iOS 16 – the new functions at a glance. iOS 16 scores above all with an individually customizable lock screen. You can find out what else is new in our overview. Along with the iPhone 14, Apple also announced the new iOS 16 operating system. With the new version, the user can expect a few exciting and helpful new features, which we would like to present to you here.
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What features does iOS 16 bring?
Customizable lock screen
With the update to iOS 16, you can now customize your lock screen to your liking. Especially with widgets that can display the current weather, for example, ensure a personalized lock screen. However, you can also specify the font, color and placement of the elements yourself.
The so-called “Live Activities” are also new: They can also be integrated into the lock screen like widgets and show, for example, the scores of soccer games or the progress of a song.
Always-on display
With the iPhone 14, an always-on mode is introduced for the first time. For the time being, however, this is only available on the iPhone 14 Pro and the iPhone 14 Pro Max – so only on OLED displays. With an always-on display, you can see the current time or the battery status, for example, even when the device is actually locked.
Revised focus mode
With the new iPhone operating system comes an improved focus mode. The lock screen can now be adjusted to the focus, for example by only displaying work-related content or by using a different layout. The same goes for Safari tabs and mail – again, you can have content shown and hidden according to your focus.
Messages and emails
With iOS 16, you can retrieve messages and emails after they have been sent. You have 15 minutes for messages, you have to retrieve e-mails before they reach the recipient’s inbox. You can also edit and change messages up to 15 minutes after sending them.
Innovations in the Apple Wallet
There are also some new features in the wallet app: You can integrate your invoices so that you can keep track of your payments made there. A “Pay Later” feature for Apple Pay will also be introduced.
The possibility of storing the identity card in the wallet will be extended to other countries.
What’s new in Apple Maps
The map app has been improved with the iPhone update: Routes can now also be provided with stopovers, as is already the case with Google Maps. You can also integrate your tickets for local public transport and have the travel costs calculated.
Safety test
With the new security check, you can see who you have shared your location or certain shares with in the settings and also revoke these permissions. According to Apple, this feature is aimed at people who are in abusive relationships.
Percentage display for the battery level
A small but nice change is also in the battery display: With the update to iOS 16 you can now display the exact percentage. This was otherwise only visible when you opened the control center. The function can be optionally switched on and off.
Minor revisions
Of course there are many other innovations with iOS 16. For example, the dictation function of the iPhone has been improved. The Health app has been optimized so that you can track your activities even more precisely, especially with an Apple Watch. CarPlay has also been revised: If your car has a digital dashboard, this can now be completely taken over and adapted by the iPhone. This makes it even easier to integrate your smartphone in the car. In addition, the Photos app now recognizes duplicates, there are live subtitles and text recognition in videos.
For which devices is the update coming?
iOS 16 runs on all iPhone models starting with the iPhone 7. However, not all iPhones will get all the new features. Owners of older devices in particular will have to be prepared for compromises. All devices with an A12 chip, i.e. from the iPhone XR, do not have to worry. For example, older devices will not be able to take advantage of image search and auto-detection of text in video stills. Live subtitles are only available on iPhone 11 and later.
How to download iOS 16?
From September 12, 2022 you can easily download iOS 16 via the update function of your iPhone. You can find this in the settings under “General” and then “Software update”. If automatic updates are turned on, your iPhone will notify you as soon as the new operating system is available.