iOS 15 System-Wide Keyboard Shortcuts Guide

With the release of iOS 15 (and iPadOS 15), Apple significantly overhauled external keyboard functionality, transforming how users navigate their devices without touching the screen. This guide covers the major enhancements made to system-wide keyboard shortcuts, highlighting the redesigned shortcut menu, global search capabilities, dedicated multitasking commands, and expanded integration of the Globe key.

Redesigned Shortcut Menu

Holding down the Command (⌘) key in any app now displays a streamlined, modern shortcut overlay. Instead of the previous floating card layout, the menu adopts a categorized structure similar to the macOS menu bar. Shortcuts are organized into logical tabs—such as File, Edit, Format, and View—making complex applications much easier to navigate with an external keyboard.

Searchable Shortcut Interface

Finding relevant commands is faster with built-in search functionality. When the Command key overlay is active, users can immediately start typing to filter commands by name. This eliminates the need to manually browse through multi-page shortcut lists in complex productivity apps.

Expanded Globe Key Functionality

Apple introduced the Globe key (or Fn key on standard keyboards) as a primary system modifier, bringing Mac-like navigation to the operating system. Key system commands include:

  • Globe + H: Return to the Home Screen
  • Globe + A: Show or hide the Dock
  • Globe + C: Open Control Center
  • Globe + N: Open Notification Center
  • Globe + S: Activate Siri
  • Globe + Q: Open a Quick Note
  • Globe + Up Arrow: Open the App Switcher
  • Globe + Left / Right Arrow: Switch between recently used apps

Dedicated Multitasking Controls

Multitasking can be managed entirely from the keyboard. Using combinations of the Globe key and arrow keys, users can place apps into Split View or Slide Over without relying on touch gestures:

  • Globe + Control + Left / Right Arrow: Snap the current app to the left or right side in Split View
  • Globe + Up Arrow: Maximize an app to full screen
  • Globe + Down Arrow: Display all open windows for the current application (Shelf view)

Improved Full Keyboard Access

System-wide navigation without a touchscreen received substantial stability and performance upgrades. Tab key navigation, menu selection, and accessibility-focused Full Keyboard Access workflows are more consistent across native apps such as Safari, Mail, Files, and Notes, standardizing hotkeys across the entire Apple ecosystem.