iOS 16 now available with new lock screen, editable iMessages, and more

Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Verge

Today is the release of Apple's newest operating system. There are a lot of new features in the free update, but iPadOS 16 won't be updated to version 16 today.

The lock screen is where the majority of the improvements can be found. The lock screen now haswidgets that act like notifications. When the device is off, the always-on display will show thesewidgets.

There are devices that support the newer version of the operating system.

• iPhone 14, 14 Plus
• iPhone 14 Pro / Pro Max
• iPhone 13, 13 Mini
• iPhone 13 Pro / Pro Max
• iPhone 12, 12 Mini
• iPhone 12 Pro / 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 11
• iPhone 11 Pro / 12 Pro Max
• iPhone XS, XS Max
• iPhone X, XR
• iPhone 8, 8 Plus
• iPhone SE (second generation or later)

There are a lot of improvements to keep you happy if you are a daily iMessage user. You can change a message up to 15 minutes after you send it, and you can also change a message up to two minutes after you send it. You can use the "mark as unread" feature to remember to reply to messages. If you enjoy listening to audio messages, then you will love the ability to fast- forward or back as you hear them.

The ability to quickly unsend an email will be added to the Mail app in the next version of the app. Emails will return to the top of your inbox and older messages will appear at the top of your inbox to prompt you to send follow-up messages.

One of the best features of the new operating system is the ability to feel the sound of your fingers typing. When features like the flashlight from the lock screen are activated, Haptics can be used. The settings area can be used to enable the new Haptics.

Image: Apple

The ability to control an Apple Watch from an iPhone is one of the new features in the newest version of the operating system. You will be able to copy text from a photo in videos. There are improvements to the Health app, where you can now create a medication list.

For the privacy conscious, Apple is adding a Lockdown Mode, which adds "extreme" protection for people who might be targeted by state sponsored spyware. Lockdown Mode blocks a lot of things, and even blocks calls from unknown numbers.

Not all of the announced features are arriving today. You will be able to create and share a separate iCloud photo library with up to five other family members with the launch of Apple's iCloud shared photo library. The next-gen version of CarPlay won't be available until compatible cars are announced.