iOS 16.2 is Rolling Out Now
iOS 16.2 is now available to everyone. The update includes the Latest features such as Apple Music Sing and advanced encryption features for iCloud. You can install the update by heading to the Settings app and choosing General, then Software Update. It can take a few minutes for the update to be available to everyone, so keep checking. When you begin the installation process, your iPhone or iPad will download the update and then reboot to finish the process.
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What’s New in iOS 16.2?
Apple Music Sing
Another new feature of iOS 16.2 is Apple Music Sing, which brings karaoke-style features to the Apple Music app. You can access the adjustable vocals and beat-by-beat lyrics on supported songs by tapping the lyrics button in the Music app. From there, you can raise or lower the volume of the song’s vocals as you sing along with it.
New limitations for AirDrop!
iOS 16.2 includes a major change to Apple’s popular AirDrop feature, which many people are viewing as a regression. The “Everyone” option for AirDrop can now be enabled for a maximum of 10 minutes at a time. This is a huge change because previously you could enable the “Everyone” setting and it would remain enabled indefinitely.
But why the change? This change was first made in China in response to AirDrop being used to spread posters and other content in opposition to Xi Jinping and the Chinese government. Now, with iOS 16.2, it’s expanding worldwide. Apple says:
“AirDrop now automatically reverts to Contacts Only after 10 minutes to prevent unwanted requests to receive content.”
What this means is that you can no longer have AirDrop enabled permanently for “Everyone.” Instead, the option can only be enabled for 10 minutes at a time. Then, you’ll have to go back into the AirDrop settings and re-check the “Everyone” option.
Advanced Data Protection for iCloud
iOS 16.2 also includes Advanced Data Protection for iCloud. This feature expands end-to-end encryption to more data types and services, protecting your information even in the case of a data breach. You can enable Advanced Data Protection by tapping your name at the top of the Settings app, then choosing iCloud.
Changes to the Lock Screen and iPhone 14 Pro’s Always-On Display
Apple is continuously improving the Lock Screen features and the iPhone 14 Pro’s Always-On Display with iOS 16.2. There are now sleep and medication widgets for the Lock Screen, adding to the previously available widgets.
But the most notable feature is the ability to customize the Always-On Display to hide the wallpaper or notifications completely. To find these options, go to Settings, tap on “Display and Brightness,” and then “Always-On Display.” You’ll see new toggles for “Show Wallpaper” and “Show Notifications” in this menu.
(This change is in response to some users finding the Always-On Display to be “too on.”) If you turn off the wallpaper and notifications, your iPhone 14 Pro’s Always-On Display will display a pure black screen with your Lock Screen widgets and the time. This is similar to what many Android devices offer.
Apple explains:
“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.”
Freeform
One new addition to iOS 16.2 is Apple’s Freeform collaboration app. Freeform allows you to work on creative projects with friends or colleagues on all of Apple’s platforms. You can add files, images, and stickies to a flexible canvas and use drawing tools to sketch with your finger. You can learn more about Freeform by watching the video above or reading our full coverage.
Other Changes and Features:
- 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.
- 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.
