The latest iPhone and iPad software update is right around the corner. In this post, we explore the major changes that will dramatically affect how Apple users interact with iOS and some cool new features we can't wait to use.
When's the Update Releasing?
While there isn't an official release date, we expect iOS 16 to release sometime in October. However, Apple has confirmed the release for fall 2022, with the beta already available for Apple developers.
If you don't have access to the beta (it requires registration with Apple and a $100 annual fee), you will have to wait until fall, but we've reviewed all the software and highlighted the most noteworthy changes below.
The Most Significant Changes
Some significant features built into the new iOS update offer more customization options, improved security, and massive changes to Messages.
Lock Screen Personalization
Apple finally allows users to personalize their lock screens with a photo gallery, stylized date and time, widgets, and live displays.
The decision is a massive change of direction for Apple. iOS has been historically limited compared to Android regarding customization. The new changes will also allow live activities on lock, at-a-glance weather, and a design refresh for notifications.
Messages
Possibly the most significant changes that will happen in Messages. iOS users will now be able to edit a message that has already been sent for up to 15 minutes. In addition, users can undo sent messages for up to 15 minutes and recover deleted messages for up to 30 days.
Apple Pay
Payments are also changing in Apple's new software update. Users can split an Apple Pay purchase into 4 equal payments over 6 weeks and track what is owed in Wallet.
Identification cards are now supported in apps. When identity or age verification is required in an app, users will be able to authorize the access with Face ID or Touch ID.
Privacy and Security
Privacy and safety were at the heart of the iOS 15 update and continue to be a major focus of the latest upgrade. iOS 16 includes a new section in Settings allowing people in violent relationships to reset access they've granted to others. In addition, apps will now need permission to paste content from another app.
Users won't have to wait for the next update to download essential security features. Instead, improvements are automatically applied between updates prioritizing data security and protecting users with outdated software.
Features We are Most Excited About
Many new personalization features and changes to Messages will fundamentally change how Apple users interact with their phones and communicate with others. Below are some of the features we can't wait to try out but aren't as monumental to everyday use.
Enhanced Email
Apple is beginning to make changes in Email to compete with services like Gmail and Outlook. iOS 16 adds smart search features that correct typos, use synonyms, and give users a rich view of search results to help navigate their mailbox.
Other new Mail features include:
- Schedule send
- Undo send
- Remind me
- Follow up
- Rich link
Improvements to Siri
Voice is also getting some improvements. Siri will be capable of sending Emoji in text, automatically sending messages without confirmation, providing more information about iOS and 3rd party apps, and hanging up Phone and FaceTime calls.
Apple Changes Course with iOS 16
The improvements to iOS 16 are some of the most significant changes we've seen from Apple in a long time. Offering customization features on lock screen is an exciting decision that could earn Apple more market share. Personalization features are one of the biggest complaints from non-iOS users.
We're excited to see how the public reacts when iOS 16 is released in the fall. The enhancements to Messages, Maps, Apple Pay, and other iOS apps are significant improvements from Apple that will likely help the tech giant expand its user base.
