Tag: 16.2
iOS 16.2: Is it better or worse for your iPhone battery?
iOS 16.2 Features: Everything New in iOS 16.2
We’ve outlined all of the changes that are available in both iOS 16.2 and iPadOS 16.2.
Freeform App
Apple debuted a new cross-platform Freeform app in iOS 16.2, iPadOS 16.2, and macOS Ventura 13.1. Designed for collaboration, Freeform can be used for jotting down notes, sketching, drawing, saving links, and more.
Multiple people can work on the same Freeform document, with updates synced for all participants in real-time. Apple says that Freeform can be used for sketching projects, designing mood boards, and brainstorming ideas, with the app serving as a creative space.
Apple Music Sing
Designed as a karaoke feature for Apple Music subscribers, Apple Music Sing provides real-time lyrics that iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV users can sing along with. Features include adjustable vocals for changing the volume of the original singer, real-time lyrics that move to the rhythm of the vocals, background vocal options, and a duet view for multi-singer tracks.
Apple has introduced more than 50 playlists that include songs, duets, choruses, and anthems ideal for use with Apple Music Sing.
Apple Music Sing can be used on the iPhone 11 and later, the third-generation 11-inch iPad Pro and later, the fifth-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro and later, the fourth-generation iPad Air and later, the ninth-generation iPad and later, and the iPad mini and later.
Advanced Data Protection
Introduced last week, Advanced Data Protection expands end-to-end encryption to additional iCloud data categories. Advanced Data Protection is opt-in and can be used to encrypt iCloud backups, Message backups, iCloud Drive content, Notes, Photos, Reminders, Voice Memos, Safari Bookmarks, Siri Shortcuts, and Wallet Passes.
With the update, almost all iCloud data is protected, with the exception of Mail, Contacts, and Calendar because these features need to interoperate with systems that use legacy technologies.
Advanced Data Protection is opt in because it means Apple can’t restore your data if you lose your password, plus access to iCloud.com is disabled by default.
Stage Manager External Display Support
With iPadOS 16.2, Stage Manager on M1 and M2 iPads can be used with external displays once again. This is functionality that Apple removed in the first version of iPadOS 16 in order to expand Stage Manager to A12X and A12Z iPad Pro models.
With external display support, Stage Manager supports up to eight apps for multitasking purposes, rather than four. This functionality is limited to M1 and M2 iPads.
For the M1 or M2 capable iPads, there is also an option to drag and drop a window from the iPad to the external monitor that is connected to your device. Dragging a window from one device to another is new in the iOS 16.2 update.
New Home App Architecture
Paired with HomePod 16.2 software, iOS 16.2, iPadOS 16.2, and macOS Ventura 13.1 add support for an updated Home app architecture that comes following the addition of the Matter smart home standard.
Apple says that the new Home app architecture brings faster, more reliable performance in homes with many smart accessories, but it requires every device that accesses the home to be running the iOS 16.2, iPadOS 16.2, macOS Ventura 13.1, tvOS 16.2, and watchOS 9.2 updates, along with the HomePod 16.2 software.
Disable Wallpaper and Notifications for Always On Display
iOS 16.2 adds two toggles for disabling wallpaper and notifications when always on display is active. The feature makes for a simpler always on display interface that only shows the time and any widgets that are enabled.
Contacts Only AirDrop
With the launch of iOS 16.2, AirDrop is going to be restricted to Contacts Only by default, rather than everyone. There is still an option to open AirDrop up to everyone nearby, but it will revert back to Contacts Only after a 10 minute period.
Apple says that this was implemented to cut down on AirDrop spam.
Software Updates
Apple has made a small tweak to the Software Updates section of the Settings app, which is available under General. The text of the software version that’s installed is now bolder, making it more apparent.
Lock Screen Sleep Widget
iOS 16.2 adds a Sleep widget to the Lock Screen, which draws from data stored in the Health app and collected by the Apple Watch or other sleep tracking devices. It provides information such as time spent in bed and sleep quality, with three variants available.
A simple one tile widget shows the amount of time that you spent in bed, and two multi-tile options display either a bar chart that shows sleep quality or a larger widget that shows time in bed along with a visual representation. Tapping on the widget opens up the Sleep section of the Health app.
Lock Screen Medication Widget
In addition to a new Sleep widget, Apple has also added a Medications widget. There are two options, one that is a single pill icon and a second that lets you know when you need to take a medication. It will alert you if all your medications are logged or if you have no more medications for the day.
Game Center
Game Center now supports SharePlay, allowing iPhone and iPad users to play games with friends and family while on a FaceTime call.
There’s also a new Activity Widget that lets users see what their friends are playing and achieving in games from the Home Screen.
Messages Search
Apple has improved search in the Messages app for finding photos based on content, like a pet, car, person, or text.
Turn Off Hide IP Address
There’s a new iCloud Private Relay setting to disable it temporarily for a specific Safari site.
5G in India
iOS 16.2 unlocks 5G service in India, and multiple carriers in the country are now supporting 5G speeds.
TV App Live Sports Scores
iOS 16.2 re-adds Live Activities integration for select sports games for the built-in TV app on the iPhone. Games can be tracked in real time on the Lock Screen or the Dynamic Island on the iPhone 14 Pro models.
TV App Updates
With the iOS 16.2, iPadOS 16.2, tvOS 16.2, and macOS Ventura 13.1 updates, Apple has tweaked the TV app. There are now large show and movie previews located above the “Up Next” interface making it more difficult for users to get to the TV shows they want to watch.
Weather App News
The Weather app now integrates with Apple News, displaying relevant Weather-related news information based on your region.
Live Activities in the TV App
There is an option to get more frequent Live Activity updates from the TV app for following sports games. More frequent updates can result in faster battery drain, so you might want to disable it if you’re concerned about battery life.
Siri Silent Responses
In the Accessibility section of the Settings app, there is an option to set Siri to “Prefer Silent Responses” so that Siri will confirm requests on-device rather than out loud.
ProMotion Lag Fix
On devices that support ProMotion, Apple says that SwiftUI animated layout changes will support a 120Hz refresh rate, functionality that was previously missing.
The iOS 16.2 update also appears to address long-running issues affecting the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro models with ProMotion. These devices can experience lagging and stuttering system animations when closing and switching between apps, and multiple reports from beta testers indicate the performance has been improved in the update.
AirTag Alerts
On the iPad, tracking notifications are now available to let users know if an AirTag separated from its owner is nearby and has recently played a chime to indicate that it is moving.
Crash Detection Optimizations
First introduced in iOS 16.1.2, Crash Detection optimization for the iPhone 14 models is also added to iOS 16.2. Crash Detection optimization could perhaps involve improvements to prevent the iPhone 14 models from calling emergency services when users are enjoying rollercoasters and other intense rides.
Unintentional SOS Calls
Apple is now collecting data on accidental SOS calls with the update, and one user has reported an Apple inquiry about the call that collects system data.
Battery Status Shortcut
There is a new Battery Status Shortcut available that provides information about the iPhone’s battery and any charger that’s connected.
Other New Features
Know of a new feature in iOS 16.2 that we left out? Let us know in the comments below.
This article, “iOS 16.2 Features: Everything New in iOS 16.2” first appeared on MacRumors.com
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New Apple Music Sing Playlists Now Available in iOS 16.2
There are playlists for hits, party anthems, family favorites, crowd-pleasers, iconic duets and festive favorites, as well as playlists separated into genres like pop, dance, hip-hop, indie, rock, and more, plus playlists for music from different decades.
Apple has also added categories like “Songs for Pros,” filled with challenging songs to sing, along with songs for beginners new to karaoke.
All of the playlists can be accessed in the Apple Music app on the iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV. Note that Apple Music Sing is available on the iPhone 11 and later, the fifth-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro and later, the third-generation 11-inch iPad Pro and later, the fourth-generation iPad Air and later, the sixth-generation iPad mini, the ninth-generation iPad and later, and the 2022 Apple TV 4K.
This article, “New Apple Music Sing Playlists Now Available in iOS 16.2” first appeared on MacRumors.com
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iOS 16.2 and iPadOS 16.2 Fix Over 30 Security Vulnerabilities
Apple addressed issues with everything from the Graphics Driver to WebKit to the kernel, along with vulnerabilities in Safari, Weather, Photos and more. None of these issues were known to have been actively exploited in the wild, but updating is still important now that they’re publicly highlighted.
Apple has provided many of the same fixes in the iOS 15.7.2 and iPadOS 15.7.2 updates available to those who are not able to install iOS 16.2, and there are also fixes in tvOS 16.2, watchOS 9.2, and iCloud for Windows 14.1.
On the Mac, macOS Ventura 13.1 has the same fixes, plus a WebKit vulnerability that may have been actively exploited against versions of iOS released before iOS 15.1, which Apple fixed in iOS 16.1.2.
Those who cannot update to Ventura can install macOS Monterey 12.6.2 or macOS Big Sur 11.7.2 to get protection against some of the vulnerabilities.
This article, “iOS 16.2 and iPadOS 16.2 Fix Over 30 Security Vulnerabilities” first appeared on MacRumors.com
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Install the New iOS 16.2 Update to Improve Your Privacy and Security
Available today, the iOS 16.2 unlocks an Advanced Data Protection mode for your iCloud storage. This optional setting expands iCloud’s use of End-to-End Encryption, providing increased security for device and message backups, notes, photos, Safari bookmarks, and more.
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Apple Releases iOS 16.2 and iPadOS 16.2 With Freeform, Apple Music Sing, Advanced Data Protection and More
The iOS 16.2 update Apple’s can be downloaded on eligible iPhones and iPads over-the-air by going to Settings > General > Software Update. It can take a few minutes for the updates to propagate to all users due to high demand. Note that Apple has also released iOS 15.7.2 for iPhone users who have older devices, with the update offering security improvements.
Today’s iOS 16.2 and iPadOS 16.2 updates bring several notable features to iOS 16 and iPadOS 16, including the Freeform app, which is a sort of digital whiteboard that you can use for anything, while also working collaboratively with friends and colleagues.
It includes the Apple Music karaoke feature called “Sing,” it introduces Advanced Data Protection for end-to-end encryption for more iCloud features, plus more. On the iPad, the update brings support for external displays on M1 and M2 iPads.
Apple’s full release notes for the iOS update are below:
Freeform
– Freeform is a new app for working creatively with friends or colleagues on Mac, iPad and iPhone
– A flexible canvas lets you add files, images, stickies, and more
Drawing tools let you sketch anywhere on the canvas with your fingerApple Music Sing
– A new way to sing along with millions of your favorite songs in Apple Music
– Fully adjustable vocals let you duet with the original artist, sing solo, or mix it up
– Newly enhanced beat-by-beat lyrics make it even easier to follow along with the musicAdvanced Data Protection for iCloud
– New option expands the total number of iCloud data categories protected using end-to-end encryption to 23 — including iCloud Backup, Notes, and Photos — protecting your information even in the case of a data breach in the cloudLock Screen
– New settings allow you to hide wallpaper or notifications when Always-On display is enabled on iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max
– Sleep widget lets you view your most recent sleep data
– Medications widget lets you view reminders and quickly access your scheduleGame Center
– SharePlay support in Game Center for multiplayer games so you can play with the people you are on a FaceTime call with
– Activity Widget allows you to see what your friends are playing and achieving in games right from your Home ScreenApple TV
– Live Activities for Apple TV app let you follow your favorite teams with live scores right on your Lock Screen or in Dynamic Island on iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro MaxHome
– Improved reliability and efficiency of communication between your smart home accessories and Apple devicesThis update also includes the following improvements and bug fixes:
– Improved search in Messages allows you to find photos based on their content, like a dog, car, person, or text
– Turn Off Hide IP Address setting enables iCloud Private Relay users to temporarily disable the service for a specific site in Safari
– News articles in Weather display information relevant to the weather in that location
– Participant Cursors in Notes allow you to see live indicators as others make updates in a shared note
– AirDrop now automatically reverts to Contacts Only after 10 minutes to prevent unwanted requests to receive content
– Crash Detection optimizations on iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro models
– Fixes an issue that causes some notes not to sync with iCloud after updates are madeSome features may not be available for all regions or on all Apple devices. For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit this website:
https://support.apple.com/kb/HT201222
Apple also has some iPad specific notes:
Stage Manager
– External display support with resolutions up to 6K available on iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th generation and later), iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation and later), and iPad Air (5th generation)
– Drag and drop files and windows from your compatible device to your connected display, and vice versa
– Support for using up to 4 apps on the iPad display and 4 on the external displayiPad Specific Features and Fixes
– Tracking Notifications alert you if an AirTag separated from its owner is nearby and has recently played a chime to indicate it is moving
– Fixes an issue that may cause Multi-Touch gestures to become unresponsive while using the Zoom accessibility feature
Following the launch of iOS 16.2 and iPadOS 16.2, Apple may soon seed out the first betas of iOS 16.3 and iPadOS 16.3, giving us a look at new features that we can expect to see in the new year.
This article, “Apple Releases iOS 16.2 and iPadOS 16.2 With Freeform, Apple Music Sing, Advanced Data Protection and More” first appeared on MacRumors.com
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iOS 16.2 for iPhone Expected to Launch Next Week With These 12 New Features
Below, we’ve recapped many of the new features coming with iOS 16.2, including Apple’s new whiteboard app Freeform, two new Lock Screen widgets, the ability to hide the wallpaper and notifications on the iPhone 14 Pro’s always-on display, a new AirDrop setting, SharePlay support for Game Center, Live Activities enhancements, and more.
Apple Music Sing
Apple Music Sing is a new karaoke-like feature on the lyrics screen in the Apple Music app that lets you sing along to tens of millions of songs. The feature allows users to lower the volume of the vocals in a song and then take over as the singer.
Apple Music Sing is compatible with devices equipped with an A13 chip or newer, including the iPhone 11 and newer, select iPads, and the latest Apple TV 4K.
Advanced Data Protection
iOS 16.2 introduces an optional Advanced Data Protection feature that, when enabled, expands end-to-end encryption to many additional iCloud data categories, including Messages backups, photos, notes, reminders, voice memos, and more.
Advanced Data Protection is currently limited to U.S. users and will start rolling out to the rest of the world in early 2023, according to Apple.
Freeform App
iOS 16.2 includes Apple’s new digital whiteboard app Freeform on the iPhone. The app provides an infinite canvas for you to draw on and insert sticky notes, text boxes, shapes, photos, videos, links, PDFs, and more. The app is also available on the iPad and the Mac, and you can collaborate with others in real time via FaceTime and iMessage.
Freeform is more useful on the iPad given the device supports the Apple Pencil, but you can still use a capacitive stylus on the iPhone.
Two New Lock Screen Widgets
There are two new Lock Screen widgets for Sleep and Medications on iOS 16.2. With the Sleep widget, you can view your most recent sleep session and sleep stages, while the Medications widget can let you quickly access your medication schedule.
New Always-On Display Options
Starting with iOS 16.2, you can hide the wallpaper and notifications in always-on display mode on the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max. This results in the Lock Screen having a solid black, minimal appearance in always-on mode, similar to Android.
The new “Show Wallpaper” and “Show Notifications” toggles are located in the Settings app under Display & Brightness → Always On Display.
Live Activities for Sports Scores via Apple TV App
iOS 16.2 adds Live Activities support for sports scores via the Apple TV app. The feature allows iPhone users to view live scores of MLB, NBA, and Premier League games at a glance on the Lock Screen, and in the Dynamic Island on iPhone 14 Pro models.
During a Premier League match, for example, the Dynamic Island shows a live-updating scoreboard with the number of goals scored by each club. When long pressed, the Dynamic Island expands to show the time elapsed and play-by-play action. When an iPhone 14 Pro is locked, and on all other iPhone models, the score is shown in a Lock Screen banner.
To use the feature with an iPhone running iOS 16.2, open the TV app and tap on the “Follow” button for a supported game. Apple says the feature is available for NBA and Premier League games for users in the U.S. and Canada, and for MLB games for users in the U.S., Canada, Australia, U.K., Brazil, Mexico, Japan, and South Korea.
New AirDrop Setting
iOS 16.2 replaces AirDrop’s previous “Everyone” setting with a limited “Everyone for 10 Minutes” option to cut down on unwanted requests from strangers. AirDrop now automatically reverts to “Contacts Only” after 10 minutes.
New Home App Architecture
After updating to iOS 16.2 and opening the Home app, an update to the app is available with new underlying architecture. Apple says the new architecture improves the app’s performance, efficiency, and reliability for controlling smart home accessories. This comes after the Home app gained support for Matter accessories in iOS 16.1.
Other New Features
- SharePlay support in Game Center lets you play multiplayer games with the people you are on a FaceTime call with.
- iOS 16.2 enables support for 5G networks in India on the iPhone 12 and newer, starting with carriers Airtel and Reliance Jio.
- The built-in Weather app now features an Apple News section.
- Improved search in the Messages app allows you to find photos based on their content, like a dog, car, person, or text.
There are a few other changes and optimizations in iOS 16.2, as outlined in the full release notes.
This article, “iOS 16.2 for iPhone Expected to Launch Next Week With These 12 New Features” first appeared on MacRumors.com
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iPhone AirDrop restriction first seen in China will roll out worldwide with iOS 16.2
Apple’s next iOS update will tighten AirDrop security for everyone. The new default settings will arrive globally in the upcoming iOS 16.2 after the company limited AirDrop use in China, where protestors had used the feature to organize with strangers.
The restriction will put a 10-minute cap on the window for users to share AirDrop files with “everyone.” After that, the setting reverts to “contacts only,” essentially killing its utility in protests. Although Apple tightening up privacy settings may be on-brand, this move stands out because of its timing. The change arrived in China in the iOS 16.1.1 update — after media outlets reported on protestors’ use of the tool to organize, discuss VPNs and denounce President Xi Jinping. At the time, Apple said the feature wouldn’t remain a Chinese exclusive and would roll out globally next year. Less than a month later, it’s in the latest iOS beta.
Apple could be trying to thread the needle between appeasing China — where it manufactures most of its products and makes about 20 percent of its revenue — and limiting the domestic PR damage from acquiescing to an authoritarian regime. By adding the feature globally, the company can deny (if only somewhat plausibly) helping an oppressive government quell protests.
On the other hand, AirDrop’s “everyone” setting has also led to unwanted content like random dick pics from strangers. No matter Apple’s motives, stopping that is a byproduct we can all get behind.
The iOS 16.2 Release Candidate rolled out to developers today. In addition to the AirDrop change, the software adds enhanced end-to-end encryption and an Apple Music karaoke feature.
Hands-On With Apple Music Sing in iOS 16.2
Apple Music Sing is available on modern iPhones and iPads, as well as the newest Apple TV 4K. It’s built in to the Apple Music app, and therefore limited to Apple Music subscribers. Note that you need to have a full Apple Music subscription, as it is not included with the more affordable voice-only plan.
If you’ve used Apple Music’s built-in follow along lyrics feature, you know how to use Apple Music Sing. The feature basically uses the lyric functionality, while also adding a toggle to turn down the vocals of a song to replace them with your own.
Just pick a song, turn on the lyrics, and then use the little microphone icon to adjust the vocals. Apple Music Sing is not available for every song, and it’s not entirely clear which songs Apple is limiting it to.
Apple is going to provide playlists for Apple Music Sing, which will be filled with popular songs to sing along to. Apple Music Sing will be available to all users with the launch of iOS 16.2, and as we already have a release candidate, iOS 16.2 could come out as soon as next week.
Apple Music Sing is available on the iPhone 11 and later, the third-generation 11-inch iPad Pro and later, the fifth-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro and later, the fourth-generation iPad Air and later, the ninth-generation iPad and later, the iPad mini and later, and the new third-generation Apple TV 4K.
This article, “Hands-On With Apple Music Sing in iOS 16.2” first appeared on MacRumors.com
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