Apple has released iOS 16.2 for all iOS 16-compatible iPhones, after months of beta testing. The update is packed with new features and important security patches. Here’s everything you need to know.
Apple iOS 16
apple
Who is it for?
Apple iOS 16.2 is available for all iOS 16 compatible devices i.e. iPhone 8/iPhone X and later. iOS 16 no longer supports the iPhone 6S and 7 ranges and the iPod Touch.
Apple’s confirmation of auto-update delays means that eager updaters should trigger the update manually by navigating to Settings > General > Software Update. If you are using newer beta software (see “The Road Ahead” section at the end), you must unenroll your device before the update appears.
Note: This guide does not focus on older iOS, iPadOS, or macOS updates, but I will discuss relevant issues in these guides.
The Deal Breakers
The first 24 hours for iOS 16.2 are very encouraging. Major software updates tend to introduce more bugs than minor ones under the old change more / break more adage. Still, it’s mostly been smooth sailing based on user feedback on social media, Reddit forums, and Apple’s support community.
I’ve noticed isolated reports of issues with eSim, touch response and wallpaper, while Apple Music never seems to be free of issues. But there’s a sense of calm around the update that’s unlike anything I’ve seen since iOS 16 launched.
Needless to say, a lot can still change as more and more users upgrade, but the signs look good so far.
So what do you get?
iOS 16.2 contains multiple new features and fixes, with Apple’s release notes saying:
This update introduces Freeform, an app that provides a great place to brainstorm and bring your ideas to life. This version also adds Apple Music Sing, Advanced Data Protection for iCloud, lock screen improvements, and other features and bug fixes for your iPhone.
free form
- Freeform is a new app for working creatively with friends or colleagues on Mac, iPad and iPhone
- A flexible canvas lets you add files, images, stickers and more
- The drawing tools allow you to draw anywhere on the canvas with your finger
Apple Music Sing
- A new way to sing along with millions of your favorite songs on Apple Music
- Fully adjustable vocals let you duet with the original artist, sing solo or mix it up
- The newly improved beat-to-beat lyrics make it even easier to follow along with the music
Advanced data protection for iCloud
- The new option expands the total number of categories of iCloud data protected by end-to-end encryption to 23, including iCloud backup, notes and photos, protecting your information even in cloud data breach case.
lock screen
- New setting lets you hide wallpapers or notifications when Always-On display is on on iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max
- The sleep widget lets you view your most recent sleep data
- The medication widget lets you see reminders and quickly access your schedule
Games center
- SharePlay support in Game Center for multiplayer games so you can play with the people you’re on a FaceTime call with
- The activity widget lets you see what your friends are playing and achieving in games right from your home screen
Apple TV
- The Live Activities for Apple TV app lets you follow your favorite teams with live scores right on your lock screen or Dynamic Island on iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max
At home
- Improving the reliability and efficiency of communication between smart home accessories and Apple devices
This update also includes the following improvements and bug fixes:
- Improved search in Messages lets you find photos based on their content, such as a dog, car, person, or text
- The Reload and Show IP address setting allows iCloud Private Relay users to temporarily disable the service for a specific location in Safari
- News articles in Weather display information relevant to the weather in that location
- Participant cursors in notes let you see live indicators while others make updates in a shared note
- AirDrop now automatically returns to Contacts only after 10 minutes to avoid unwanted requests to receive content
- Error detection optimizations on iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro models
- Fixes an issue that causes some notes to not sync with iCloud after updates
Interestingly, Apple has left out arguably the most important functionality in iOS 16.2: finally bringing 5G support to iPhones in India. Addressing an issue that has plagued users for years.
Other than that, Freeform is the main news. Freeform is a digital canvas app that allows iPhone, iPad, and Mac users to collaborate in real time, contributing everything from doodles and images to documents, URLs, and more. It’s compatible with the Apple Pencil on the iPad and works with FaceTime. Freeform is intuitive yet powerful, and I think it can be a game changer for many users, whether it’s used for business or brainstorming with friends and family.
Apple Freeform, introduced with iOS 16.2
apple
Also of note are Apple’s “Advanced Data Protection” for iCloud, which provides end-to-end encryption, and iCloud Private Relay, which encrypts web traffic leaving your device, although it requires an iCloud+ subscription .
In terms of fixes, the new lock screen improvements were highly anticipated for iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max owners, while the crash detection optimizations were critical after the emergency services feature was entitled to be active on roller coasters and ski slopes.
iOS 16.2 Security
Apple’s iOS 16.2 security page reveals that this monstrous update contains a staggering 35 security patches, with nine offering fixes just for WebKit (the Safari browser engine).
Accounts, graphics drivers, the iTunes Store, Apple Photos, printing, and even the Weather app are other areas where iOS 16.2 limits potential security exploits.
Apple iOS 16.2 Verdict: Update
Apple iOS 16.2 is shaping up to be the biggest release since iOS 16. It offers a compelling mix of new functionality and privacy, critical security patches, and stability.
If you want to have the latest features and solutions in your hands, this is the green light. For more cautious updaters, I’ll give my final verdict in a week, so bookmark this page.
The road ahead
Expect Apple to announce the first iOS 16.3 beta imminently, while I wouldn’t be surprised to see iOS 16.2.1 released relatively early in the new year. As stable as iOS 16.2 seems, there’s always something to fix after major updates.
If you want to test the next Apple updates before they are released to the general public, you can join the Apple Beta Software Program. But remember, by definition, you can expect a bumpy ride.
___
Follow Gordon on Facebook
MORE FROM FORBESApple iOS 16 Release: Should You Upgrade? By Gordon Kelly