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Apple unveils iOS 16 and its new features

YET AGAIN, IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR. Apple unveiled iOS 16, the latest versions of the operating systems for its iPhones and iPads, at WWDC 2022. This update expands on several of the new capabilities provided by Apple in iOS 15, such as SharePlay and Focus, while also allowing for more customisation.

Everything you need to know is right here.

Is your iPhone or iPad up to the task?

Apple is discontinuing software support for the iPhone 6S, iPhone 6S Plus, iPhone SE 2016, iPhone 7, and iPhone 7 Plus with this new iOS 16. When iOS 16 is launched, you’ll be able to download and run it if you have an iPhone 8 (2017) or newer (including the second- and third-generation iPhone SE). However, this does not guarantee that every feature in the update will be accessible on your iPhone; some capabilities, such as Live Text, are only available on iPhones with an A12 Bionic chip or newer.

iOS 16 features

We’ve compiled a list of the most important new features in iOS 16. 

Redesign of the Lock Screen

In iOS 16, Apple has totally redesigned the lock screen. Notifications are now displayed at the bottom of the screen, away from your lovely lock screen photo. The clock widget cuts behind the subject of your photo, creating a fantastic depth effect, and you can adjust its look, from typography to color, by pressing and holding the lock screen.

More widgets, such as weather, activity rings, and the calendar, can be added below the clock.

There’s a new wallpaper gallery with a ton of options, including a live weather lock screen that replicates current weather conditions and suggestions based on photographs from your camera roll. Apple will allow you to set up multiple lock screens, and cycling through them is as simple as switching watch faces on an Apple Watch with a swipe.

Editable Messages

Although you can’t edit tweets on Twitter, you can change messages sent using Apple’s Messages app after they’ve been sent. You can even “Undo Send” messages if you want to go back and change your mind. You can now mark any thread as unread to return to messages later. The Messages app will also have SharePlay support. You no longer need to FaceTime a friend to watch a synced movie with them; instead, you can start the conversation in the Messages app and talk with shared playback controls and synced video.

Share Pictures of Your Family

Similar to how you can build up shared photo libraries in Google Photos, you can now set up an iCloud Shared Photo Library. You can share a library with up to five other people, and they can all add and edit family images. There, you have the option of selecting which images to share, sharing based on a start date, or sharing based on facial detection. You may also turn on a setting in the camera app to automatically transmit the photo you take to the shared library. These photographs may even appear in the shared library based on your proximity to family members if you’re all on vacation.

Live Text Visual Look Up has been updated

Live Text, which allows you to grab the text in any photo (before or after you take it), also functions with videos. To copy the text, simply pause the video and press the text. When you choose certain types of text, you can now perform a few more quick actions, such as converting money and translating text.

Apple debuted Visual Look Up last year, which provided more information on the photo you were looking at, such as details about a landmark or similar site results. It now supports birds, insects, and statues, but you can also use it to grab the subject of a shot and paste it wherever, such as in a Messages chat thread (much like the Lasso tool in PhotoShop).

Make a webcam out of your iphone

You can use your iPhone as a webcam if you have a MacBook with an M1 or M2 processor (the rear cameras are better than the webcam cameras in the laptops). There’s no need to connect anything. Your Mac will recognize the rear camera and use it for video calls automatically. You’ll be able to use features like Center Stage, which follows you around a room with the camera, and Portrait mode, which blurs the background to hide the clutter behind you. There’s even a Desk View option, which uses the ultrawide camera to show others what’s on your desk, though I don’t want anyone to see what’s on mine.

When Will You Be Able to Download the iOS 16?

As is customary, the iOS 16 developer beta will be ready soon, followed by a public beta in July. Anyone can try it out with the latter, however we strongly advise you to back up your iPhone beforehand. Be aware that the beta will be riddled with bugs that may render your iPhone or iPad inoperable on a daily basis, so unless you want to be on the cutting edge of new technology, you should wait.

After Apple’s annual September event, when the firm introduces its new iPhones, the final version is usually released.

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