Technology

Exploring the New Features of iOS 16.2 – Is it Worth Upgrading and Which iPhones are Upgradable?

Apple has officially released iOS 16.2, but many iPhone users are unaware of what new features Apple has added, or which old features have been updated. Is it worth upgrading to iOS 16.2 and will your iPhone be supported? All of these questions will be answered in the article below.

Administrator

25 December, 2023

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With iOS 16.2, Apple has introduced several new features for the iPhone, alongside important upgrades and security updates. Notable new features include the Freeform app, two new Lock Screen widgets, wallpaper hiding capability, and always-on notifications on the iPhone 14 Pro. To learn more, let’s continue reading this article by FPT Shop.

What’s new in iOS 16.2

One of the things that users are always interested in with any iOS update is what’s new. So, what’s new in iOS 16.2? Here are the noteworthy new features and updates.

1. Apple Music Sing

If you are an Apple Music subscriber, you will receive a free karaoke upgrade in iOS 16.2. This feature is called Apple Music Sing, and all you have to do is open the lyrics for any song, just like you would normally, and look for a small microphone icon. If you see the microphone icon, you can adjust the vocal level, including the instruments if desired, and follow along with the lyrics in real-time just like a real karaoke machine. The lyrics view mode has also been updated with better animations to help you follow along.

However, not all songs with lyrics support Apple Music Sing, but many do and this number will increase over time. Apple Music Sing is powered by machine learning technology, rather than playing a separate instrumental version without vocals, and the app is compatible with devices equipped with the A13 chip or later, including iPhone 11 and newer, select iPad models, and the latest Apple TV 4K.

2. Enhanced Data Protection

iOS 16.2 introduces the Advanced Data Protection feature, which, when enabled, extends end-to-end encryption to additional categories of iCloud data, including Message backups, photos, notes, reminders, voice memos, and Safari bookmarks.

3. Emergency SOS via satellite

Apple announced the Emergency SOS via satellite feature in the fall of 2022 during the launch of the iPhone 14 and Watch 8. This new feature supports users in connecting to emergency services when there is no cellular data and Wi-Fi coverage. It is one of the highlights of Apple’s new products. However, it was ultimately released for the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro models with the iOS 16.2 update a few months later.

It is worth noting that Apple provides free Emergency SOS via satellite for two years after activation on the iPhone 14 or iPhone 14 Pro.

4. Freeform app

iOS 16.2 includes a new digital whiteboard app called Freeform by Apple on the iPhone. This app provides an infinite canvas for you to draw, and insert sticky notes, text boxes, shapes, images, videos, links, PDF files, and more. The app is also available on iPad and Mac, and you can collaborate with others in real-time through FaceTime and iMessage.

Freeform is more useful on the iPad because it supports the Apple Pencil, the stylus and drawing tool available in the iOS and iPadOS software versions, allowing users to add sketches or handwritten notes. However, you can still use a capacitive touch pen on the iPhone.

5. New Lock Screen widgets

iOS 16.2 brings two new Lock Screen widgets to users: Sleep and Medications. As the names suggest, the Sleep widget provides important sleep-related information based on data stored in the Health app and collected by an Apple Watch or other sleep tracking devices. It provides data such as time spent in bed and sleep quality.

Meanwhile, the Medications widget has two options: one with a single pill icon and another option that notifies you when it’s time to take your medication. The widget will notify you if all medications have been logged or if you’ve run out for the day.

6. New Always-on Display options

Starting from iOS 16.2, you can hide the wallpaper and notifications on the Always-On Display mode on the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max. This leads to a blacked-out lock screen, giving a minimalistic appearance in the Always-On Display mode, similar to Android.

The new Show Wallpaper and Show Notifications toggles are located in the Settings app under Display & Brightness > Always On Display.

7. Sports scores information via the Apple TV app

iOS 16.2 adds the Live Activities feature to show sports scores through the Apple TV app. This feature allows iPhone users to quickly see live scores of MLB, NBA, and Premier League games on the lock screen and in the Dynamic Island on iPhone 14 Pro models.

For example, in a Premier League match, the Dynamic Island displays an updated scoreboard with goals scored by each club. When long-pressed, the Dynamic Island expands to display the elapsed time and play-by-play actions. When the iPhone 14 Pro is locked, and on all other iPhone models, the score will be displayed on the lock screen banner.

To use this feature with an iPhone running iOS 16.2, open the TV app and tap the “Follow” button to follow the game. Apple states that this feature is available for NBA and Premier League games for users in the United States and Canada, as well as MLB games for users in the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Mexico, Japan, and South Korea.

8. New AirDrop settings

IOS 16.2 replaces the previously available “Everyone” setting of AirDrop with the “Everyone for 10 Minutes” option to reduce unwanted requests from strangers. AirDrop will automatically revert to “Contacts Only” after 10 minutes.

9. Completely new HomeKit platform

You won’t see this feature, but you might feel it if you use any smart home devices. With iOS 16.2, Apple has redesigned the fundamental architecture of the Home and HomeKit apps to be faster and more reliable. If you’ve been frustrated by slow on/off switches or automation processes not handling timing correctly, you may find that this is the fix you’ve been looking for.

10. Other new features

SharePlay support in Game Center allows you to play multiplayer games with the people you are on a FaceTime call with.
iOS 16.2 enables 5G support in India on iPhone 12 and newer models.
The Weather app now integrates Apple News.
Improved search in the Messages app allows you to search for photos based on content, such as dogs, cars, people, or text.

How to update to iOS 16.2

If you have not participated in Apple’s beta program, downloading and installing iOS 16.2 is quite simple. However, if you have already enrolled in Apple’s beta software program, here’s how you can opt-out of the beta version and ensure you receive the stable release of iOS 16.2 once it becomes available:

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your iPhone.

Step 2: Scroll down and tap on the “General” option.

Step 3: Scroll down to the bottom of the page and tap on the “VPN & Device Management” option.

Step 4: Under the “Configuration Profile” section, tap on the “iOS X Beta Software Profile” option.

Step 5: Tap on the “Remove Profile” option at the bottom of the next screen.

Step 6: When prompted, enter your iPhone passcode.

Step 7: Tap on the “Remove” button at the bottom once again.

Step 8: Restart your iPhone to apply the changes.

After restarting your iPhone, you will still be running the latest beta software that Apple has released. However, you will no longer receive beta updates. Instead, your iPhone and iPad will only receive the final versions of any updates that Apple releases.

However, before downloading iOS 16.2, we recommend that you back up your iPhone and iPad. It’s easy to do this through iCloud. Simply go to the Settings app, tap on your user account at the top, and select iCloud.

Then, tap on the “iCloud Backup” option and turn it on. After that, tap on “Back Up Now” to initiate a new backup. You also have the option on the previous iCloud page to disable specific apps that you don’t want to include in the backup.

Whether you have opted out of the beta program or your iPhone is still running iOS 16.1, here’s how you can check for updates and download iOS 16.2:

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.

Step 2: Scroll down and tap on the “General” option.

Step 3: Tap on the “Software Update” option.

Step 4: If there is an available update, carefully check and if it is indeed iOS 16.2, you can tap on the “Download and Install” button.

Step 5: Enter your iPhone passcode to confirm. Then, wait for the download process of iOS 16.2 to complete. Once the download process is finished, you can simply select the “Install Now” option to complete the installation.

As always, make sure that your iPhone or iPad data is backed up and keep the device connected to a stable and reliable power source and internet connection during the installation process. Otherwise, the update installation process may not succeed, and you may encounter more inconvenient issues.

Should you update to iOS 16.2?

Apple iOS 16.2 is regarded as the most significant release since iOS 16. With all the new features, privacy enhancements, important security patches, and stability, iOS 16.2 promises to provide a fresh experience for iPhone users and enhance the smoothness of their devices.

If you want to experience and use the new features of iOS 16.2, and enjoy the latest software updates for your iPhone, now is the time to consider updating to iOS 16.2. Especially for older iPhone models (older than the iPhone 14 and iPhone 13 series), updating to iOS 16.2 is recommended as this new iOS version brings a better customizable experience and improves smoothness, although it may lack some features exclusive to the newer iPhone models.

Which iPhones support iOS 16.2?

According to Apple’s announcement, iOS 16.2 is only compatible with the following iPhone models:

iPhone 14 Pro Max
iPhone 14 Pro
iPhone 14 Plus
iPhone 14
iPhone 13 Pro Max
iPhone 13 Pro
iPhone 13
iPhone 13 Mini
iPhone 12 Pro Max
iPhone 12 Pro
iPhone 12
iPhone 12 Mini
iPhone 11 Pro Max
iPhone 11 Pro
iPhone 11
iPhone SE (2020)
iPhone XS Max
iPhone XS
iPhone XR
iPhone X
iPhone 8 Plus
iPhone 8

So, with iOS 16.2, Apple has discontinued support for older iPhones, including iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, and the original iPhone SE. If your iPhone is compatible with the iOS 16.2 update but you don’t see any update available, try restarting your iPhone and checking again or wait a bit longer as update availability may vary for different models.

In conclusion

That’s all about iOS 16.2! It’s an important update from Apple for iPhone generations since the release of iOS 16. With enhancements, upgrades, new features, and improved security, iOS 16.2 is certainly worth considering and upgrading for your device.

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