Apple has released iOS 16.2 and iPadOS 16.2 with the Freeform app for collaboration, external display support for Stage Manager, Emergency SOS via Satellite for iPhone 14, advanced data protection for iCloud, Apple Music Sing, and more. The updates are available for iPhone and iPad as over-the-air software updates.
iOS 16.2 and iPadOS 16.2
Apple has released the final version of iOS 16.2 and iPadOS 16.2 to all users. The update features the creative Freeform app for collaboration with friends, Apple Music sing for karaoke sessions, expansion of end-to-end encryption to more iCloud data categories, improvements to Lock Screen alongside new widgets, and more.
Check out the complete release notes below from Apple:
Freeform
- 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, stickies, and more
- Drawing tools let you sketch anywhere on the canvas with your finger
Apple Music Sing
- A new way to sing along with millions of your favorite songs in Apple Music
- Fully adjustable vocals let you duet with the original artist, sing solo, or mix it up
- Newly enhanced beat-by-beat lyrics make it even easier to follow along with the music
Advanced Data Protection for iCloud
- New option expands the total number of iCloud data categories protected using end-to-end encryption to 23 — including iCloud Backup, Notes, and Photos — protecting your information even in the case of a data breach in the cloud
Lock Screen
- New settings allow you to hide wallpaper or notifications when Always-On display is enabled on iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max
- Sleep widget lets you view your most recent sleep data
- Medications widget lets you view reminders and quickly access your schedule
Stage Manager
- External display support with resolutions up to 6K available on iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th generation and later), iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation and later), and iPad Air (5th generation)
- Drag and drop files and windows from your compatible device to your connected display, and vice versa
- Support for using up to 4 apps on the iPad display and 4 on the external display
Game Center
- SharePlay support in Game Center for multiplayer games so you can play with the people you are on a FaceTime call with
- Activity Widget allows you to see what your friends are playing and achieving in games right from your Home Screen
Apple TV
- Live Activities for Apple TV app let you follow your favorite teams with live scores right on your Lock Screen or in Dynamic Island on iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max
Home
- Improved reliability and efficiency of communication between your smart home accessories and Apple devices
This update also includes the following improvements and bug fixes:
- Improved search in Messages allows you to find photos based on their content, like a dog, car, person, or text
- Turn Off Hide IP Address setting enables iCloud Private Relay users to temporarily disable the service for a specific site in Safari
- News articles in Weather display information relevant to the weather in that location
- Participant Cursors in Notes allow you to see live indicators as others make updates in a shared note
- AirDrop now automatically reverts to Contacts Only after 10 minutes to prevent unwanted requests to receive content
- Crash Detection optimizations on iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro models
- Fixes an issue that causes some notes not to sync with iCloud after updates are made
Some features may not be available for all regions or on all Apple devices. For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit this website:
iOS 16.2 and iPadOS 16.2 beta 4
The biggest change in the new iOS 16.2 beta update is the ability to turn off wallpapers and notifications for always-on display on iPhone 14 Pro models. Currently, the always-on display simply looks like a dimmed version of the lock screen. This change will not only allow users to potentially save more battery life but also get rid of complaints from users who don’t like the look of the always-on display.
As per Apple’s release notes, the company has also fixed a few issues with the Freeform app, Health app, and HealthKit. Stage Manager’s external display support still has a known issue, which will likely be fixed in upcoming beta updates.
To update to the new beta, go to Settings > General > Software Update on your iPhone or iPad. If you don’t have your device enrolled in the beta program, you can register with the Apple Developer Center for $99/year or sign up for Apple’s public beta software program which is free.
Check out our previous coverage of new features in iOS 16.2 below:
- iOS 16.2 beta 2 updates Stocks app with new watchlists options
- iOS 16.2 beta 2 shrinks Dynamic Island to display signal and WiFi bars when playing music
- iOS 16.2 beta 2 code features new ‘Custom Accessibility Mode’, feature not available to beta testers
- iOS 16.2 beta 2 adds new Medications widget for Lock Screen
- iOS 16.2 public beta will enable 5G connectivity for compatible iPhones in India
- iOS 16.2 beta allows Live Activities to show more frequent updates
- Apple collects data on unintentional Emergency SOS calls on iOS 16.2 beta 1
- iOS 16.2 beta 1 brings new Sleep widgets to iPhone Lock Screen
- iOS 16.2 beta brings a new ‘vehicle’ icon for car Bluetooth stereo
- Apple TV app moves up “Featured” row above “Up Next” row on iOS 16.2 beta and other updates
- iOS 16.2 beta integrates Weather app with Apple News to show regional weather-related stories
