What, no karaoke for you??? 🤣😜I think this about covers it and then some. Hopefully next year they focus on software quality and not dozens of new weird features nobody wanted.
16.2.1 will follow 2 weeks after I’m sure. 😉here comes 16.2 with barrage of bugs![]()
First thing I deleted 😂Looking forward to Freeform. Hopefully this will open the door for more Apple whiteboard softwares that’s been dominated by Microsoft.
First thing I deleted![]()
Actually 16.2 takes away “airdrop from everyone“ for users outside of China as well. I use airdrop every day at work as a sound tech with 5-10 different artists a day that I don’t want in my contacts. Very annoying to have to keep turning this on every 10 min. I mean, it’s worse for people in china who need it for bigger reasons, but incredibly inconvenient and annoying for me. I definitely think they should add a 10 min option and leave the always on option as well. Let the user decide.Does this update bring back AirDrop to those in China protesting?
For me sending files that would take more than 10 min with airdrop always fails already anyway. Most transfers are very fast but it doesn’t handle multiple files as reliably as I’d like. It’s not a good reason for Apple to take away the always on for everyone option though.Thanks for clarifying that. I should say if Bluetooth Wireless Connection is weak.
What a joke. Reachability? If that is the case, why discontinued the smaller phones?It's not - it improves usability and reachability, and is exactly something that Steve Jobs would have championed. I'm actually amazed that no smartphone OS has done this before (as far as I know).
Do I have to use Apple TV for live sports scores?
It’s kind of hard to sing along to Beethoven’s 5thIf they are releasing the karaoke feature I'd expect the Apple Music classical as well. If not I don't know what the Apple Music engineers have been doing for the past 12 months.
Not really what I was aiming for in my comment but yes, sure. But not his ninth...It’s kind of hard to sing along to Beethoven’s 5th
iOS 16.2 is expected to be released next week following nearly two months of beta testing. With last-minute additions like Apple Music Sing and Advanced Data Protection, the software update now has over a dozen new features for the iPhone.
![]()
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, MexiM
When "Allow Paste" will be removed?
iOS 16.2 is expected to be released next week following nearly two months of beta testing. With last-minute additions like Apple Music Sing and Advanced Data Protection, the software update now has over a dozen new features for the iPhone.
![]()
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
There are a few other changes and optimizations in iOS 16.2, as outlined in the full release notes.
- 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.
Article Link: iOS 16.2 for iPhone Expected to Launch Next Week With These 12 New Features
I give them a week, right before Christmas16.2.1 will follow 2 weeks after I’m sure. 😉
The beautiful thing here is that you can develop & install your own keyboard.. Why wait for to fix the bug when the power of the universe is in your hands?
Agreed!Wow! What a way to end 2022.
iOS 16.2 is packed with very nice features. Can't wait till next week.
I’m not too worried about it being left on because I was managers battery power so beautifully.Happy to see the updated AirDrop feature. Let's be honest, how many forgot to dial back to contacts only or receiving off after setting it to everyone for whatever reason? Hopefully it's baked into macOS Ventura 13.1 as well.
AirDrop only have three choices: Receiving Off, Contacts Only and Everyone.
It'd be MUCH better if there's a fourth choice: iPhone/iPad name ID.
For example, AirDrop on my iPhone 13 PM that could locate my iPhone 12 Pro and drop off a pic or a clip without using Everyone.
Thank YOU! Been worried about this, glad there is a solution.I use an app called Sports Alerts for live activity sports scores. Very convenient with the World Cup going on atm. Gave up on the ESPN app, I thought they'd have this on day 1.
Damn straight I’ll be enabling this day one on iOS 16.2 launch day as every iOS, iPadOS user should!I’m excited about the Advanced Data Protection in fact I immediately turned it on, excellent job Apple
Live Updates has been available since 16.1 and the only sports app that supports it is Sports Alert. ESPN and CBS Sports (my 2 favs) have yet to implement it.Agreed!
Very excited for this update. My only wish is for live updates to support The World Cup Football and NHL, yet I’m sure apps will have this integrated somehow.
This is better than a whole UI change, and to be honest I’m starting to think Dynamic Island on iOS essentially a UI enhancement that’ll continue to evolve and further be refined.
Finally. I like AOD but I don’t like notifications always being there. Too distractions. I just want the time to show. No widget even. With Apple Watch I only need so many ways to check notifications.
iOS 16.2 is expected to be released next week following nearly two months of beta testing. With last-minute additions like Apple Music Sing and Advanced Data Protection, the software update now has over a dozen new features for the iPhone.
![]()
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
There are a few other changes and optimizations in iOS 16.2, as outlined in the full release notes.
- 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.
Article Link: iOS 16.2 for iPhone Expected to Launch Next Week With These 12 New Features
Reachability is a compromise in itself, and this way that function is no longer necessary, and takes out an extra step. The smaller phones are not selling well, that's not what most users want, so Apple is adjusting their software to suit.What a joke. Reachability? If that is the case, why discontinued the smaller phones?
Oh, as a compromise?
Wouldn't be a problem if Apple have not gone all in with these gigantic slabs.
More excuses.Reachability is a compromise in itself, and this way that function is no longer necessary, and takes out an extra step. The smaller phones are not selling well, that's not what most users want, so Apple is adjusting their software to suit.
The notifications are no less visible than than were previously, people just need to adjust to the new position. They are still arranged from top to bottom, so are no less readable or logical either.More excuses.
They didn't have to change the size from the 5S to 6.
They took the plunge back then and have to come up with a "compromise" this many years later.
In addition, someone else also mentioned in another thread that notifications are one of the key features of a modern smartphone. They shall be front and center instead of of the bottom of the screen out of the way.
Apple can at least give us the option. But no, they want to "showcase" the wallpaper instead.
"People just need to adjust to the new position" is exactly what I mean change for the sake of change in my very first reply.The notifications are no less visible than than were previously, people just need to adjust to the new position. They are still arranged from top to bottom, so are no less readable or logical either.
Apple is not going to give an option that fundamentally changes the way the OS operates. It's also likely they have plans to build on the current functionality in future versions.