Apple is outdoing itself once again with its latest iOS16.2 update for iPhone devices. Not only are new iOS downloads important for security fixes, but sometimes they are packed full of amazing new features to make your iPhone come alive in new ways.
They already added a ton of features with the previous iOS 16.1 update including the iCloud Shared Photo Library and support for Apple Fitness+. I’m cutting through all the new stuff to share highlights in the iOS 16.2 update that can make your life better.
Of the multiple unique new tricks, I’m excited about these below on iPhone.
1. Apple Music Sing
Credit: Apple
Perhaps one of the most exciting new tools on the iOS16.2 update is the Apple Music Sing feature. This is a karaoke feature that will be available for Apple Music listeners. It allows you to sing along to millions of songs on the Apple Music streaming platform by giving you the option to lower the volume of the lead vocals and take control as the lead singer.
Music Sing is compatible with any iPhone 11 model or newer, select iPads, and the latest Apple TV 4K. Read more on how to use this feature here.
2. Advanced Data Protection
Advanced-Data Protection is an optional feature that comes with the iOS16.2 update and it will allow users to expand end-to-end encryption to various iCloud data categories including iMessage, Notes, and Photos.
This will significantly increase cloud data security and give users the chance to protect the vast majority of their data, allowing people to worry less about their information being stolen or publicized without their permission.
Credit: Apple
3. Freeform App
Credit: Apple
Another fun feature will be available in the digital whiteboard app called Freeform. The app allows you to draw or insert sticky notes for yourself on an infinite canvas. The app allows you to share a board with up to 100 people and they can make their own additions and comments.
All collaborators need to be using an Apple device in order to access the creation. You can also drop in text boxes, shapes, photos, videos, links, PDFs, and more. The app will also be available for iPad and Mac devices in case users want more space to create than their smaller iPhone screens.
4. Lock Screen Widgets
Two new Lock Screen widgets will be available with the iOS 16.2 update. One will be for the Sleep app and the other for the Health app. The Sleep app widget will allow you to view all your most recent sleep schedules and stages, while the Health app will give you a quick look at your medication schedule when you need it.
These widgets will allow people to take better control of their physical health and keep track of their habits. Learn how to customize your lock screen widgets here.
5. Always on Display
Credit: Apple
This feature will only be available on the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max models, yet it will allow you to hide your wallpaper and notifications when the Always On Display mode is turned on.
When you want more privacy, the Always on Display mode will turn lock screens solid black so no one can see what pops up on your screen. You can also modify this slightly by toggling on the Show Wallpaper or Show Notifications options as well.
6. AirDrop Setting
Credit: Apple
AirDrop is a super convenient feature for when you want to quickly send or receive pictures and videos. Watch out though cause it can be bad news if those pictures and videos get to the wrong person.
That’s why iOS16.2 is limiting AirDrop’s previous ‘Everyone’ setting. The option will now only have a more protective “Everyone for 10 Minutes” feature instead so that unwanted content from strangers can be limited.
Once the 10 minutes is up, people may only AirDrop pictures and videos to their contacts.
When did the iOS 16.2 update drop?
Apple dropped the latest update on Tuesday, December 13. iPhone users should have received a notification within their Settings app as soon as the update was available to install, or you can go to Settings>Software Update to download and install manually.
Related:
- How to customize your iPhone’s new lock screen in iOS16
- How to schedule emails and set reminders on iOS16
- How to edit and unsend messages on iOS16