apple Cash transactions within the Wallet app. Previously, sending or requesting money via Apple Cash often required navigating to the Messages app. Now, directly within the Wallet app, users will find prominent "Send" and "Request" buttons for Apple Cash. This makes managing funds and transactions more convenient and accessible directly from your digital wallet.

Podcasts App Storage Management

For podcast enthusiasts, iOS 15.5 introduces a new setting in the Podcasts app that allows users to manage storage space more effectively. You can now set limits on the number of episodes stored locally on your iPhone and choose to automatically delete older episodes. This feature helps prevent downloaded podcasts from consuming excessive storage on your device, offering options to keep a specific number of recent episodes or limit storage by days.

Security and Bug Fixes

As with most iOS updates, iOS 15.5 includes a substantial number of security patches designed to protect users from various threats. Apple addressed numerous vulnerabilities, some of which could have allowed for arbitrary code execution, denial of service, or unauthorized access to sensitive data. Beyond security, the update also resolved specific bugs, such as an issue where home automations triggered by people arriving or leaving might fail, and a problem that could cause unexpected shutdowns on the iPhone SE (3rd generation).

External Links for Reader Apps

In a move that impacts app developers, iOS 15.5 introduces support for an "External Link Account Entitlement." This allows reader apps, such as those offering digital content like magazines, books, music, or video, to provide links to external websites for account creation and management. This change enables developers to bypass Apple's in-app purchase system for certain subscription and account management functions, with apps like Netflix, Hulu, and Spotify being prime examples.

Other Notable Changes

• Photo Memories: The Photos app will now omit "sensitive locations" from appearing in Memories. This initially includes locations related to concentration camps and Holocaust memorials.
• Apple Music Playback API: An API that allows third-party Apple Music players to adjust playback speeds was reintroduced after being removed in iOS 15.4.
• Home App: Improvements were made to the Home app, including the ability to see Wi-Fi signal strength for HomePods and the introduction of critical alerts for time-sensitive notifications like smoke detectors, which will sound even if the device is on Do Not Disturb.
• Communication Safety: This feature, which scans incoming and outgoing iMessage images for nudity to protect children, was expanded to Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK.
• DualSense Controller Support: Enhanced support for the PlayStation 5's DualSense controller, including its adaptive trigger features, was added.

Should You Update to iOS 15.5?

Given the security patches and bug fixes included in iOS 15.5, updating is highly recommended for all users. The update is relatively small in scale compared to previous iOS 15 releases, indicating a focus on stability and security rather than introducing major new functionalities. If you haven't updated yet, you can do so by going to Settings > General > Software Update.

FAQ

When was iOS 15.5 released?

iOS 15.5 was released on May 16, 2022.

What are the main features of iOS 15.5?

The main features include enhancements to Apple Cash in the Wallet app, new storage management options for the Podcasts app, and numerous security and bug fixes. It also supports external links for reader apps and omits sensitive locations from Photo Memories.

Is iOS 15.5 a major update?

No, iOS 15.5 is considered a minor update, focusing on improvements, bug fixes, and security patches rather than introducing groundbreaking new features. It's a refinement of the existing iOS 15 experience.

Does iOS 15.5 affect battery life?

Generally, iOS updates aim to improve battery performance through optimizations. While individual experiences may vary, there's no widespread reporting of significant negative battery impacts from iOS 15.5.

Conclusion

While iOS 15.5 may not be packed with flashy new features, it represents a crucial step in refining the iOS 15 experience. The enhancements to Apple Cash and Podcasts, coupled with a strong emphasis on security and bug fixes, make it a worthwhile update for all iPhone and iPad users. It ensures a more stable, secure, and streamlined interaction with your device, paving the way for future software developments from Apple.