The day has arrived when Apple will reveal the latest software features that will roll out various hardware products next year. The iPhone is the most important device Apple makes, making the most anticipated iOS announcement at the show. With that in mind, WWDC 2022 brings iOS 16, Apple’s latest iPhone operating system that will bring a ton of new features and app updates.
iOS 16: New Lock Screen & Widgets
Apple has redesigned the lock screen experience in iOS 16, developing wallpapers that contain backgrounds that resemble user interface elements. The operating system should also support Always On Mode in the future, but that’s the kind of iOS spoiler feature that Apple won’t disclose at WWDC.
“In iOS 16, we’re introducing the biggest update ever to the Lock screen,” said Craig Federigi.
Customizing the lock screen will be a lot like setting up complications on your Apple Watch. iOS 16 will let you change everything about the lock screen, including colors and fonts.
Focus mode also comes on the lock screen, and you’ll be able to mix and match your focus with your lock screen wallpaper and widgets.
Developers will also get access to WidgetKit, which will allow them to create lock screen widgets for their apps.
Notifications are part of the lock screen experience, and iOS 16 is improving the way notifications work.
Notifications will be displayed from the bottom of the screen once you get them, making it easy to interact with them when using the phone with one hand. Also, the location of the notifications means that they won’t interfere with onscreen widgets.
iOS 16: What’s new in the Messages app
Apple has also updated several iOS 16 apps, including Messages. Rumors have it that Apple will add audio features to iMessage. And that the popular chat service will get more social networking features.
What Apple announced is different. Federighi introduced three useful iOS 16 messaging features. You will be able to edit the messages you send via the new edit button. Most importantly, you can undo sending to cancel sending a message right away.
Finally, you can mark messages as unread, which can be a very useful feature on Apple devices.
Dictation is also getting an update in iOS 16. We’re looking forward to a new experience, according to Apple, that will let you seamlessly switch between motion and touch.
Likewise, Live Text gets a major update in iOS 16, allowing you to select and interact with text from videos. This means that you will not have to take screenshots of clips to use Live Text on iPhone and iPad.
iOS 16: What’s New in Wallet
iOS 16 brings new features to Wallet, such as support for users to select the apps you need.
Apple Pay Later is a new feature in iOS 16 that lets you split the cost of purchasing Apple Pay into four equal payments. You don’t have to worry about interest or late fees.
Furthermore, Apple Payment Order Tracking allows merchants to deliver receipts and track orders to Wallet. This is one of the iOS 16 features that will definitely come in handy.
iOS 16: What’s new in Apple Maps
As with other iPhone OS versions, iOS 16 brings new features to Apple Maps. The new map view is coming to 11 additional countries later this year. Furthermore, the 3D rendering will cover several new cities, including Las Vegas, Chicago, and Miami.
Another cool feature of Apple Maps in iOS 16 is the layout support for up to 15 preset routes. You can plan the track on your Mac and then send it to your iPhone. Siri will allow you to easily add breakpoints.
iOS 16 will also bring new features to the Apple TV app. You’ll get scores, schedules and standings right on your lock screen, via the new Live Activity tools.
Apple News will also get a sports-related update: the My Sports section. This is where you will find news about your favorite teams via the news sources that support the Apple News portal.
iOS 16: What’s new in Family Sharing
If you use Family Sharing, you should know that iOS 16 brings completely new features to this feature. Parental control comes with sharing, and you can set up a new device for kids with just one touch.
Parents can approve screen time requests for various activities directly from messages. And there’s a new Family Checklist feature that lets you customize parental control settings.
iCloud Shared Photo Library Feature in iOS 16iOS 16: What’s new in the Photos app
Apple unveiled a new photo-related feature at WWDC 2022 called iCloud Shared Photo Library. It’s tied to Family Sharing, allowing groups of up to six people to share photos via iCloud.
The feature will support smart upload filters, and the Camera app will get a new key that lets you send photos directly to the shared library.
Perhaps the most exciting photo sharing feature is the one that should work automatically. When you’re near other people in the shared library, photos can be shared automatically.
