Buzz
1. Customizing Lock Screen Support on iOS 16
The first feature to try out after updating to iOS 16 is customizing the lock screen. This feature allows users to comfortably personalize their iPhones according to their preferences and usage needs.
Users can create multiple different lock screens and easily switch between them; or add widgets to the lock screen, change fonts, and display colors using various filters.
Apple also allows users to set up third-party widgets outside the lock screen, similar to how they operate on the home screen. In the future, these widgets are expected to be introduced more by developers.
2. Restoring Battery Percentage Icon
Apple has eliminated the display of battery percentage information on iPhones with notch designs. However, the battery percentage icon has returned in iOS 16. This feature is only supported on iPhones with notches (except for iPhone XR and 11).
3. Remove and Edit Messages on iMessage
iMessage comes with two exciting features introduced by Apple: removing and editing messages. This is one of the highly anticipated new features on iOS 16.
Specifically, users can edit or retract iMessage messages on iOS 16 by long-pressing the message content to edit or retract, and then options will appear for you to choose from.
Note that users can only retract messages within a maximum of 2 minutes after they are sent. The recipient will receive a notification about the retracted message but will not know the content of that message.
The message editing feature in iMessage allows users to edit up to 5 times. Each edit will be recorded and displayed to both the sender and recipient of the message.
6. Enhanced Focus Mode
Focus Mode, previously available in iOS 15, has undergone significant changes in iOS 16. Specifically, Apple has streamlined the process for allowing or blocking notifications from apps and contacts.
Focus Mode can also be linked to the lock screen and home screen, automatically displaying specific pages and screens depending on the activated apps.
7. Live Activities
The 'Live Activities' feature enables third-party apps to easily update real-time information from the iPhone lock screen. For instance, users can track a ride-sharing driver's progress without accessing the app directly.
8. Passkey Feature
Passkeys are a feature designed to provide an easier and more secure login method compared to traditional passwords. This feature is synchronized via iCloud Keychain, an Apple password storage tool, allowing saved passwords to be shared across all your devices while still being tightly encrypted by Apple.
9. Safety Check Feature
The latest feature on iOS 16 introduced by Apple is called Safety Check, found in the settings section, enabling users to reset permissions they have previously granted to others.
With this feature, users can immediately reset access for everyone and all apps. It also helps you monitor account security. You can customize which people and apps can access your information.
10. Lockdown Mode
Lockdown Mode is a special mode designed to protect the iPhone from sophisticated, professional cyberattacks. Apple states that this new feature 'provides extremely tight protection for a very small number of users facing serious, targeted threats to their digital security.'
When activated, Lockdown Mode will rigorously limit certain functions to 'reduce the likelihood of spyware attacks', such as disabling all files in the messaging app. For incoming calls, FaceTime from strangers will be completely blocked, while simultaneously disabling a host of features in apps like Messages, Safari, FaceTime, Photos…
These are the standout new features on iOS 16 that you should try immediately after updating. Wishing you an exciting experience on this new operating system version.
