iOS 15: Safari, Health, Maps and iMessage to get ‘big updates’ at WWDC

Wall Street Journal technology columnist Joanna Stern has claimed she’s heard “big updates” are coming with iOS 15, which is set to be unveiled on Monday at Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC).

In a new report, Stern echos earlier rumors about Apple’s next-generation iPhone operating system, citing a person familiar with the company’s plans who suggests iOS 15 will bring enhancements to Safari, Health, Maps and iMessage.

The comments come after a source claiming to have “seen” ‌iOS 15 last week reported the software would bring Dark Mode UI tweaks, updates to the Messages app, lock screen changes, and food tracking features for the Health app, which presumably would allow users to log nutritional data in the app to help provide a clearer understanding on ways to improve their diet.

While Stern doesn’t elaborate on the “big updates” expected to be announced next week, other reports have claimed iOS 15 will bring updated notification preferences, allowing users to pick and choose when they receive notifications based on their “current status,” as well as introducing an updated Lock Screen design.

Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman said earlier this year that Apple was working on updates to iMessage “with the eventual goal of acting as more of a social network and better competing with Facebook Inc.’s WhatsApp.”

Undoubtedly Apple will have plenty more to announce at WWDC other than updates to Safari, Health, Maps and iMessage, but it’s interesting to hear these four applications specifically may get some significant updates at next week’s event.