iOS 16 Launched in WWDC 2022: with New iMessage Features, Lock Screen Customization

Apple iOS 16 is Launched at WWDC 2022, including new iMessage features, lock screen customization, and more.

Today was Apple’s WWDC 2022 event, and one of the most important announcements was the next-generation iOS. iOS 16 is currently available for download. The latest iOS version includes a slew of new features, such as lock screen customizations, new iMessage functionality, and much more. Here’s a rundown of all of iOS 16’s new features.

(Also see: WWDC 2022: macOS Ventura Just Revealed, What’s New Coming For Mac)

iOS 16 Launched: New Features

To begin, the big draw here is the long-rumoured lock screen customizations. It will allow users to customize their lock screen by adding widgets, and backgrounds, changing the date and time font and colours, and more. On the lock screen, users will be able to check for calendar events, alarms, weather, and other notifications.

A Lock Screen Gallery and Live Activities will also be included on the redesigned lock screen (showing real-time events like workouts, food-delivery orders, and more). You may also add several Focus modes, which were introduced with iOS 15, to the lock screen. Apps can use Focus Filters to deliver material that is appropriate to a Focus. In iOS 16, notifications have been revamped and will now roll up from the bottom for improved reachability and access.

There are also some intriguing tweaks to iMessage. iOS 16 now allows you to modify a sent message (something WhatsApp plans to introduce shortly), undo a sent message, and even mark messages as unread so you don’t miss them. Apple has also improved the SharePlay functionality. This capability, which was previously exclusively available on FaceTime, will soon be available via iMessage.

Dictation has also been improved, with the keyboard remaining open to allow for a simultaneous touch and speech experience. Dictation now works with Siri and includes emojis and punctuation. Furthermore, Live Text has been updated, and you can now utilize it in videos to copy script and data. It can now translate languages, transfer currencies, and conduct rapid tasks with a single swipe. iOS 16 includes an enhanced Visual Lookup function that allows users to trim and transfer images by tapping and holding a topic in a picture.

Another software with a lot of functions is the Wallet app. This includes age and identity verification in-app for applications like UberEats, as well as the option to distribute keys via chats. Apple Pay now enables Tap to Pay, and Apple Pay Later allows you to buy things in four convenient payments with no fees or interest. This is presently only available in the United States. There is also support for order tracking with Apple Pay. There is now support for multi-stop routing in Apple Maps, and Siri can perform it as well.

Easy Kids account setup, rapid account setup, the option to accept requests in Messages, and a Family Checklist tool have all been added to the Family Sharing feature. A new iCloud Shared Library feature lets users create a separate library for shared material on iCloud. An option in the Camera app will also allow users to add photographs to the Library.

Furthermore, Safari now allows you to share Tab Groups and includes Passkeys for browsing safely and quickly. Passkeys are intended to replace passwords, which is an ambition that Apple has been pursuing for quite some time. There are some Home changes, Medication monitoring using the Health app, a new My Sports area for Apple News, tailored spatial audio, Mail app additions, and Accessibility upgrades, among other things.

iOS 16 also includes the Safety Check privacy function to protect users from domestic violence. This makes it simple to revoke access to all accounts provided to others.

iOS 16 is Now Available

A developer preview of iOS 16 is already available for developers, and a public beta will be accessible to all users next month. This autumn, everyone will be able to download iOS 16 for iPhone 8 and above.

Source: Apple