Apple releases iOS 16.2 alongside with software updates for the Apple Watch, iPad
Apple has released iOS 16.2 to all eligible iPhones that received iOS 16 in September. Alongside it, the iPad lineup also gets updated with iPadOS 16.2, and finally, we get watchOS 9.2 for the
Watch lineup. Let’s kick it up with iOS 16.2:
iOS 16.2: The new features
Freeform
Apple introduces the Freeform collaborative app
Some of the new features that arrive with the latest software update include a brand new cross-platform collaborative app, dubbed Freeform. It’s essentially a virtual sketchboard that allows you to write, draw, insert various predefined shapes, lists, links, and so much more.
Apple Music Sing
Apple Music Sing lets you hum along your favorite songs
Another interesting new feature is actually an addition to Apple Music, dubbed Sing. We’ve already told you about the surprising karaoke functionality that was to be added to Apple Music a few days ago, but the gist of it is that Apple Music subscribers can now essentially adjust the volume of the vocals on a song or completely mute them in real-time, singing along in an improvised karaoke session. While the feature won’t work with any song on Apple Music, there are plenty that support the new feature, and Apple has actually made a few dozen playlists with songs that are perfect for a karaoke get-together. Apple Music Sing is supported on the following devices: iPhone 11 and newer, iPad Pro 11″ 3rd Gen and newer, iPad Pro 12.9″ 5th Gen and newer, iPad Air 4th Gen and newer, iPad 9th Gen and newer, iPad mini.
Limited AirDrop from Everyone
Up until now, once you allow everyone with an iPhone to send you anything over AirDrop, the setting remained enabled for virtually forever. However, due to one reason or another, iOS 16.2 puts the kibosh on that one: you will only be discoverable by other AirDrop users for up to 10 minutes. Don’t worry, people in your contacts list will be able to send you AirDrops without anything required on your part.
You will no longer receive ”memes” from strangers on the plane
Advanced Data Protection
Moving on to some more important privacy features, we get Advanced Data Protection in iOS 16.2. This one is rather straightforward, expanding end-to-end encryption to any messages, iCloud backups, iCloud Drive, Notes, Photos, Safari data and bookmarks, Siri Shortcuts, Wallet content and passes, Reminders, and Voice Memos that you’ve backed up to your iCloud space. Essentially, everything backed up is encrypted, with the exception of the data used in Mail, Contacts, and Calendar, due to some legacy issues that prevent Apple from encrypting this particular data.
New lockscreen widgets
With iOS 16.2, iPhone users now have access to a new sleep widget that shows the graph for your most recent sleep, as well as a new medications widget that will remind you to take your pills on time.
Improved Always On Display functionality
iOS 16.2 introduces improved Always On Display functionality
Upgrade to Home
Apple’s Home hub app is getting a rather big revamp with the arrival of iOS 16.2 and iPadOS 16.2. The underlying architecture of the app is upgraded so that it is compliant with the Matter smart home standard. As a result, the performance of your connected home gadgets and appliances should be improved, though you might need to update your HomePods and other smart gadgets that you’ve got paired into your Home app.
ProMotion app-switching lag fix
Crash Detection optimizations
After you update to iOS 16.2, your new iPhone will no longer attempt to call emergency services while you’re enjoying a roller coaster ride or skiing down the slopes. Just in time for winter, perfect! The same optimizations have made their way to eligible Apple Watches as well.