Top Stories: New iOS 16.1 Features, USB-C iPhone Confirmed, and More

October is drawing to a close with plenty to talk about in terms of new hardware and software releases from Apple, while we're also looking ahead with iOS 16.2 and future hardware.

top stories 29oct2022
Read on below for all of the details on everything Apple released this week, including our early hands-on look at Apple's new iPads, plus a rumor about Apple's biggest-ever iPad and more!

iOS 16.1 Released: Here's Everything New

It was a busy week for Apple in terms of software, as the company released iOS 16.1, iPadOS 16, and macOS Ventura with a long list of new features for the iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

iOS 16
We've rounded up everything new in iOS 16.1, including support for Live Activities in third-party apps (check out our list of apps), iCloud Shared Photo Library, support for Matter accessories, and more.

As for hardware, new iPad Pro models and a redesigned 10th-generation iPad launched this week after being announced last week. We shared a hands-on look at both devices on our YouTube channel. The new Apple TV 4K launches next Friday, November 4.

Apple Releases iPadOS 16 With Stage Manager and More

iPadOS 16 was finally released to the public this week following over four months of beta testing. One of the update's key new features is Stage Manager, which allows multiple apps to be used in overlapping windows for improved multitasking.

iPadOS 16 Header
Unfortunately, Stage Manager has been criticized as a "poorly tested" feature with a "muddled constellation of missing features, bugs, and confusing interactions."

macOS Ventura: 50 New Features and Changes Worth Checking Out

Following the release of macOS Ventura, we have shared a list of 50 new features and changes worth checking out in the software update.

macOS Ventura 50 New Features and Changes Worth Checking Out Feature 1
macOS Ventura‌ is a major update that introduces a new multitasking experience on the Mac with Stage Manager, overhauls multiple stock apps like Mail and Messages, adds support for using an iPhone as a Mac's webcam with a newly released Belkin accessory, and more.

Apple Rumored to Release Larger 16-Inch iPad Next Year

Apple is developing a larger 16-inch iPad that it hopes to release in the fourth quarter of 2023, according to a report this week. This would be the largest-ever iPad model, topping the 12.9-inch iPad Pro.

iPad More Than 12
The supersized iPad would have the same screen size as the 16-inch MacBook Pro, providing users with a much larger canvas to work with. It was previously rumored that Apple is also planning a 14-inch iPad Pro.

Apple Admits It Will Have to Comply With EU and Switch iPhone to USB-C

In an interview this week with tech reporter Joanna Stern, Apple's marketing chief Greg Joswiak admitted that the company will "have to comply" with an EU law requiring devices like the iPhone to adopt USB-C as a common charging port starting in 2024.

iPhone 15 to Switch From Lightning to USB C in 2023 feature
Apple's software engineering chief Craig Federighi also participated in the discussion, which touched on the lack of iMessage on Android and many other topics.

Everything New in iOS 16.2 Beta: Freeform App and More

Shortly after releasing iOS 16.1, Apple made the first beta of iOS 16.2 available to developers and public beta testers with even more new features.

iOS 16
iOS 16.2 will include Apple's new digital whiteboard app Freeform, unintentional Emergency SOS call reporting, a new Sleep widget for the Lock Screen, new Home app architecture, Live Activities integration for select sports games in the Apple TV app, and more.

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Each week, we publish an email newsletter like this highlighting the top Apple stories, making it a great way to get a bite-sized recap of the week hitting all of the major topics we've covered and tying together related stories for a big-picture view.

So if you want to have top stories like the above recap delivered to your email inbox each week, subscribe to our newsletter!

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Top Rated Comments

WarmWinterHat Avatar
33 months ago

I hope they go portless just to stick it to the EU. If not possible, then put USB 2.0 behind the connector like the iPad 10.
I'd rather Apple be mature about it instead of trying to "stick it the EU". That's elementary-school stuff.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ThatGuyInLa Avatar
33 months ago
Air Drop is all I use for a few years now. My phone charges at my bed side on a Qi. The only time the lightening port sees action is in my car. For Car Play. So before they drop ports they’re need to get wireless Car Play more common place.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
lugworm Avatar
33 months ago

Apple said it would comply with EU law, but it could also go portless instead of offering USB-C on the iphone. And even with USB-c, it does not necessarily mean Apple will implement USB3 5Gbps or 10Gbps speeds... as shown with the latest budget iPad, Apple could stick with USB2.0 speeds. I hope Apple does the right thing and bring both USB-c and USB3 speeds to iPhone.
Apple will do whatever works out cheapest for them to implement. As usual.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
vegetassj4 Avatar
33 months ago
We sure they won’t (or are not allowed to) donglify it?



Attachment Image
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
hagar Avatar
33 months ago

They didnt confirmed iphone with usbC...they just confirmed iphones without lightning...so we still can get port-less iphones
Yes. They did confirm. At least for the EU.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
BobSc Avatar
33 months ago

So, iPhone 15 with Micro USB, 15Pro and Ultra with USB 2.0??
I haven't read about micro usb for the 15. where did you get that from? Ohhhh. I get it. you're just making stuff up to prove something about yourself, what ever that may be.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)