Got an iPhone 8 or later versions? You can switch to iOS 16 now

iOS 16 introduces a number of new features, including an overhauled Lock Screen, editing and collaborating in Messages, new visual and text-based features, improved accessibility functionalities, and many others.

Launched yesterday, iOS 16 is now available as a free software update for iPhone 8 and later versions. Let's take a look at the features iOS 16 has to offer.

A new lock screen

According to Apple, the Lock Screen gets an overhauled design with more personalisation options.

Users can now add a depth effect to the lock screen photo, as well as display the photo subject with the ability to change the font style. The new lock screen also has access to new widgets that add more detailed and easy-to-access information to notifications regarding alarms, upcoming events and battery health. 

Furthermore, the new gallery feature in the iOS 16 Lock Screen lets the users choose a dynamic set of lock screen photos that will automatically shuffle throughout the day. There is also the option to choose a weather wallpaper that shows live weather and changes as per real-time weather and an astronomy wallpaper that shows the solar system and planetary objects.

Additionally, lock screen personalisation features include creating unique lock screen designs with different emojis and colours, as well as switching between different lock screens by swiping on the screen. 

Notifications now appear in a more organised manner in iOS 16, rolling from the bottom so the new Lock Screen isn't cluttered. Users can also choose how they want to view upcoming notifications: as an expanded list, stacked or by count. 

iOS 16 also makes it easier to switch between Focus modes, as the user can now assign specific Focus settings to specific lock screens. Thus, whenever the user swipes between lock screens, the assigned Focus settings change as well. By balancing between the new Lock Screen and Focus options, users can manage notifications more effectively throughout the day, even outside active hours. 

Edit and undo sending messages

The new updated version of Messages allows the users to edit and undo sending of messages. There is also the new option to mark a conversation as unread.

iOS 16 also allows users to connect SharePlay via Messages, inviting connections to enjoy synced content together. 

Collaboration options in the new Messages make it easier to quickly share work with a group - whenever you share a file through Messages, everyone in that conversation will be automatically added to collaborate. You can also track edit activity in a shared document via updates that automatically appear on the top of that conversation. 

Scheduling mail

iOS 16 makes it possible for users to schedule a mail for future send. Additionally, users can also cancel the sending of a mail before the mail reaches the recipient's inbox.

A new reminder feature sends reminders regarding existing mail drafts or whenever you forget to include a recipient in an email.

Apple also states that the new Mail update will deliver more relevant and accurate search results whenever filtering through messages.

Visual Look Up

This new feature allows users to tap and hold the subject of an image, remove it from the background and then place that part of the image in other apps.

This feature also automatically identifies animals and statues to provide quick information about specific objects in a photo. 

Live Text

This new feature allows users to quickly recognise text in videos. Whenever a video is paused, the Live Text feature lets you copy and paste the text in the paused video frame. Afterward, you can translate that text, or convert currency if monetary units are mentioned. 

Increased accessibility

iOS 16 makes smartphone functionalities more accessible through new accessibility features, including Door Detection, which helps navigation for visually impaired individuals; Apple Watch Mirroring, which helps individuals with motor disabilities to mirror their Apple Watch display on their iPhones; Live Captions, which helps hearing impaired individuals; and new voice control features for Apple Watch for easier control from iPhones.  

Other features

Apple's iOS 16 also includes other new features such as Passkeys, which enhance browsing security in Safari; improved driving and transit navigation in Apple Maps; Apple Pay Order Tracking that keeps a tab on receipts and online purchases; a new Fitness app that runs without Apple Watches; a Health app that tracks and scans medications; and a dedicated sports option in Apple News.

Some quality of life improvements include Family Sharing for better parental controls; Dictation for automatic punctuation; a Home app that makes it easier to organise apps; a Game Center that tracks friends' game activities; Personalised Spatial Audio for better listening; and improved Safety Check features.

According to Apple, the updated Siri in iOS 16 can now run shortcuts as soon as an app is downloaded. Users can also add emojis with Siri when sending a message and use FaceTime hands-free by talking to Siri.