After more than a month of testing, Apple today released the public version of its mobile operating system, and it adds a number of important new features. You should upgrade immediately for the new additions and bug fixes.

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All of the changes are available in both iPadOS 16.2 and Apple's mobile operating system.

Freeform App

There is a new cross- platform Freeform app in the App Store. Freeform can be used for a lot of different things.

Multiple people can work on the same Freeform document and have their updates sync with everyone else. According to Apple, Freeform can be used for sketching projects, designing mood boards, and brainstorming ideas.

Apple Music Sing

For Apple Music subscribers, Apple Music Sing provides real-time lyrics that can be sung along with. Real-time lyrics that move to the rhythm of the vocals, background vocal options, and a duet view for multi-singer tracks are some of the features.

Songs, duets, chorus, and anthem are ideal for use with Apple Music Sing.

Apple Music Sing can be used on the third generation iPad Pro and later, the fifth generation iPad Pro and later, the fourth generation iPad Air and later, and the ninth generation iPad and later.

Advanced Data Protection

The Advanced Data Protection was introduced last week. Advanced Data Protection can be used to protect your data from unauthorized access.

Mail, Contacts, and Calendar are not protected with the update because they need to work withlegacy technologies.

If you lose your password, Apple can't restore your data if you don't opt in to Advanced Data Protection.

Stage Manager External Display Support

Stage Manager can be used on M1 and M2 iPads again. Stage Manager was removed in the first version of iPadOS 16 to make room for the A12X and A12Z iPad Pro models.

Stage Manager supports up to eight apps for multitasking. Only the M1 and M2 iPad have this function.

You can drag and drop a window from the iPad to the external monitor on your device. It is possible to drag a window from one device to another.

New Home App Architecture

With the addition of the Matter smart home standard, support for an updated Home app architecture has been added.

Apple says that the new Home app architecture brings faster, more reliable performance in homes with many smart accessories, but it requires every device that access the home to be running theiOS 16.2, iPadOS 16.2, macOS Ventura 13, tvOS 16.2, and watchOS 9.2 updates, along

Disable Wallpaper and Notifications for Always On Display

There are two settings for disabling wallpaper and notifications on the screen. For an always on display interface, the feature makes it simpler to see the time and any widgets that are enabled.

always on display options

AirDrop will be restricted to Contacts Only by default with the launch of the new operating system. AirDrop can be opened to everyone nearby, but it will return to Contacts only after 10 minutes.

According to Apple, this was done to cut down on AirDrop mail.

There is a small change to the software updates section of the settings app. The bolder text of the software version makes it more obvious.

ios 16 2 software update bold

The Apple Watch and other sleep tracking devices can collect data from the Health app in order to create a SleepWidget to the Lock Screen. Time spent in bed and sleep quality are provided by it.

Two multi-tile options show a bar chart that shows sleep quality or a larger one that shows time in bed with a visual representation. The sleep section of the Health app can be accessed with a tap.

Apple has also added a Medicationswidget. One option is a single pill icon, the other is a notification that lets you know when you need to take a medication. If you don't have any more medication for the day, it will let you know.

medication widget ios 16 2

Game Center

Game Center can now be used to play games with friends and family on a phone call.

Users can see what their friends are doing in games from the Home Screen with the new ActivityWidget.

Messages Search

In the Messages app, Apple has made it easier to find photos based on content, such as a pet, car, person or text.

Turn Off Hide IP Address

There is a new setting for disabling the private relay temporarily.

5G in India

Multiple carriers in India are now supporting 5G speeds, thanks to the unlocks of 5G in the latest version of Apple's mobile operating system.

TV App Live Sports Scores

The built-in TV app on the iPhone has a Live Activities integration. The Lock Screen can be used to track games in real time.

iOS 16 Live Activities Sports MLB

The TV app has been updated with the tvOS 16.2 and macOS Ventura 13.1 updates. The previews above the "Up Next" interface make it harder for users to get to the shows they want to watch.

ios 16 2 tv app redesign

Weather App News

The Weather app is now compatible with Apple News.

weather app news integration

Live Activities in the TV App

You can get more frequent live activity updates from the TV app. If you're worried about battery life, you might want to disabling it.

tv app live activity updates

Siri Silent Responses

In the accessibility section of the app's settings, there is an option to "Prefer Silent Responses" so that requests are not heard.

siri silent responses

According to Apple, SwiftUI animated layout changes will support a 120Hz refresh rate, which was previously missing.

There are long-running issues with the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro models that appear to have been addressed in the update. The performance of these devices can be affected by lagging and stuttering system animations when closing and switch between apps.

iphone 14 pro 120hz promotion blue

AirTag Alerts

Tracking notifications are now available on the iPad to let users know if an AirTag is nearby and has played a chime to indicate that it is moving.

AirTag Feature Recolor

Crash Detection Optimizations

Crash Detection for the iPhone 14 models is included in the latest version of the operating system. Improvements could be made to prevent the iPhone 14 models from calling emergency services when users are on rides.

crash detection

Unintentional SOS Calls

One user has reported an Apple inquiry about a call that collects system data, and Apple is now collecting data on accidental calls.

Battery Status Shortcut

The new battery status shortcut gives information about the battery and any connected accessory.

battery level shortcut

Other New Features

Do you know of a new feature in the latest version of the operating system? We would appreciate it if you would tell us in the comments.