Exploring the Innovative iOS 16 Features: A Comprehensive Guide. iOS 16 release

Exploring the Innovative iOS 16 Features: A Comprehensive Guide

During the launch event for the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro series on September 12, 2022, Apple announced the release of iOS 16. With new features such as a redesigned lock screen and less intrusive notifications, we provide a comprehensive overview of all the updates in Apple’s latest mobile operating system. Learn how to use each new feature on your iPhone by reading this article.

New emojis

Just like previous iOS updates, the latest version also includes a range of new emojis. The iOS 16.4 update introduced 21 new characters and variations, including colorful hearts, new animal emojis like a donkey, and expressive characters such as a shaking head and talk-to-my-hand emojis.

Lock screen

Apple is focusing on new customization options for the iOS 16 Lock screen. Now, you can add widgets and change their layout as well as font type and color. Some widgets can launch animations like the one in the Weather app that shows in real-time whether it’s raining or not. Apple was also inspired by Xiaomi’s Super Wallpapers to offer animated wallpapers with a huge zoom on a planet.

Just like on the Apple Watch, simply long press the screen to navigate between different lock screen presets to find the best settings for you. Choices can be made by categories such as colors, photos, weather, and emojis. Virtually everything is customizable: fonts, colors, and even widgets. Best of all, you can create a number of lock screen profiles and navigate between them according to your needs. In short, you’ll be able to indulge yourself in terms of customization.

How to use the Lock Screen feature on the iPhone:

Live Activities

Live Activities is an iOS 16 feature thought to make notifications more ergonomic, especially when it involves tracking the progress of a live event. Whether it’s a soccer game, an Uber ride, or a sports session, you can track the progress of the event in real time without being bombarded with multiple notifications.

You can enable Live Activities for the Lock Screen directly on the iPhone Settings app, but the feature works only for applications that support the Live Activities API.

Focus mode

iOS 16 will also come with an update to Focus Mode to even better sort out the activities that you want to stay focused on. Safari, for example, will allow you to display only work-related tabs during the day so you won’t be distracted by other potentially open tabs. But you’ll also be able to tailor your lock screen to your chosen FOCUS mode.

How to use the Focus Mode on your iPhone:

Battery percentage indicator

The long-gone battery percentage on iPhones is finally back on iOS 16. Now, the battery icon displays the exact percent value instead of the graphical version. Apple removed the percentage indicator starting back on the iPhone X to accommodate the unwieldy notch and, since then, users have been relying on additional taps to know the current juice level left on their device or specific widgets.

To have the feature, however, you need to activate the Battery Percentage option directly in the battery settings. Once enabled, the icon size shows the value on it.

How to take advantage of the Battery features on your iPhone:

Messages app

Messages now offers three new features: editing messages after sending, deleting messages after sending and marking a conversation as unread. It also works with SharePlay too. Message editing works pretty much like editing posts on services like. Slack, and Telegram, in which we can see a tag informing us that the message has been edited. The same happens with deleted messages, just as we have in a WhatsApp chat.

Marking a message as unread works as a reminder to reply. This option can help people like me who constantly forget to reply to messages after they have been read.

Live Text

iOS 16 also improves spoken dictation to allow your iPhone to more accurately recognize what you’re saying so it can transcribe it all to paper. Apple also improved the Live Text feature. It can understand the text displayed in a video for easier copy and paste. The same goes for the camera function in the translation application. For example, you can perform a currency conversion just by taking a picture of the price tagged on a product.

Dictation

As mentioned right at the beginning of this guide, the text dictation system was also improved and it’s ideal to use with apps such as Notes, Messages, or E-mail. Using voice text entry on Apple’s keyboard, we were able to type several sentences in a second, and in case of misunderstanding, it is really easy to replace words by voice or simultaneously by touch.

As you can see in the video below, the automatic punctuation feature, as we have in the Google voice recording application, is very welcome here:

Apple Pay Later

iOS 16 is also going to be an opportunity for Apple to expand the geographical areas in which the Apple Wallet app can store digital ID cards. However, the most interesting new feature is the new Apple Pay feature called Apple Pay Later.

Basically, you will be able to pay with Apple Pay in four installments without any interest. This is a very practical function for large purchases that you don’t necessarily want to pay in one go. Apple Pay Later will be available for any payment compatible with Apple Pay.

How to use Apple Pay on your iPhone:

Apple Maps

Apple has announced that with iOS 16, the new features of the Maps app which was introduced a few months ago will finally arrive in more places. We’re talking about the Look Around function, which allows you to visualize a neighborhood or a street in 3D to better orient yourself, but also the Multi-stop routing feature which allows you to add one or more stops to a trip (up to 15 stops).

For example, you can plan your route and all your stops in advance on your MacBook and then transfer them to your iPhone, or even ask Siri to add one or more stops in real time when you’re driving friends home.

Photos

Apple will offer a new option for Cloud-based photo sharing. It allows users to automatically share certain photos. You just need to set the options to make sure you specify which contacts can be part of your shared gallery. From there, you can ask the application to ly the photos in which you appear with your spouse, for example.

How to use Photos on your iPhone:

Home app

Apple mentioned that it has adopted the new Matter standard to link all your connected or IoT objects together more easily. This should make more devices compatible with your Apple Smart home ecosystem.

iOS 16 will also usher in a new version of the Home app. The interface has been reworked with a new section that allows you to have an overview of some key data: temperature, light, security while viewing all of your connected devices at once.

How to use the Home app feature on your iPhone:

Safety Check

In May 2021, Apple announced AirTags as tracking devices to be added to your keychain or even your computer backpack for easy location in case of loss or theft. However, it didn’t take long for a series of security alerts to start popping up on the web. For the sake of users’ privacy, Apple sent out a firmware update to prevent people from being tracked without their knowledge.

With iOS 16, Apple dives even deeper into the privacy and security sphere and brings the Safety Check function. With this, Apple wants to offer more control to users who share passwords or access to certain apps and data such as geolocation. Presented as an aid to combat abuse in toxic relationships, Safety Check quickly revokes access to data and locations previously shared with others.

Right now, access can easily be blocked from Privacy and Security settings now and offer the options: Emergency Reset as well as Manage Sharing Access. The first option quickly removes people and revokes access to apps, allowing you also to change the Apple ID and add or remove emergency contacts. The second option is a helpful shortcut to sharing access management. You can remove permissions to services such as Photos, Messages, and other applications, restricting access to your personal devices only.

And a super thoughtful addition is the “Quick Exit” button that quickly closes the Safety Check window and leaves no trace in multitasking. This offers much more security for victims of abuse.

Automatic Verification

Automatic Verification is a feature that allows you to bypass CAPTCHAs, those pesky verification tools to ensure you’re not a bot. This option is available by default on iOS 16. Specifically, by enabling the auto-check feature, iCloud will automatically (and securely, we might add) verify your Apple ID and device in the background, saving you from having to fill out a Captcha when authenticating a website or an app.

How to use the Automatic Verification feature on your iPhone:

Apple CarPlay

Apple has worked closely with many car manufacturers to better connect your car to your iPhone—or is it your iPhone to your car? Not only will you be able to control more things in your car from your iPhone, but you’ll also be able to customize your dashboard in more ways.

iPhone exclusive features

With the release of the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro, Apple announced some hardware-dependent features, such as Cinematic Mode, which is not found on any model below the 2021 generation. With the release of the new iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro, on the other hand, we had a new series of software features exclusive to the new generations of the iPhone. We talk a bit about some of these features below.

Cinematic Mode 4K resolution

Initially limited to Full HD, it is now possible to take 4K videos with Cinematic Mode. This feature should now be able to fully reveal its potential. So far, this feature is exclusive to the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 lines.

How to use Cinematic Mode on your iPhone:

Action Mode

Among the many new features of the camera, Apple has also equipped its new iPhone 14 series with a new Action Mode. This will be used to improve the stability when taking video. In the following video you can see how Action Mode works on the iPhone 14:

Crash Detection

Just like the new Apple Watch Series 8, the new iPhones 14 will be able to detect a car accident and automatically alert emergency services. The smartphone will be able to recognize the type of accident and react accordingly.

• Also read:How to turn on Apple Watch fall detection

Always-On-Display

After years of waiting, Apple has finally brought the Always-On-Display feature to its iPhones. Thanks to the LTPO screen that will increase the refresh rate to 1 Hz, the iPhone 14 Pro will be able to constantly display information such as the time, widgets, or your dynamic notifications.

How to use the battery percentage feature on your iPhone:

Dynamic Island

Apple has removed the notch in favor of a new punch. The manufacturer was able to take advantage of this change with its Dynamic Island which will allow using the area around the notch to display information, notifications, alerts, or the call button. This new area will offer several possibilities and developers should find new uses in the coming months. This is also a hardware dependable feature, so only the iPhone 14 Pro series can use it now.

• Related: This app brings Apple-style Dynamic Island to Android

Emergency SOS via Satellite

Apple has made official the long-awaited function allowing to contact emergencies via satellite. Specifically, you can send messages that will be highly compressed and able to be transmitted in 15 seconds via satellite. Apple also offers pre-written messages to make it easier for you. Relay centers have been set up in case an emergency service does not accept SMS.

This paid service which will use among others the Find My network will be free during the first two years for iPhone 14 buyers. It will only be available in the US and Canada at first.

iOS 16 availability and download

The iOS 16 was announced on June 6, at WWDC 2022, and the public beta was sent out on July 12. The official version of iOS 16 was announced in September at the iPhone 14 launch keynote. To check whether iOS 16 is available for your device now, follow the steps described in our guide on how to update the software of your iPhone. Apple is already working on the next version of its operating system: check out what to expect from iOS 17.

iOS 16 supported devices

Apple will support iOS 16 updates from iPhone 8 series to the new iPhone 13 series. The iPhone 14s run iOS 16 out of box. Here is the full list of iPhones that are eligible for iOS 16:

iOS 16: 100 Features & Changes. How to use iOS 16

• iPhone 13
• iPhone 13 mini
• iPhone 13 Pro
• iPhone 13 Pro Max
• iPhone 12 mini
• iPhone 12 mini
• iPhone 12 Pro
• iPhone 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 11 mini
• iPhone 11 Pro
• iPhone 11 Pro Max
• iPhone XS
• iPhone XS Max
• iPhone XR
• iPhone X
• iPhone 8
• iPhone 8 Plus
• iPhone SE (2ᵉ and 3ᵉ generation)

The fact that the iPhone 7 series will not receive the update to iOS 16 is due to hardware limitations (Apple ended support for the A9 and A9X processors recently) the iPhone 6s and iPhone SE (1sr generation) models will be left out in 2022.

iOS 16 current version

Even after the official update package has been shipped, all versions of Apple’s mobile software are still under development. This means that throughout the lifetime of iOS 16, the operating system will receive updates for bug fixes and security optimizations, as well as may or may not receive new features. In the table below, we share the latest iOS 16 versions and update notes.

Apple iPhone 13

Camila Rinaldi Head of Editorial

With over 10 years of reviewing smartphones and wearables, I recently became addicted to Smart home gadgets. Even though I dove into the Apple ecosystem two years back, Android remains as one of my passions. Previously editor-in-chief of AndroidPIT and Canaltech in Brazil, I now write for the US market. I love my records and I believe that the best way to get to know a place is through its food. I’m (still) on (@apequenarinaldi)!

How to update your iPhone to iOS 16 for the redesigned, customizable lock screen and new message features

Email icon An envelope. It indicates the ability to send an email.

Email icon A stylized bird with an open mouth, tweeting.

LinkedIn icon The word “in”.

• You can update your iPhone from the Software Update section of the Settings app.
• It’s possible to set up automatic iPhone updates, so it downloads whenever a new iOS is available.
• If your iPhone won’t update to the new iOS, it might be too old or not have enough storage space.

Apple releases updates for the iPhone pretty regularly. In addition to at least one major update to the OS each year, there are generally a few incremental updates throughout the year, often to fix bugs and perform security improvements.

Note: The all-new iOS 16 update will be available to download starting September 12. It includes a redesigned, customizable lock screen and new message features – check out our guide to the 5 best new iOS 16 features.

You can set your iPhone to update itself automatically, or manually update it yourself. Here’s what you should know.

How to update your iPhone automatically

The easiest (and most secure) way to manage iPhone updates is to let your device handle it.

Here’s how to make sure your iPhone is ready to update automatically:

Open the Settings app and tap General.

On the General page, tap Software Update.

On the Software Update page, tap Automatic Updates.

To let the iPhone do everything automatically, be sure both the Download iOS Updates and Install iOS Updates buttons are turned on by swiping them to the right, turning them green.

When both switches are turned on, your iPhone will download update files to the phone and then install them automatically overnight, when your phone is charging and locked.

Note: If you prefer, you can turn off Install iOS Updates but leave Download iOS Updates turned on. If you do this, the update will download to the phone and wait for you to install it manually.

How to update your iPhone manually

If you want to manage updates yourself, or the phone isn’t installing updates automatically for some reason, you can do it yourself.

Open the Settings app and tap General.

On the General page, tap Software Update. Your phone will check to see if there’s an update available.

If there is an update available, tap Download and Install. Agree to the terms and conditions, and wait while the update downloads to your phone.

Finally, tap Install to complete the update.

Troubleshooting tips if your iPhone won’t update

If your iPhone won’t update either manually or automatically, try these troubleshooting methods.

Make sure your iPhone is compatible

The latest iOS software update, iOS 15, is available for the iPhone 6S and later, as well as the iPhone SE (both first and second generation) and the iPod Touch 7th generation.

This means that if you’re still using an iPhone 5S or earlier, you’re out of luck. You can view a full list of compatible iPhone versions here.

Check that you have enough available storage

iOS 15 will take up about 3.24 GB of storage space, but you’ll need more than that to successfully install the update. In fact, you’ll need a total of about 5GB of free space on your phone to download and install the update.

To see how much free space your phone has right now, open the Settings app, tap General, and select iPhone Storage. The amount of storage you have available will be listed at the top of the iPhone Storage page.

Quick tip: If you don’t have enough free space, you can free up space on your iPhone.

Connect to Wi-Fi and charge your battery

Sometimes it’s the little things that will block an iOS update. You should have a strong, reliable Wi-Fi connection and your iPhone needs to have at least 50 percent of battery life remaining.

For the best results, perform the update at home or in the office, where you know you have dependable Wi-Fi. And connect your phone to a dock or charger before starting the update.

Restart your iPhone

Restarting your iPhone can solve any number of small glitches, including corrupted files or other bugs that can interfere with an iOS update.

Update your iPhone from your computer

On rare occasions, you might run into a glitch and find that your iPhone can’t install an update, either automatically or manually. If that happens, you can install it from a PC or Mac.

Plug your iPhone into your computer.

If you’re on a PC, open iTunes. If you’re on a Mac, open Finder and click your phone’s name in the sidebar.

If you see a message on the computer asking if you want to allow the computer to access your iPhone, click Continue. Likewise, tap Trust on your iPhone.

In iTunes, click Library and then click the iPhone icon on the left side of the toolbar. In Finder, click General.

Click Check for Update.

If there’s an update available, click Download and Update. Leave your phone connected for as long as it takes to update.

Dave Johnson is a technology journalist who writes about consumer tech and how the industry is transforming the speculative world of science fiction into modern-day real life. Dave grew up in New Jersey before entering the Air Force to operate satellites, teach space operations, and do space launch planning. He then spent eight years as a content lead on the Windows team at Microsoft. As a photographer, Dave has photographed wolves in their natural environment; he’s also a scuba instructor and co-host of several podcasts. Dave is the author of more than two dozen books and has contributed to many sites and publications including CNET, Forbes, PC World, How To Geek, and Insider.

Related articles

Copyright © 2023 Insider Inc. All rights reserved. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Your Privacy Choices Manage Your Preferences California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) Opt-Out Icon The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) provides consumers with the right to opt-out – meaning, the right to tell a business to stop selling their personal information.

The new iPhone 14 series will ship with the latest iOS 16 version and other devices will get it next week. Here’s everything you need to know about iOS 16.

In Short

• Apple will release iOS 16 software on September 12.
• The new iPhone 14 series will ship with the latest iOS version.
• The older devices like iPhone X and iPhone 8 will also get iOS 16.

By Ankita Garg: Apple has announced its latest iOS 16 operating system with a bunch of new features. The company has revealed the iOS 16 software will be released on September 12. The new iPhone 14 series will ship with the latest iOS version and other devices will get it next week. The new iOS version brings improvements to the lock screen, a new iCloud Shared Photo Library, improved Focus mode, and more. Here’s everything you need to know about iOS 16.

iOS 16: Top features

The new version brings some significant changes that will likely improve users’ overall experience. With iOS 16, iPhone users will now be able to edit or undo sent messages. But, Apple will give you only 15 minutes of time to make any changes. In addition to this, one can now restore recently deleted messages and the good thing is Apple will be giving up to 30 days to recover messages. The new software update also lets you mark conversations as unread.

Apple has also updated its Maps app and it now offers 3D-like visuals, as well as multistop routing. One also gets to check fares for public transport. One will also notice improvements in CarPlay capabilities. Apple has added support for multiple screens and one can now check several parameters such as speeds, car temperature, and other details.

Apple has also redesigned the lock screen. iOS 16 lets people check favorite photos, and customize font styles on the lock screen. It now even displays a set of widgets to get information at a glance. The company is also giving an option to create different Lock Screens, with a unique backdrop and style. You can view notifications on the lock screen in an expanded list view, stacked view, or hidden view. Live Activities is also now available on the lock screen. So, you will be able to check the score of a game or track your food delivery.

iOS 16: Features you MUST use! Tips & Tricks!

There is also a new iCloud Shared Photo Library that allows you to share photos with your family. All you need to do is move your images to this section to share with your family members. This feature will arrive later this year. The latest version also offers an improved version of the Focus mode. People can now activate it through different ways. One can simply use the Control Center or opt for the automatic process.

Apple has introduced Apple Pay Later as well. One will be able to split the cost of their Apple Pay purchase into four payments over six weeks and Apple won’t charge extra for this. There are other features too, including Live captions, Live Text quick actions, Live text for video. Those who use Apple’s Mail app will now be able to unsend emails or schedule them.

iOS 16.1, iPadOS 16 release date is here with major upgrades

The day is finally here, with Apple releasing iOS 16.1 to the public, the first major upgrade to its iPhone software since iOS 16 was released along with the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro.

The company confirmed with the release of its new iPad (2022) that iOS 16.1 would come out today, likely at the usual time of around 6 pm UK time, 1 pm ET, and 10 am PT.

The latest OS revision was a massive upgrade to the iPhone (our iOS 16 review said it “makes picking up your iPhone fun again”), bringing with it new Lock Screen customizations, and other major innovations. Some key features and freshly announced ideas have been held back however, here are some you can expect later today.

What’s new in iPadOS 16

iPadOS 16 will also be released today, bringing major upgrades including an exciting but controversial new multi-tasking feature, Stage Manager, that will change the way iPad Pro users can manage Windows.

iPad is also getting a Weather app, as well as improved handwriting with Apple Pencil.

Later today, Apple is also going to release macOS Ventura, which also comes with Stage Manager to complement iPadOS 16. Rumors state macOS Ventura has support for some exciting new MacBooks that Apple is yet to release, namely a new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro.

Get more i in your inbox!

Our news, reviews, opinions, and easy to follow guides can turn any iPhone owner into an Apple aficionado

By submitting your information you agree to the Terms Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

Stephen Warwick has written about Apple for five years at i and previously elsewhere. He covers all of i’s latest breaking news regarding all of Apple’s products and services, both hardware and software. Stephen has interviewed industry experts in a range of fields including finance, litigation, security, and more. He also specializes in curating and reviewing audio hardware and has experience beyond journalism in sound engineering, production, and design.

Before becoming a writer Stephen studied Ancient History at University and also worked at Apple for more than two years. Stephen is also a host on the i show, a weekly podcast recorded live that discusses the latest in breaking Apple news, as well as featuring fun trivia about all things Apple. Follow him on @stephenwarwick9

Return of the hack: Apple’s iOS 16.5 fixes security issues initially discovered in 2022

iOS and iPadOS 16.5 are stopping Apple’s Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter from working