Updated lock screen and new notifications among iOS 15 improvements

A new report claims that iOS 15, and iPadOS 15, are to feature a revamped notification system, plus lock screen changes, and increased privacy options.

Expected to be announced at WWDC 2021 in June, and released publicly later in the year, Apple's iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 are now reported to feature prominent redesigns. Previous reports have suggested a new design approach for app icons, but this latest leak claims that revisions will be made to the lock and home screen.

According to Bloomberg, the new revisions are being made under the codename "Sky." For both iPhone and iPad, they are believed to include an updated lock screen, tied to an extensive revision to notifications.

Reportedly, notifications will now come with controls that mean a user can alter them depending on their location, or activity. As with Do Not Disturb While Driving, notifications could be silent when a user is at work, but loud when they're at home, for instance.

It's claimed that the lock screen will add a feature to allow users to quickly set their status. Rather than necessarily sensing someone's location or the time of day, users could instead tap to set that they are working, sleeping, or so on.

The same Instant Messaging-like status may also be included in Control Center, for quick access without going out to the lock screen.

Users may also be able to set automatic Message replies, similar to how Do Not Disturb can already send a pre-written response to texts.

Bloomberg reports that iPadOS 15 will also feature a redesigned home screen, though it has no further details. The publication further says that Messages may see a revamp to bring it more in line with WhatsApp, though it notes that this may not be ready for iOS 15.

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