iOS 16 with customizable Lock Screens, Unsend Messages & More now available

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in iOS
Apple has released iOS 16 to the public, bringing a new range of customization options, core app changes, and other features to the iPhone.

Apple iOS 16
Apple iOS 16


The free software update is now available to download over the air on compatible iOS devices. It brings a suite of updates to Apple's flagship device, including options that allow users to further personalize their devices.

Check out AppleInsider's ultimate guide to customizing an iPhone running iOS 16.

Lock Screen changes

The Lock Screen updates are likely among the biggest here. Apple has revamped the Lock Screen, allowing users to deeply customize how their iPhone appears while locked.

Users can add widgets to quickly convey information, customize font and text color, and intelligently add photos that appear to seamlessly blend into the user interface.

One of the most notable additions is a customizable Lock screen with widgets and more.
One of the most notable additions is a customizable Lock screen with widgets and more.


You can also set specific Lock Screens to appear when certain Focus Modes have been enabled.

For iPhone 14 Pro users, the Lock Screen will intelligently dim into an always-on mode when face up and not in use. This uses the variable refresh display to update information at a rate as slow as 1Hz. Wallpapers will darken while preserving skin tone, widgets and the clock stay visible, and Live Activities stay up to date.

Siri and machine learning

Siri and related productivity features are also getting more intelligent in iOS 16. For example, developers will be able to incorporate Siri with an App Intents API.

Additionally, users can now select text without paused videos through the company's Live Text feature. A separate API allows developers to incorporate Live Text in their owns apps, while Apple is also adding translation capabilities to the feature.

Users can also easily cut subjects out of images, allowing them to quickly remove the background from portraits or other pictures. Drag these images into iMessage to send a PNG with a transparent background.

Dictation has also been updated with automatic punctuation and emoji support. The dictation tool allows users to speak or type with the feature active for easier text input.

Messaging changes

One of the more significant changes to Apple's core app is the ability to edit -- and even unsend -- messages in the company's iMessage app.

During the early beta process, users could edit messages up to 15 minutes after they've been sent. Following feedback from users, Apple tweaked the feature by cutting the time limit and adding a log detailing specific edits.

Editing a message can be done five times in a 15-minute window, and the edit history is preserved for all participants. Unsending or deleting a message can only be done in a three-minute window.

Apple has also added the ability to unsend or edit messages in iMessage.
Apple has also added the ability to unsend or edit messages in iMessage.


Users will also be able to schedule emails in Mail ahead of time, and cancel delivery before a message reaches the recipient's inbox. Mail will also intelligently let you know if you've mentioned an attachment or document but forgot to attach it.

SharePlay is also being incorporated into Messages, allowing users to watch content simultaneously while live chatting. This feature was previously restricted to FaceTime and required an active call.

Apple Pay & Wallet

Users will be able to share keys in Messages using the Wallet app. Additionally, Apple is adding a new tracking system that more easily allows them to track purchases made via Apple Pay.

Apple also unveiled Apple Pay Later, a new "buy now, pay later" service built into the payments platform. The feature allows users to split any Apple Pay purchase into four equal payments over six weeks with no additional interest or fees.

Health

Apple has added a few additional Health-focused features that allow users to get a more personalized view of their own wellness on iPhone.

For example, the company has doubled down on sleep tracking in the Health app, letting users see exactly when they were in bed, how long it took for them to fall asleep, and the total amount of time spent sleeping. The Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch Ultra have a temperature sensor used for improved sleep tracking.

Users can now more accurately track their medications and vitamins in the Health app.
Users can now more accurately track their medications and vitamins in the Health app.


Medication tracking is also getting a boost with a feature that can track medication and vitamin usage. The company will also warn users of potentially harmful interactions and will alert them when it's time to take their medication.

Other features

Other changes to iOS in the latest update include the following:
  • Apple's redesigned Maps experience is now available in six more cities, and the new display is rolling out to 11 more countries.
  • Apple News is getting a new My Sports section that allows users to track their favorite sports teams.
  • Safety Check is a new feature meant for security. It easily allows those under threat to review and reset access to data, locations, and other information granted to other users.
  • The Home app is getting a new interface with additional UI changes.
  • Apple will let users share Tab Groups in Safari with a new collection-sharing feature.
  • Passkeys are now generally available, letting users log into websites without traditional passwords.
  • The Fitness app now more accurately tracks activities and workouts without a connected Apple Watch.
  • Spatial Audio will now be customized through the TrueDepth camera on an iPhone.
  • There are a range of new Accessibility features, including LiDAR-based Door Detection, Live Captions, and assistive physical and motor accessibility features.
  • CarPlay is getting a range of changes, including features that let users more deeply integrate their iPhones with a car's hardware.
The Home app has received a refresh among other changes in iOS 16.
The Home app has received a refresh among other changes in iOS 16.

Arriving later

Some features announced during WWDC didn't quite make the final release. Apple delayed these features to ensure they are in working order or to wait until iPadOS 16 and macOS Ventura could launch.
  • iCloud Shared Photo Library
  • Live Activities for third-party apps
  • Matter support is present, but Matter itself hasn't launched
  • The Freeform collaboration app
Apple is expected to release iPadOS 16.1 and macOS Ventura later in the fall. Once these are available to the public, Apple will likely roll out the cloud related features that necessitate every device being on the same platform version.

Where to get iOS 16

Apple's iOS 16 update is currently available to download as a free over-the-air update.

Devices compatible with the update include the iPhone 8 and second-generation iPhone SE and later.

Read on AppleInsider

Comments

  • Reply 1 of 11
    It’s offering me 15.7 as a new update? 


    watto_cobra
  • Reply 2 of 11
    Yep, it’s there!
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 3 of 11
    Downloading…
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 4 of 11
    JanNLJanNL Posts: 327member
    And version 16 for the HomePods also available.
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 5 of 11
    Only offered iOS 15.7 for my iPhone 13 Pro Max. I want iOS 16! 🤨
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 6 of 11
    I guess emojis don’t translate. 
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 7 of 11
    OferOfer Posts: 237unconfirmed, member
    I just updated my iPhone 12 Pro Max to iOS 16. After the update I’m unable to install any app updates in the App Store. I get a message telling me “Apple Media Services terms and conditions have changed”. I click OK, then click “Agree” to accept the new terms. I then get an error message that says “There was an error. Please try later.”

    I tried signing out and back into my Apple ID and that hasn’t resolved this. Anyone else experiencing this and figure out a way around it?
    williamlondonwatto_cobra
  • Reply 8 of 11
    DAalsethDAalseth Posts: 2,783member
    sonypc100 said:
    It’s offering me 15.7 as a new update? 


    I got that too on my iP 11. But scroll down and it says 16 is also available
    sonypc100watto_cobra
  • Reply 9 of 11
    Only offered iOS 15.7 for my iPhone 13 Pro Max. I want iOS 16! 🤨

    Under the 15.7 Update is the iOS 16 update.  I saw that with my iPhone XS Max.  iOS 16 is installed now.
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 10 of 11
    updated iPhone X to 16.0. Beyond normal post-install battery drain. Home & lock screen is hammering battery drain. Down 20% in 1/2 hour.
    No more updates until this is resolved.
    I have deleted all but one lock screen with no widgets.  Cycled power. Still getting hammered.
    Starting to see a few reports elsewhere.
    edited September 2022
  • Reply 11 of 11
    BTW, it did have show battery percent option on iPhone X. I have since disabled to see if it is causing severe drain.
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