iOS 16.2 brings several great features to your iPhone

Apple has released the first beta of iOS 16.2. Because of this, we know what’s new in the next iPhone interim update – and several new features are on the way again.

iOS 16.2 beta 1

With iOS 16.1, Apple already released a major interim update for the iPhone this week. Major updates include Live Activities, Shared Library, the new battery percentage icon, and Matter support. You can read more about this in the article about all iOS 16.1 functions.

And also with iOS 16.2, your iPhone will get new functions, according to the first beta. This also applies to iPadOS 16.2, of which the test version has also been released. Below we list the most important improvements.

1. New Freeform App

If you install iOS 16.2, you will soon receive a completely new app from Apple: Freeform. The app is also available in iPadOS 16.2 and macOS Ventura. Freeform is a collaboration app and can be used to collaborate live in a note, sketch, mood board and more.

You can work with multiple people on the same Freeform document, with adjustments synced in real time. In the app you can draw with a brush, but also add media, links, text, shapes and files.

2. Renovations in Home

The Home app is getting a major upgrade with iOS 16.2. If you open the Home app for the first time in iOS 16.2, you will be asked if you want to upgrade the app to the new architecture. According to Apple, your smart devices benefit from improved performance and reliability.

Please note that the iPad with the new Home app can no longer function as a HomeKit hub. You must also update all your Apple devices to version 16.2 – otherwise you will no longer be able to use the Home app on those devices. Fortunately, the upgrade is optional for now, so you can choose not to move to the new architecture.

3. Unintentional SOS Emergency Message

An option has been added to allow users to notify Apple when emergency SOS notification is inadvertently triggered. If you cancel an SOS emergency, Apple will ask users in iOS 16.2 to provide feedback.

4. Software Updates

In the “Software Updates” section of the Settings app, Apple has made a small adjustment. The text with the current software version is now a lot bigger and bolder, making it a lot more readable.

5. Stage Manager

In iPadOS 16, Apple introduced the Stage Manager feature, a new way to multitask on the iPad. This will be expanded in iOS 16.2, because Stage Manager can now also be used with external displays with the M1 and M2 iPads. You can use up to eight apps side by side, instead of four.