How to update to iOS 15: Where to download Apple’s iPhone update and the full list of compatible devices

Apple released its latest iPhone operating system, iOS 15, on 20 September.

The new iOS boasts a host of new features, including big upgrades to FaceTime, and a revamped Safari and Apple Maps.

Then update comes ahead of the release of the new iPhone 13, which is now available for pre-order and launches on Friday.

All the new iPhone 13 models will come with iOS 15 pre-installed, but you can also get it on your current iPhone.

Which phones are compatible with iOS 15?

The following devices will be able to support iOS 15:

How can I update to iOS 15?

Your phone should automatically update to iOS 15 – or send you a prompt to do so – if you have automatic updates turned on.

If you do not, go to “Settings” > “General” > “Software Update” and then tap “Upgrade to iOS 15”.

Hit “Download and Install” and the update will begin installing on your device.

Your phone will need to restart after updating.

What are the new features?

FaceTime is getting a big upgrade. It will now offer spatial audio to make people’s voices appear to come from their position on the screen, so your video chats will feel more natural.

It will also start to look more like Zoom, enabling you to see all participants in a grid view, schedule calls, and share links to calls that can be accessed via browser on Android and Microsoft Windows devices.

Later this year it will add a SharePlay feature, which lets you watch videos or listen to music with a friend, while speaking to them in a small overlay window.

The links, images, and other content shared with you in Messages will be featured in a new “Shared with You” section in the corresponding app.

Notifications have a new look, making it more clear which apps they come from.

The new operating system will also give Safari a complete visual overhaul, and make it more user-friendly by moving the search bar to the bottom of the screen.

There is also a new home screen that can show any tabs you have open on other Apple devices, so you can browse on your computer and then pick up where you left off on your phone.

Focus moments will allow you to tailor the notifications you receive based on where you are and what you are doing. For example, you can set your phone to a business meeting-style setting, which will stop you from receiving notifications that are not relevant to what you are doing until you are finished.

A LiveText feature will enable you to copy and even translate text from an image.

The weather app is being overhauled, giving you notifications for rain, thunderstorms and snow, and there are a host of new privacy features.

Apple Maps will be upgraded, with more elevation data, road colours, driving directions, rich labels, 3D landmarks and improved night mode.

You can also pin nearby public transport stops and station information to your iPhone and Apple Watch devices, and receive automatic updates and notifications as you ride and approach your stop.

When travelling via foot, a new augmented reality feature enables you to scan nearby buildings in the area, with the iPhone’s camera, to understand the precise positions for more exact walking directions.

More customisation options are coming to Memoji, and Interactive Memories have been given a fresh new look.

You can find the full list of new features here.