This is a bit different, but also similar to Google’s Pixel Feature Drops that come out every quarter. Except, Apple includes this as part of the OS, instead of just being limited to the Pixel. With iOS 16.2, there’s a few pretty big features available for iPhone and iPad users. That includes the new Advanced Data Protection for iCloud that was announced last week. There’s also the new Apple Music Sing feature, which basically turns Apple Music into a Karaoke app. It’s pretty cool, but still a bit odd that Apple Music features are tied to the entire operating system. Of course, the big feature that most people were waiting on is, the ability to hide your wallpaper when using the Always-on Display. Apple introduced the AOD to its iPhone 14 Pro series this year for the first time. And they wanted to make it a bit different compared to Android. So they made the wallpaper visible on the AOD. Except, it’s pretty bright and makes a lot of people think that the phone is still on. Not to mention that it takes up a lot of battery use. So now, in iOS 16.2, users can turn off the wallpaper and also turn off notifications.
What else is new in iOS 16.2?
Quite a few new things in iOS 16.2 this time around. Making it the biggest update for iOS 16, since the initial release. Apple TV is gaining support for Live Activities. So you can follow along with games on the Dynamic Island on iPhone 14 Pro or the lockscreen. Game Center is also gaining SharePlay Support here, so you can play with others on a Facetime call. There’s plenty more available in the changelog. The iOS 16.2 update is rolling out now to the iPhone, with iPadOS 16.2 rolling out to the iPad. We should see the iOS 16.3 and iPadOS 16.3 betas start either later this week or early next week, before everyone is off for the holidays.
