Apple isn't very modest when it comes to its own products. About the new iPhone operating system, the manufacturer claims: "iOS 16 is a big release with updates that will change the iPhone experience". How big the changes will be for individual users remains to be seen. But Apple has at least managed to launch some features with potential.
But there is one drop of bitterness: Apple is killing two iPhone generations at the same time and throwing iPhone 6S and iPhone 7 out of support, i.e. both models no longer get iOS 16. The iPhone SE (2016) is also no longer supported, at least the second SE generation is required for iOS 16.
The iOS 16 public beta is now available for download. As always, the final launch should be in autumn. Apparently Apple is already a bit behind schedule, we'll see if that has a noticeable effect on the release. There are many innovations for iOS 16, we have picked out the 16 most exciting ones for you.
Download: iOS Public Beta
IOS 16
1
IOS 16
Version 1.2.39
With the iOS 16 Public Beta, the new update of the operating system for iPhone and iPad can be tested by anyone before the official release.
iOS 16: Lockscreen, Notifications, Live Activities
The lock screen can finally be redesigned.
Image: CHIP
2. Notifications: Notifications are also an important topic on the lock screen. With iOS 16, Apple restructured how notifications are displayed and now runs them from bottom to top. This should provide more clarity on the personalized lock screen and make it easier to use with one hand.
3. Live Activities: The new Live Activities are designed to bring what is happening in real time to the lock screen. Examples are live sports tickers, ongoing training courses or ordered driving or delivery services.
4. Focus: Work is work and home is home, the focus feature on iPhone is designed to separate different areas of life. The lock screen is now included in this separation, so you can use different lock screens. You can use the focus filter to ensure that apps only bring the relevant content to the lock screen.
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Image: Apple
6. Messages: As of iOS 16, you have the option of editing sent messages or recalling them completely. You can also recover recently deleted messages and mark conversations as unread to come back to them later.
7. Mail: E-mails are also more convenient on the iPhone. For example, you can schedule them in advance and the Mail app even gives you a moment to undeliver a message before it reaches your inbox.
8. Medication: If desired, the Health app now also manages a medication list including a schedule and reminders.
Passwords, live text and dictation
Image: Apple
9. Passkey: Apple wants to get rid of passwords and the new Passkey feature is intended to do that. It uses Touch ID or Face ID for biometric verification and iCloud Keychain for syncing across iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple TV devices with end-to-end encryption. Passkey also works in apps and on the web, allowing users to sign in to websites or apps on third-party devices using just their iPhone.
11. Dictation: Dictation or typing yourself, the updated dictation function combines both. Users can type with the keyboard, type in the text field, move the cursor, and use QuickType suggestions—all without stopping dictation. In addition, the dictation function can automatically insert punctuation marks and emojis.
12. Faster updates: Updates always require a restart, even on the iPhone. That could change in the near future, or at least be reduced, because with a technology called Rapid Security Response it should be possible to deliver smaller updates between major updates, which can then be imported during operation.
CarPlay and security
CarPlay spreads to multiple screens in the car.
Image: Apple
13. CarPlay: It's standard for many users. The smartphone must be connected in the car. At Apple, the function is called CarPlay and it should get a major update with iOS 16. Finally, multiple displays should be supported in the car. Radio and air conditioning should also be able to be controlled directly and Apple also wants to process more vehicle data, such as speed, tank filling (charge level) or temperature. But it will be a while before you can really use the innovations. Supported vehicles will not be announced until the end of next year.
14. Data protection: The new data protection tool Safety Check makes it possible to quickly revoke granted access for other users.
15. Clipboard: Copy and paste is also important on the iPhone, but from a security perspective you should at least know which apps are allowed to access the clipboard. iOS 16 asks for permission to do this.
16. Blocking mode: With the so-called lockdown mode, in German iOS 16 it will be called blocking mode, Apple wants to protect users from targeted attacks. This involves sophisticated attacks that are carried out with spyware, for example, by state-supported hackers. The gaze mode is intended to reduce the iPhone's attack surface, i.e. harden the smartphone. Among other things, most message attachments are banned, wired connections with the iPhone are blocked or Internet surfing is restricted.
Download: iOS Public Beta
IOS 16
1
IOS 16
Version 1.2.39
With the iOS 16 Public Beta, the new update of the operating system for iPhone and iPad can be tested by anyone before the official release.
