iOS 16 is just around the corner, and with it comes a whole host of new features and changes. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the biggest changes coming in iOS 16, including new Siri functionality, Home screen widgets, and more. So without further ado, let’s dive in!
The Widgets on the Home Screen
One of the most noticeable changes in iOS 16 is the addition of widgets to the home screen. These widgets can be placed on any page and offer quick access to information such as the weather, your calendar, or your to-do list. While many Android phones have had support for widgets for years, this is a new feature for iPhone users.
In addition to the new widgets, iOS 16 also introduces a new app called Home Screen Quick Actions. This app allows you to quickly access frequently used apps and features from your home screen. For example, you can add a shortcut to your favorite contact’s page or quickly access the camera app.
Battery Percentage
The new iOS 16 update is going to be released on September 12th. It is rumored that this update will include a battery percentage indicator.
The App Library
One of the most significant changes coming in iOS 14 is the App Library. This is a new way of organizing your apps that Apple borrowed from macOS, and it’s designed to help you declutter your home screens.
The App Library automatically organizes all of your apps into categories, and you can also create your own custom folders. You can access the App Library by swiping to the right on your home screen, or by tapping the “App Library” button in the widget gallery.
If you don’t want to use the App Library, you can turn it off in the Settings app.
Picture in Picture mode
One of the most significant changes coming in iOS 16 is Picture in Picture mode. This feature, which has been available on iPads for some time, allows you to float a video window from Safari or another app above all other content on your screen. This is especially useful when you want to watch a video while also working in other apps.
To use Picture in Picture mode, just start playing a video in Safari or another app and then press the Home button on your iPhone. The video will shrink down into a small window that you can move around and place anywhere on your screen. You can even continue using other apps while the video window is active.
If you want to watch the video full-screen again, just tap on the window and it will expand back to its original size. To exit Picture in Picture mode, tap on the X icon in the top-left corner of the video window.
Siri improvements
Siri is receiving its biggest update in years with iOS 16. Siri can now keep track of your conversations, suggesting topics and contacts you might want to bring up next time you talk to someone. It also offers suggestions for follow-up actions after you finish a call or meeting. These features are powered by on-device conversational analysis and require no internet connection, so your privacy is protected.
Other improvements include the ability to send audio messages with Siri, set multiple timers, and search for photos by location, album, or People album.
Maps improvements
- Controller Support: You can now use a PlayStation or Xbox controller to play games on your iPhone or iPad. Simply connect your controller to your device and launch a game that supports controller input.
- CarPlay: With iOS 16, CarPlay adds support for digital car keys, parking, and EV charging. You’ll also be able to see more information on a single screen, including Siri Suggestions and Maps.
- Wallet: In addition to being able to add your driver’s license or state ID card to Wallet, you can now also store park passes and workplace IDs.
- Siri: With iOS 16, Siri can now be used to send audio messages, start group FaceTime calls, and search photos by object or scene.
- Privacy: In addition to the new privacy features in Safari, iOS 16 introduces a “Sign in with Apple” option that allows you to sign in to apps and websites without sharing your personal information.
- Photos: The Photos app has been updated with new editing tools and effects
Privacy features
One of the most significant changes in iOS 16 is the introduction of a number of privacy features. For example, there is now a privacy indicator that appears whenever an app is using your location data. There is also a new feature that allows you to grant an app access to your location only for a specific task.
Another privacy-related change is that apps will now need to ask for your permission before they can access your microphone or camera. And, if an app does access your microphone or camera, you’ll see a new indicator in the status bar.
Another big change in iOS 16 is the addition of support for Widgets. Widgets are small pieces of information that you can add to your Home screen. They can provide information such as the current weather, upcoming calendar events, or the latest news headlines.
Finally, Apple has made some changes to how App Store apps are reviewed and approved. In particular, developers will now be able to challenge App Store decisions using an expedited review process.
Other changes
In addition to the big features listed above, iOS 16 also brings a number of smaller changes and improvements.
- The Lock Screen widget gallery has been redesigned to show more information and allow for greater customization.
- The Weather app has been redesigned with an emphasis on simplicity.
- Siri has been enhanced with new features, including the ability to send audio messages and search for photos by location.
- Apple Maps has been improved with better turn-by-turn directions and real-time traffic information.
- Safari has been updated with a new start page design and support for tab groups.
- HomeKit devices can now be controlled from the Control Center.
- The Photos app has been updated with new editing tools and support for Memories.
