With every new software update Apple releases, it is a sure bet that some of the features are not made available at launch. The same is the case with iOS 16. A couple of headlining features and some smaller ones have been delayed. They might show up in iOS 16.1, iOS 16.2, or a later update.
As of right now, we do not know the exact date for when any of these features will be released but they are expected to arrive before the end of the year. Here is a list of delayed iOS 16 features that users will have to wait a bit longer for.
iOS 16 features that have not been made available at launch
iCloud Shared Photo Library
To start off, we have one of the biggest features of the new software update, the iCloud Shared Photo Library. As seen in a footnote of the iPhone 14 press release, Apple says “iCloud Shared Photo Library will be available in a future software update.”
The iCloud Shared Photo Library enables up to six family members to choose which images to share in the library or have their iPhones automatically add them to it.
In addition, users will also receive intelligent suggestions to share a photo that includes participants in the Shared Photo Library. Users can also choose to select photos from a specific date or from when they were together with other family members. Every user in the Shared Photo Library can add, delete, edit or favorite the shared photos or videos.
Live Activities and Live Activities API
Next up we have Live Activities and the Live Activities API. Live Activities will allow users to instantly get the information they want on players, and teams and allows them to quickly watch live games.
Live Activities will live on the Lock screen of your iPhone as a widget that displays real-time information. So, users will be able to get information about sports much faster than if they were to search for them on a browser.
Unfortunately, Live Activities and the Live Activities API, have been delayed. When Apple released the Live Activities API to developers with iOS 16 beta 4, it did inform them that the feature would not be a part of the initial launch.
Focus filter
With the new software update, Apple is building upon Focus, a feature it released with iOS 15. A new Focus filter in iOS 16 will let users control the content that appears in Messages, Mail, Calendar, and Safari, effectively allowing them to hide any distractions.
Freeform
Apple is going to add a new collaboration app with a flexible canvas to the iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Called Freeform, the app will give users the ability to see, share and collaborate all in one place without worrying about layouts and page sizes. Users can view contributions made by others and it allows collaborators to start a session on FaceTime to discuss a project. The app also includes full support for Apple Pencil.
Game Center: SharePlay support and deeper contacts integration
Apple also introduced some updates for Game Center in iOS 16. In a future update, the service will display a new dashboard that shows friends’ activities and accomplishments. In addition to this, Game Center will also gain SharePlay support, allowing users to start playing games with friends on a FaceTime call.
Matter support
The Home app in iOS 16 has received a major overhaul. In addition to this, the app has gained support for the Matter smart home connectivity standard. However, support for Matter has been delayed. When it launches, users will be able to connect to a wider range of smart accessories that work together, seamlessly.
Aside from delaying several iOS 16 features, Apple has also delayed the release of iPadOS 16 and macOS Ventura this year. The tech giant has previously confirmed that the release of iPadOS 16 has been pushed back by a month, and is expected to release sometime in October, alongside macOS Ventura.
Learn how to upgrade your iPhone to iOS 16 here.
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