iOS 15: Six underrated features in Apple's new iPhone update, available to download

Brett Molina

iPhone owners might feel like they have a brand new smartphone.

Apple rolled out iOS 15 on Monday. It's the latest update to the operating system that powers its iPhone.

The arrival of iOS 15 precedes the launch of iPhone 13 on Sept. 24, available in standard, Mini, Pro and Pro Max models. Pre-orders for iPhone 13 launched last Friday.

The iPhone software update introduces features such as FaceTime's Portrait Mode, the ability to join calls on Android and Windows devices, a Focus mode to help users avoid distractions created through notifications and tweaks to the Weather and Maps apps.

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If you have been keeping up with iOS 15, you've probably heard about all these features. Here are six features that have flown under the radar but should make owning an iPhone a lot easier.

iPhones running iOS 15

Shared With You in Messages

When someone shares a link, photo, song, podcast or other piece of content via Messages, it will automatically show up in the corresponding app. For example, your partner or spouse shares a cute pic of your kids? You can head to the Photos app, and it's automatically available. If someone sends a link, it appears in a special "Shared For You" section on Safari's start page.

Tabs get better on Safari

Apple's mobile browser is getting a new look. There's a bottom bar where users can search or manage their tabs. It's built to use one-handed if needed. You can swipe up to see all open tabs or swipe left or right to cycle between them. You can organize your tabs in groups. Another nice touch: You can pull down on the screen to refresh.

Finding iPhone even when turned off

If your smartphone has been turned off or even if it's been erased, the Find My app can still locate it for up to 24 hours. In the event of an erase, Apple says, the Hello screen will show "your device is locked, locatable, and still yours." If you're prone to losing your AirPods, there's new network support to help you find them if they're not in Bluetooth range.

Organize Notes, Reminders easily

Users of the Notes app can add tags to make them easier to find. Add a hashtag and category such as #work, and notes with that tag will group together. There's a tag browser and custom folders that organize notes by tags. You can do the same thing with your tasks in the Reminders app.

Apple's own authenticator

The iPhone will get its own authenticator for use on accounts enabled with two-factor authentication. If a site with two-factor authentication requires codes, you can go to Passwords in Settings and have Apple's authenticator generate them without needing a third-party app.

Choose your software update

In Settings, you can choose which software update to apply: either the full upgrade to iOS 15 or stay on iOS 14 and continue to get important security updates.

Follow Brett Molina on Twitter: @brettmolina23.