On September 12, Apple Inc. rolled out iOS 16 update which brought new features to users. iOS 16 brought a host of features, including the ability to edit iMessages, lock screen notification changes, Apple Wallet improvements, and the ability to use SharePlay from Messages.
The new update is available for the second generation iPhone 8, SE and later models. It is sized at 2.8 GB. The release of iOS 16 follows the usual cycle of new iOS versions launching in the fall.
Adoption of this new update has been reported to be ahead of iOS 15, although the numbers are still low compared to iOS 14 adoption. iOS 16 adoption rates day one have been affected because updates are no longer forced on users. . iPhones offer two software update choices in their settings: the option to continue using the previous version of iOS with security updates or to upgrade directly to the latest version of iOS.
There have been a number of changes since iOS 15. Lock screen customization has been improved, with users being able to add up to four small widgets below the time. With the “Now Playing” screen moved to the bottom of the screen, the new “Live Activities” feature has more space to showcase sports games or live deliveries.
Additionally, users can now edit or cancel a message up to 15 minutes after it was sent. Deleted messages can be recovered up to 30 days after deletion. Users can also invite others to work on projects in Numbers or Pages where the activity will show up in Messages.
Additionally, Mail allows scheduled sending of emails and allows users to cancel sent emails. Managing emails has also been made easier and simpler with the ability to set reminders for emails.
IOS 16 introduced a new feature called iCloud Photo Library which enables photo sharing with family, a photo can be saved directly from the Camera app to the iCloud folder. Changes are also reflected in the shared album if a user edits a photo.
The old password system is replaced by a new “passkey” system. The access key system allows you to connect or create new accounts without having to create, memorize or store a password. Apple’s implementation of the security key system builds on years of work done by the FIDO Alliance.
A new security control feature allows users to disable all services and applications used in the phone in case of emergency. Apple said the feature will help with privacy and/or protecting personal data and security, for example, when leaving abusive relationships.
In Apple Maps, the company has introduced the ability to add multiple stops, a feature already available in Google Maps but which will now be welcome for Apple users. Apple Maps also includes a transit map feature that allows you to piece together a transit map or see the cost of a trip.
Although the update was viewed positively, users noted that there were still bugs to fix. Sync issues, battery draintouchscreen delaysand interface problems have been reported.