Since the release of iOS 16.2 beta 1, new features and changes are discovered in the latest operating system which Apple did not mention in its release notes.
It is found that Apple has integrated the Weather app with Apple News on iOS 16.2 and iPadOS 16.2 beta updates. The new integration brings more rich weather data to the Weather app like the relevant regional weather-related news based on the users’ current location.
Weather app integration with Apple News on iOS 16.2 beta currently available in the U.S. only
On iOS 16.2 beta, the Weather app’s new UI has added an “Apple News” section or title under the “10-day forecast” section. When checking local weather, the Apple News section displays a link to a related article on the News app. MacRumors explains:
In Raleigh, for example, the app displays a story about hurricanes in the Atlantic, and in San Diego, there is a story about fire season. Content varies based on location, and tapping on a story shown in the Weather app opens up the Apple News app.
However, the update is only available in the United States and not all cities show news articles. Furthermore, the news module or title is removed when there is a weather alert at the top of the app for severe weather.
“It is not clear if weather-related alerts are limited to select cities, or show up only when relevant information is available.”
The change appears like an attempt by Apple to promote its own news app. The last time Apple News got major attention was when an attacker hacked Fast Company’s website and sent its readers obscene notifications via Apple News.
Other changes found in iOS 16.2 beta are the availability of 5G in India, a new vehicle icon for car Bluetooth stereo, Sleep widgets for Lock Screen, submission of reports on unintentional Emergency SOS calls, and Live Activities with more frequent updates. The update is expected to be released to the public in mid-December.
