In October, Apple began testingiOS 16.2 and iPadOS 16.2 updates for both developers and public users. We've had four total alphas, with the fourth one being released this week.
Since October, only four betas have been released, and there is still some testing left to be done. At the very least, we'll have a release candidate before iOS 16.2 is launched, but there's a chance we'll also see another alpha too.
During the holiday season, we typically see five or more releases before a candidate is selected. This year, we could see the same thing as last year, where Apple seeded just fouriOS 15.2betas before the launch. It's possible that Apple will give us the release candidate version of the operating system next week.
The week of December 12 could be when the new version of the software is released. The week of December 19 is a possibility if there are morebetas on the horizon, but that is during Hanukkah and Christmas. The launch of last year's iOS 15.2 took place on Monday, December 13th, after Apple gave the fourth and RC versions of the software.
According to Mark Gurman, we can expect a new version of the operating system in mid-December. The Freeform app is one of the features coming before the end of the year.
Before the end of the year, we can expect to see initial versions of the software.
Most Notable Features
There are a number of new features added to the iPhone and iPad in the latest version of the operating system.
- Freeform App - Freeform is a cross-platform open-ended whiteboard app that can be used for jotting down notes, sketching, drawing, saving links, and more, with built-in collaboration features. It is available in the latest iPhone, iPad, and Mac betas.
- Stage Manager External Display Support iPad owners who have an M1 or M2 iPad can once again use Stage Manager with external displays. Up to eight apps can be used for multitasking purposes, and there's a useful new option for dragging a window from an iPad to an external display and vice versa. While older iPads can use Stage Manager, external display support is limited to Apple silicon models.
- New Home App Architecture - The iOS 16.2, iPadOS 16.2, and macOS Ventura 13.1 updates add support for an updated Home app architecture that Apple is introducing following the debut of Matter. The new app architecture will provide faster, more reliable performance in homes with many smart accessories, but it does require that your entire suite of devices be updated to the latest software.
- Always On Display Updates - For iPhone 14 Pro models, there are two new toggles for disabling wallpaper and notifications when the always on display feature is activated. This cuts down on what's shown on the screen when it is off for fewer distractions.
- Lock Screen Sleep Widget - The Lock Screen has gained a Sleep widget for those who use the sleep functionality on the Apple Watch.
- Lock Screen Medication Widget - There's also a Medication widget that lets you know when you need to take a medication.
- News in the Weather App - When there's relevant weather-related news in your area, such as information about a hurricane or a fire, you will see news headlines in the Weather app.
- 5G in India - iOS 16.2 will bring 5G connectivity to India.
Read More
A complete list of all the features that are available in the update can be found in the guide.
