Apple iOS 16 is out – here’s a rundown of the top 5 new features

It is confirmed. iOS 16 is now available for download in a public beta. This means Apple users can now try the new features of the software update before its public release in the fall. Twitter is abuzz with customized iPhone lock screens. The unique features of iOS 16 focus mainly on personalization, customization, and privacy. 

Not only can you personalize some areas on your iPhone, but there’s also an upgrade in Wallet and the Messages app. 

Top 5 Features of the iOs 16

So as not to prolong the buzz, here are the top 5 features you can utilize if you update to the latest iOS 16.

1. The ability to edit and unsend messages

Apple SVP of Software Engineering Craig Federighi said, “Embarrassing typos are a thing of the past.” Now, Apple has developed three of the most requested options for the Messages section – editing and unending messages.

If in case you have a wrong sent message or you change your mind, you can now undo the sent. In iMessage, you can long-press the message you send to unsend it or edit it.  You can do these options for up to 15 minutes after you’ve sent the message. If you try this with someone who isn’t on iOS16 yet, it won’t work on the other end.

With the new iOS 16, you can also mark messages as unread. This tool is helpful when you’re too busy to reply. 

2. The Customizable Lock Screen

This is what the rave is all about – personalized lock screens. While almost everybody on social media is sharing their customized screens, you can also try it for yourself once you have updated your iPhone. 

You can now customize the new clock font,  add important widgets and edit the fonts. Also, you can save your layout and switch using different designs. Moreover, you can set a specific Lock Screen for every iPhone mode – work mode, sleep mode, etc. 

Apple brought back the original iPhone clownfish wallpaper in the latest iOS 16 beta 😍 pic.twitter.com/VM4pNHeXLf

— AppleTrack (@appltrack) July 7, 2022

2. Live Objects, Activities, and Notifications

Like live text, you can copy a text from a video and paste it anywhere. With this new iOS 16, you can lift any image out of a photo to copy and paste. All you have to do is drag the image and paste it. 

Notifications can sometimes pile up on your lock screens. Apple made changes and moved your messages to the bottom of your display. When you receive notifications, they will now look like a vertical stack instead of piling up into a list. This feature is helpful when using your iPhone one-handedly.

3. The iPhone camera as your MacBook webcam 

For old MacBook users with a low-quality webcam appearance, the iOS 16 is the answer to this issue. While the latest 2020 MacBooks have more excellent webcam resolution, the older versions don’t. 

In these iOS 16 updates, you can now attach your iPhone to your MacBook to use it as a webcam. Best sure the MacBook is updated to the latest software, Ventura.

4. Apple Wallet and Apple Pay Later update

You can now see and review the items you order online using the Apple Wallet. Once you open Wallet, the products you purchased will automatically display. 

Furthermore, the Wallet app has new privacy and security features. For security purposes, you now have the option to protect your age and identity. Instead of showing your exact birthdate, Apple Wallet will show your ID and that you’re over 21.ID cards from additional states are also available now. 

Some users appear to be seeing a new Clownfish wallpaper in iOS 16 beta 3. This is the wallpaper Steve Jobs used when the original iPhone was announced in 2007 — but it never actually ever shipped with any iPhone. Here we are 15 years later. https://t.co/OLTvb1KVJG

— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) July 6, 2022

In Apple Pay, there are additional payment options. It will now offer Apple Pay Later. Through this feature, you can split the price of an Apple purchase into four equal payments. You can extend it up to six weeks without interest and fees. Plus, manage your upcoming payments by changing the settings through the Wallet app. It’s helpful so you won’t miss any payments on their due dates.

A new feature on Apple Pay will also help you manage your orders online by helping you track orders. This will allow merchants to give out detailed receipts and tracking information, making it easier for you to track the status of your orders.

5. SharePlay is now in Messages

SharePlay made its first debut in iOS 15. A feature that allows you to share your experience with someone via FaceTime. You can listen to Apple music, watch TV shows, and share with others in real-time. When you want to watch a movie together on streaming platforms like Disney or Netflix, you’ll have to start SharePlay together. You can still chat in Messages while using SharePlay.

Other Remarkable iOS Features:

• The weather app will now show you individual daytime forecasts. For one-day forecasts, you can see even the temperature updates in real-time. 
• The new video-watching option in Safari is updated. If you want to watch a video in Safari, it is now cleaner and more straightforward. 
• It has updated haptic keyboards. For quite a while, Android has had this feature. It’s a delight for iOS users to try this feature finally. Since the iPhone has the best vibration motor, the haptics feedback will work best.
• FaceId works in the landscape now with just a small touch
• Home Screen now displays a search option.

However, before jumping off the iOS 16 bandwagon, you want to ensure that your iPhones are suitable for the new software update. The new iOS 16 update is only compatible with iPhone 8 and more recent models.