iOS 16.2: everything you need to know about Apples latest update

It’s time to upgrade your Apple iPhones with the latest software.

The tech giant has released iOS 16.2, its latest update which brings with it several big new features and improvements including Advanced Data Protection and Apple Music Sing.

“This update introduces Freeform, an app that offers a great place to brainstorm and bring your ideas to life. This release also adds Apple Music Sing, Advanced Data Protection for iCloud, Lock Screen improvements and other features and bug fixes for your iPhone,” Apple said.

What’s new in iOS 16.2

Freeform

Freeform is a new app for working creatively with friends or colleagues on Mac, iPad and iPhone. A flexible canvas lets you add files, images, stickies and more while drawing tools let you sketch anywhere on the canvas with your finger.

Apple Music Sing

Apple said Apples Music Sing is a new way to sing along with millions of your favorite songs in Apple Music

“Fully adjustable vocals let you duet with the original artist, sing solo, or mix it up. Newly enhanced beat-by-beat lyrics make it even easier to follow along with the music.”

Lock Screen

The updates also include new settings that 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, while the medications widget lets you view reminders and quickly access your schedule.

iCloud Backup encryption

There are also several new privacy features in iOS 16.2, including stronger iCloud encryption, security key support and iMessage Contact Key Verification.

10-minute AirDrop limit

iOS 16.2 limits the “everyone” setting for AirDrop permissions to 10 minutes at a time. This change was first made in China and is now being rolled out to the rest of the world.

Older notifications visible by default

In iOS 16.2 beta 4, Apple changed the way Notification Center displays notifications. You used to have to swipe up to see older notifications, now they are shown by default.

Apple TV

Live Activities for Apple TV app let you follow your favorite teams with live scores right on your Lock Screen or in Dynamic Island on iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max.

Home

Improved reliability and efficiency of communication between your smart home accessories and Apple devices.

Game Center

SharePlay support in Game Center for multiplayer games so you can play with the people you are on a FaceTime call with.

Other features

The update also features an Activity Widget which allows you to see what your friends are playing and achieving in games right from your Home Screen.

The iOS 16.2 update also includes improvements and bug fixes for improved search in Messages that allows you to find photos based on their content, like a dog, car, person, or text.

• News articles in Weather display information relevant to the weather in that location
• 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

Some features may not be available for all regions or on all Apple devices.

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