Apple released a number of updates this evening, including iOS 16.1, iPadOS 16.1, tvOS 16.1, watchOS 9.1 and macOS Ventura. Here's an overview.
With iOS 16.1, Apple enables Live Activities on the redesigned iOS 16 lock screen and on the Dynamic Island on the iPhone 14 Pro. Live Activities are a new type of interactive notification that dynamically displays real-time information from apps without having to open an app directly. For example, Uber can display a Live Activities notification on the iOS 16 lock screen to communicate the estimated arrival time of the ordered car. Sports apps, on the other hand, can use Live Activities to display the score in real time. On the iPhone 14 Pro models, Live Activities are also integrated into the Dynamic Island, which allows users to see real-time information from apps while using their phone. Live Activities are also displayed on the lock screen in "Always-On" mode.
iOS 16.1: Redesigned battery indicator
Over the summer, Apple added a battery level indicator to the status bar for iPhones with a notch. The first version of the battery indicator featured a battery icon that appeared full regardless of the iPhone's actual charge level. In iOS 16.1, Apple is changing the behavior of the battery icon so that it accurately reflects the iPhone's charge level when the percentage is displayed. With iOS 16.1, the battery indicator is also expanding to other devices, including the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 13 mini.
Apple Fitness+ with just one iPhone
Starting with iOS 16.1, iPhone users can now subscribe to and use Apple Fitness+ without the need for an Apple Watch. Fitness+ is a subscription from Apple that offers a wide catalog of workout videos and programs with various trainers. At launch, an Apple Watch was required to use Fitness+ and view real-time data on the screen.
iOS 16.1: Preload in-app content
iOS 16.1 adds a new option for apps from the App Store that allows newly downloaded apps to automatically run in the background to load content before you launch them for the first time. The new feature is designed to allow users to use an app immediately after downloading it, without having to wait for the in-app content to load.
Shared iCloud Library
iCloud Shared Library makes it easier to share photos with family or friends in the Photos app. It lets you and up to five other people add, edit, or remove photos in a shared library accessible through iCloud – more about it hereBelow we have listed the update description verbatim.
iPadOS 16.1 is launched
iPadOS 16 was originally supposed to be released in September alongside iOS 16 and Co. But due to problems with the brand new Stage Manager, Apple decided to postpone the launch of iPadOS 16 to October. Now the new iPad operating system has been launched in the form of iPadOS 16.1.
iPadOS 16 brings Stage Manager on board
With Stage Manager, Apple is bringing overlapping windows and enhanced multitasking to some select iPad models. That means Stage Manager is available for all generations of the 11-inch iPad Pro, as well as all 12.9-inch iPad Pro models of the third generation and later. Earlier 12.9-inch models and the 9.7-inch iPad Pro that are not equipped with the A12X or A12Z chip will not get this feature.
Additional features of iOS 16
The Weather app comes to the iPad with a large-screen design. Developers also get access to an API called WeatherKit. In addition to the above-mentioned innovations, the iPad also gets access to the new features in Messages, Mail and more that were already introduced for the iPhone in iOS 16.
macOS Ventura launches
In addition to iOS 16.1 and iPadOS 16.1, the next big macOS is now being launched - macOS Ventura. Among the many new or improved features is the Stage Manager, which helps manage many open windows. As expected, the new macOS 13 Ventura is a further refinement of the operating system and not the comprehensive change that was introduced with macOS Big Sur, version 11, in 2020.
New features: Stage Manager and updated Spotlight
The new macOS Ventura adds Stage Manager, a way to manage multiple windows in many apps open at the same time. Craig Federighi explains:
Stage Manager lets you focus on the app you're working with without getting distracted. It automatically arranges all windows to the side and brings the app I'm working with to the foreground.
When a user opens a second app, the first app is "gracefully moved to the left" along with other current apps. The Stage Manager can group all open windows of an app "into a single stack" and users can drag files directly onto the apps in the stack. Spotlight has also been updated. Apple explains:
Spotlight can now also find images in your photo library, system, and the web, and Live Text lets you search the text in the image. You can also perform actions like starting a timer or running a shortcut right from Spotlight. It's also a great way to get information by using the entire window for better results.
Continuity Camera puts the Mac in the spotlight
The existing Continuity Camera feature lets a Mac control an iPhone to scan documents, but now it's being expanded to let the Mac use an iPhone as a webcam. With Continuity, the Mac can automatically detect and use the iPhone's camera when it's nearby—without having to wake it or select it—and the iPhone can even connect to the Mac wirelessly for even more flexibility. Continuity Camera brings innovative features to all Mac computers, including Center Stage, Portrait mode, and the new Studio Light, an effect that beautifully lights the user's face and darkens the background. The new webcam feature doesn't just bring high-resolution FaceTime images to the Mac. Continuity Camera also uses the iPhone's ultra-wide camera to enable Desktop View, which shows the user's face and a top-down view of the desk at the same time.
New features in Mail
Mail gets new productivity tools, including the ability to retract an email after it has been sent. Like other Mac Mail clients, users have a few moments after pressing Send to undo the action. Like many competing Mac Mail programs, Apple Mail in macOS Ventura lets users schedule the time to send an email. Mail also improves search, which automatically displays the most recently shared documents. In addition to the above updates New versions for the Apple Watch, Apple TV and HomePods were also released. Below you will find the individual update descriptions in full. (Image: Apple)
iOS 16.1 update description
Shared iCloud Photo Library
- A separate media library for seamlessly sharing photos and videos with up to five other people.
- Configuration rules make it easy to add past photos from a specific date or with specific people when you set up or join a library.
- With library filters, you can quickly switch views and display only the shared library, your personal library, or both libraries at the same time.
- With shared edits and access rights, anyone can add, edit, favorite, caption, and delete photos.
- Using the sharing option in the Camera app, you can choose to add captured photos directly to the shared library. Alternatively, you can choose to share recordings automatically in the settings when other participants are detected nearby and using Bluetooth.
live activities
- Live activity from third-party apps is available in the Dynamic Island and on the lock screen for iPhone 14 Pro models.
Fitness+
- Apple Fitness+ is supported on iPhone, even if you don’t have an Apple Watch.
wallet
- The key sharing option allows you to share car, hotel room, and other keys securely in Wallet via messaging apps like Messages and WhatsApp.
Home
- Matter, the new connection standard for smart homes, is supported and enables a wide range of smart home devices to be combined across ecosystems.
Books
- The reader controls will automatically hide as soon as you start reading.
This update also fixes the following bugs on the iPhone:
- Deleted conversations may appear in the conversation list in Messages.
- Content in the Dynamic Island may not be available in one-handed mode.
- CarPlay may fail to connect when using a VPN app.
- Some features may not be available in all regions or on all Apple devices. For more information about the security aspects of Apple software updates, please visit this website.
iPadOS 16.1 update description
Shared iCloud Photo Library
- A separate media library for seamlessly sharing photos and videos with up to five other people.
- Configuration rules make it easy to add past photos from a specific date or with specific people when you set up or join a library.
- With library filters, you can quickly switch views and display only the shared library, your personal library, or both libraries at the same time.
- With shared edits and access rights, anyone can add, edit, favorite, caption, and delete photos.
- Using the sharing option in the Camera app, you can choose to add captured photos directly to the shared library. Alternatively, you can choose to share recordings automatically in the settings when other participants are detected nearby and using Bluetooth.
News
- Messages can be edited up to 15 minutes after they are sent, and recipients will see an editing history.
- The “Undo Send” option allows you to revoke messages up to 2 minutes after they have been sent.
- If you want to return to a conversation later, simply mark a message as unread again.
- With SharePlay, you can watch movies, listen to music, play games, and more with friends while sharing information in the messaging app.
- With Collaboration, you can now easily invite others to collaborate on a file through Messages. Activity updates appear in the thread when someone makes a change to a shared project.
- The improved search function delivers more complete and accurate results and makes suggestions as you start typing.
- The “Undo Send” option allows you to undo sending emails within 10 seconds.
- You can schedule email sending by specifying a specific day and time.
- The Reminder option allows you to set a date and time to receive a reminder about an email.
Safari and Passkeys
- Shared tab groups allow you to share tabs with people and see instantly updated tab groups when you collaborate with others.
- Tab group home pages can be customized with different background images and favorites for each tab group.
- With pinned tabs in tab groups, you can pin frequently visited websites to each tab group.
- Web page translations in Safari are now available for Turkish, Thai, Vietnamese, Polish, Indonesian and Dutch.
- Passkeys provide an easier and more secure login method to replace the password.
- By syncing passkeys via iCloud Keychain, you can access them across all your Apple devices while keeping them protected with end-to-end encryption.
Stage Manager
- New way to multitask on the 12.9-inch iPad Pro (3rd generation and later), 11-inch iPad Pro (1st generation and later), and iPad Air (5th generation).
- Thanks to the overlapping and resizable windows, you can resize the app windows to create your ideal workspace.
- Recently used apps are displayed on the left edge of the screen and allow you to quickly switch between apps.
- App groups allow you to group a number of apps together for quick access later.
New display modes
- In reference mode, the iPad Pro with 12.9" Liquid Retina XDR display can display reference colors for popular color standards and video formats. And with Sidecar, the iPad Pro can be used as a reference display for your Mac with Apple chips.
- A new Display Scaling setting increases the pixel density of the display so you can see more in your apps. The feature is available on 11-inch iPad Pro (1st generation and later), 12.9-inch iPad Pro (5th generation and later), and iPad Air (5th generation).
Weather
- The Weather app on iPad is optimized for the larger display, including immersive animations, detailed maps, and tap-to-view forecast modules.
- Weather maps inform you about precipitation, air quality and temperature in location view or in full screen mode.
- Tapping on modules gives you more details such as hourly temperature or precipitation forecasts for the next 10 days.
- Air quality is displayed using a color scale and divided into levels and categories. You can see the air quality on a map and read about health recommendations, pollutant composition and more.
- The animated backgrounds represent the position of the sun, clouds and precipitation with thousands of variations.
- Extreme weather notifications indicate when an extreme weather warning has been issued in your local area.
Game Center
- Game activity on the dashboard lets you see in one place and during the game what achievements your friends are celebrating in this game, what they are playing, and what achievements they have achieved across all games.
- Game Center profiles highlight your achievements and activity on the leaderboard for all your games.
- Thanks to the integration of contacts, your friends' Game Center profiles are displayed and you can see what games they are playing and what achievements they are achieving.
Live Text
- Live Text for video lets you interact with text in a paused video frame, including copying, translating, looking up, sharing, and more. It's available on iPad (8th generation and later), iPad mini (5th generation and later), iPad Air (3rd generation and later), 12.9-inch iPad Pro (3rd generation and later), and 11-inch iPad Pro (all models).
- Tap once on identified data in photos and videos and you can use quick actions to perform various options such as tracking flights or deliveries, translating foreign languages, converting currencies and more. The feature is available on iPad (8th generation and later), iPad mini (5th generation and later), iPad Air (3rd generation and later), 12.9" iPad Pro (3rd generation and later) and 11" iPad Pro (all models).
Visual reference
- Detach Subject from Background separates the subject of an image so you can copy and paste it into apps like Mail and Messages. It's available on iPad (8th generation and later), iPad mini (5th generation and later), iPad Air (3rd generation and later), 12.9-inch iPad Pro (3rd generation and later), and 11-inch iPad Pro (all models).
- Visual Lookup can now detect birds, insects, spiders, and statues in your photos. The feature is available on iPad (8th generation and later), iPad mini (5th generation and later), iPad Air (3rd generation and later), 12.9-inch iPad Pro (3rd generation and later), and 11-inch iPad Pro (all models).
Siri
- Thanks to the easier configuration of shortcuts, it is now possible to use shortcuts with Siri immediately after loading an app, without having to set them up first.
- A new setting lets you send messages without Siri asking you to confirm delivery first.
- “Hey Siri, what can I do here?” makes it easy to discover Siri skills in iPadOS and apps. The feature is available on iPad (8th generation and later), iPad mini (5th generation and later), iPad Air (3rd generation and later), 12.9-inch iPad Pro (3rd generation and later), and 11-inch iPad Pro (all models).
- Phone calls and FaceTime calls can be ended with the Siri command “Hey Siri, hang up.” The feature is available on iPad (8th generation and later), iPad mini (5th generation and later), iPad Air (3rd generation and later), 12.9-inch iPad Pro (3rd generation and later), and 11-inch iPad Pro (all models).
- Emojis can now be inserted using voice commands when sending messages. The feature is available on iPad (8th generation and later), iPad mini (5th generation and later), iPad Air (3rd generation and later), 12.9-inch iPad Pro (3rd generation and later), and 11-inch iPad Pro (all models).
dictation function
- A completely new dictation option allows you to enter or edit text using your voice in addition to the keyboard and Apple Pencil. The feature is available on the iPad (8th generation and later), iPad mini (5th generation and later), iPad Air (3rd generation and later), 12.9″ iPad Pro (3rd generation and later), and 11″ iPad Pro (all models).
- Punctuation such as commas, periods and question marks are inserted automatically as you dictate.
- Emojis can now be inserted using voice commands when dictating. The feature is available on iPad (8th generation and later), iPad mini (5th generation and later), iPad Air (3rd generation and later), 12.9″ iPad Pro (3rd generation and later), and 11″ iPad Pro (all models).
cards
- Multi-stop route planning allows you to add up to 15 stops along your route in Maps.
- Ticket prices show you how much your trip will cost in the San Francisco Bay Area, London, New York and more.
Home
- The redesigned Home app makes navigating, organizing, viewing, and controlling your smart home devices a breeze.
- The Home tab now brings together all your devices, rooms, and scenes in a single tab, so you can keep an eye on your entire home.
- Thanks to categories for light sources, climate, security, speakers and TVs, and water, you can quickly access all relevant devices organized by room and view more detailed status information.
- With the new camera view, you can display up to four cameras in the Home tab and scroll to access additional camera views of the home.
- The redesigned device tiles feature more visually recognizable icons that color-coordinate with their category, as well as new device behaviors for more precise device control.
- Matter, the new connection standard for smart homes, is supported and enables a wide range of smart home devices to be combined across ecosystems.
Family Sharing
- Improved child account configuration makes it even easier to create an account for a child with the appropriate parental controls (including age-appropriate media restrictions).
- A child's device can be configured using Quick Start to quickly set up a new iOS or iPadOS device for your child with the parental controls you selected.
- Screen Time requests in Messages make it easy to approve or deny a request from your child.
- The Family Checklist provides tips and suggestions, such as updating a child's account's parental control settings and enabling location sharing, or reminding you to share your iCloud+ subscription with everyone.
Powerful apps like on a computer
- You can add the features you use most often in your apps to the customizable toolbars.
- Menus give you additional context for actions like close, save, and duplicate, making it easier to edit documents and files in apps like Pages and Numbers.
- Find and Replace is available system-wide in apps like Mail, Messages, Reminders, and Swift Playgrounds.
- The availability view in the Calendar app allows you to see the availability of invited participants when you create meetings in the app.
security check
- The new Safety Review setting helps people who have experienced violence at home or from partners reset the access they have granted to others.
- With Emergency Reset, you can instantly reset all access rights for all people and apps. For example, you can disable location sharing via Find My, revoke privacy permissions for apps, and more.
- By managing sharing and access, you can review and customize which apps and people can access your data.
accessibility features
- The “Door Detection” in the “Lupe” app searches for a door, reads signs and symbols in its surroundings and gives you instructions on how to open the door.
- The Partner Controller feature allows users with cognitive impairments to be supported by caregivers or friends while gaming by linking the inputs from multiple game controllers into one unit.
- VoiceOver is now available in more than 20 new languages and locales, including Bengali (India), Bulgarian, Catalan, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese.
This version also includes the following features and improvements:
- New writing tools in Watercolor, Monoline, and Fountain Pen styles available in Notes.
- AirPods Pro (2nd generation) is supported, including Find My and Exact Find for the MagSafe charging case, and Personalized 3D Audio for more precise sound and an immersive soundscape. Personalized 3D Audio is also available on AirPods (3rd generation), AirPods Pro (1st generation), and AirPods Max.
- Handoff in FaceTime allows you to easily transfer FaceTime calls from your iPad to your iPhone or Mac and vice versa.
- Memojis have been expanded to include sticker models, hairstyles, headwear, nose shapes, and lip colors.
- The Camera tab in the Translate app lets you translate text in your surroundings using your camera.
- Thanks to duplicate detection in Photos, duplicate photos can be identified and removed from your library.
- Pinned lists in the Reminders app help you quickly navigate to your favorite lists.
- The search function at the bottom of the Home screen gives you direct access to Spotlight, so you can quickly open apps, find contacts, or get information from the web.The Communication Safety option in Messages gives parents the option to enable alerts for children when they receive or attempt to send nude photos.
- Safety tips in Messages include helpful resources for children when they are sent nude photos.
- With Fast Security Actions, you can now get critical security improvements to your device even faster by applying the improvements automatically between standard software updates.
- Some features may not be available in all regions or on all iPad models. For more information about the security aspects of Apple software updates, see on this website.
watchOS 9.1 update description
- Battery life has been improved during outdoor walking, running, and hiking workouts, and it is now possible to reduce the frequency of heart rate and GPS measurements on Apple Watch Series 8, Apple Watch SE (2nd generation), and Apple Watch Ultra.
- Music can be loaded via Wi-Fi or mobile data when the Apple Watch is not charging.
- Matter, the new connection standard for smart homes, is supported and enables a wide range of smart home devices to be combined across ecosystems.
This update also fixes the following bugs on Apple Watch:
- Voice feedback of average pace during outdoor runs may not be accurate.
- Rain probability estimates shown in the Weather app may not match the estimates on iPhone for your current location.
- The Hourly weather complication may show times as morning when it is afternoon.
- The time displayed during strength training may freeze for some users.
- When multiple notifications are received, VoiceOver may not announce the app name before reading the notifications.
HomePod 16.1 update description
- Software version 16.1 now supports Matter, the new smart home connectivity standard that enables a wide range of smart home devices to be combined across ecosystems. This update also includes performance and stability improvements.
tvOS 16.1 update description
- Siri on Apple TV has been completely redesigned and can now recognize each user's voice, so they can easily access their movies, TV shows, music, games and apps and pick up where they left off. When you use the Siri Remote and ask, "What should I watch?"
- When you wear AirPods, you can say "Hey Siri" to search and control Apple TV hands-free. Siri support on Apple TV has expanded to Chile, Finland, and South Africa, and will launch in Denmark, Luxembourg, and Singapore later this year, making Siri available on Apple TV in 30 countries and regions.
- With iCloud shared library on Apple TV, everyone in the family can enjoy their photos together on the big screen. Cross-device connectivity on Apple TV 4K will allow developers to integrate personalized experiences between their iPhone and Apple Watch apps and Apple TV.
macOS Ventura update description
- Undo send, scheduled send, reminders and tracking make it even easier to keep track of emails.
- Improved search delivers more accurate and complete results and offers suggestions as you start typing
- Spotlight.
- With the Quick Look feature, you can easily preview files by pressing the space bar on a result.
- Image search helps you find images on the web and in Photos, Messages, Notes, and Finder.
- Comprehensive results for musicians, movies, businesses, sports and more.
Safari and Passkeys
- Shared tab groups allow you to share a set of tabs with others and see the tab group update instantly as you work together.
- Passkeys provide a simpler and more secure login method designed to replace passwords.
News
- Editing messages, undoing sending and marking them as unread make daily messaging easier.
- With SharePlay in Messages, you can enjoy activities like watching movies, listening to music, and more with your friends while you send messages.
- Collaboration provides an easy way to invite others to collaborate on a file via messages and receive activity updates in the thread.
photos
- iCloud Shared Library makes it easy to share photos and videos with up to five family members in a separate library that's seamlessly integrated into the Photos app.
Stage Manager
- Stage Manager automatically organizes apps and windows so that your active app appears in the center and other open apps appear on the left side of your screen.
- Easily switch apps by clicking on an open app on the left side of your screen.
- Group Apps to create groups of apps in Stage Manager.
- Quick desktop access to easily drag and drop files into apps in Stage Manager.
FaceTime
- FaceTime Transfer allows you to seamlessly transfer FaceTime calls from your Mac to your iPhone or iPad and vice versa.
Continuity Camera
- Continuity Camera lets you use iPhone as a Mac webcam when you bring iPhone near your Mac and place it in a stand (iPhone XR and later).
- Video and lighting effects include Portrait mode (iPhone XR and later), Center Stage (iPhone 11 and later), and Studio Light (iPhone 11 and later).
- Desk View uses iPhone's ultra-wide-angle camera to show what's on your desk during a video conference (iPhone 11 and later).
This version also includes additional features and improvements:
- The Clock app for Mac offers world clocks, timers, and alarms, providing a more consistent experience across your Apple devices.
- The Weather app for Mac is optimized for the larger display and offers impressive animations, hourly forecasts and detailed weather maps.
- Make Subject Stand Out isolates the subject of an image so you can copy and paste it into apps like Mail and Messages.
- Focus filters hide distracting content in apps like Calendar, Mail, Messages, Safari, and third-party apps.
- System Preferences has a redesigned design that is easier to navigate and has a new name.
- Rapid Security Response delivers security improvements to macOS even faster.
- Live Captions (Beta) automatically converts audio to text so that deaf or hard of hearing users can more easily follow calls and media content (Mac with Apple Silicon).
