iOS 15 Reminders: New Features and Updates

Apple's iOS 15 update introduced significant functional upgrades to the native Reminders app, transforming it from a basic to-do list into a more powerful productivity and task-management tool. This article outlines the key enhancements added to the platform, including the introduction of tags, custom Smart Lists, improved natural language processing, and expanded Siri integration.

Tags and the Tag Browser

The addition of tags revolutionized how users categorize tasks in Reminders:

  • Custom Tags: Users can add hashtags (such as #groceries, #work, or #urgent) anywhere in a reminder's title or notes.
  • Tag Browser: Located at the bottom of the main list view, the Tag Browser lets users tap any single tag—or a combination of multiple tags—to instantly filter their tasks.

Custom Smart Lists

Building on the predefined Smart Lists ("Today", "Scheduled", "All", and "Flagged"), iOS 15 added the ability to create custom Smart Lists:

  • Filtered Organization: Users can build automated lists based on specific criteria, including selected tags, due dates, times, locations, flags, and priority levels.
  • Dynamic Updates: Any task created or modified that matches the criteria automatically appears in the designated Smart List.

Enhanced Natural Language Creation

The input field received upgraded natural language parsing:

  • Automatic Detection: The app intelligently recognizes phrases such as "email John every other Tuesday" or "feed pets at 7 PM" and automatically sets the corresponding dates, times, and recurrences without manual date-picker adjustments.

Announce Reminders with Siri

Users wearing compatible AirPods or Beats headphones can have time-sensitive reminders read aloud automatically when they are due, eliminating the need to look at an iPhone screen to stay on schedule.

Additional Quality-of-Life Upgrades

  • Clear Completed Tasks: iOS 15 made it easier to manage list clutter by offering straightforward options to clear or hide completed reminders.
  • List Printing: Users gained native support to print lists directly from the app interface for physical planning.
  • Expanded Widget Options: Updated widgets allowed users to view and interact with specific Smart Lists directly from the Home Screen.