Apple today seeded the first betas of upcoming iOS 16.3 and iPadOS 16.3 updates to developers for testing purposes, with the new betas coming one day after the launch of iOS 16.2 and iPadOS 16.2.
Registered developers can download the iOS 16.3 and iPadOS 16.3 profiles from the Apple Developer Center, and once installed, the beta will be available over the air.
There is no word yet on what's included in the betas, but it is possible that this is an emoji update as Apple has not introduced new emoji for some time. When we install the update and find out what Apple has added, we'll update this article.
Apple today seeded the first beta of an upcoming watchOS 9.3 update to developers for testing purposes, with the new beta coming just one day after the launch of watchOS 9.2.
To install the new watchOS 9.3 update, developers will need to download the configuration profile from the Apple Developer Center.
Once installed, watchOS 9.3 can be downloaded through the dedicated Apple Watch app on the iPhone by going to General > Software update. To update to new software, an Apple Watch needs to have 50 percent battery life, it has to be placed on the charger, and it will need to be in range of the iPhone it is paired with.
We don't yet know what's included in the watchOS 9.3 update, but we'll update this article if anything notable is found in the beta.
Apple today seeded the first beta of an upcoming tvOS 16.3 update to developers for testing purposes, with the beta coming one day after the launch of tvOS 16.2.
Developers can download the tvOS 16.3 beta by downloading a profile onto the Apple TV using Xcode.
tvOS updates usually minor in scale, focusing on internal bug fixes and improvements rather than notable outward-facing changes. There is no word as of yet what's included in the tvOS 16.3 update, but we'll update this article if we find anything new.
Apple shares some information on tvOS releases in its tvOS support document, which is updated after each tvOS launch, but it does not provide details on betas.
Though we don't often know what's new in tvOS during the beta testing process, we let MacRumors readers know when new updates are available so those who are developers can download it upon release.
Popular Meta-owned messaging app WhatsApp today announced several improvements to video and audio calling, putting it on par with other platforms that support video calls.
WhatsApp video calls on mobile devices now support up to 32 people, four times more than the previous eight person limit. Audio calls have supported 32 people for some time, but now video calls will as well. Apple's own FaceTime app supports 32 person video calls, so WhatsApp will now be able to better compete with FaceTime for large group video chats.
Long pressing on a participant in the call will enlarge the audio or video feed so you can mute people on a case by case basis or message them privately, and there's now an option to share a call link with people, something that's also an existing FaceTime feature.
There are new in-call banner notifications to alert users when someone new has joined a call, and for those with their camera off, waveforms are more colorful to make it easier to see who is speaking.
WhatsApp is also testing an iOS picture in picture feature that will allow WhatsApp users to multitask and use other apps while remaining on a video call, with this option set to roll out more widely in 2023.
Amazon is discounting a collection of Beats headphones today, including all-time low prices on the Beats Fit Pro and Beats Studio Buds. All of the accessories shared below can be delivered before December 25 on Amazon.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Starting with the Beats Fit Pro, you can get these headphones for $159.95, down from $199.95. All four colors are available at this price point, with the average delivery window estimated between December 19 and 21.
The Beats Studio Buds are on sale for $89.95, down from $149.95. This one is also available in every color, but Moon Gray and Ocean Blue have delivery dates after Christmas.
There are plenty of other Beats-related deals on Amazon as well, like the Powerbeats Pro for $149.95, down from $249.95 and the Beats Studio3 Headphones for $169.99, down from $349.95. On the lower end, you can get the Beats Flex for $49.95, down from $69.95.
Be sure to visit our full Deals Roundup to shop for even more Apple-related products and accessories.
As part of a larger story about Apple's plans to allow third-party app stores on the iPhone and iPad in EU countries, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman claimed that Apple is also considering removing its requirement for iPhone and iPad web browsers to use WebKit, the open source browser engine that powers Safari.
Gurman said this potential change comes in response to the EU's Digital Markets Act. It's unclear if Apple would drop the requirement in other regions.
"Currently, third-party web browsers, including ones like Chrome from Alphabet Inc.'s Google, are required to use WebKit, Apple's Safari browsing engine," wrote Gurman. "Under the plan to meet the new law, Apple is considering removing that mandate."
Gurman did not provide any additional details or a potential timeframe for Apple dropping this requirement, but the move would allow for web browsers and in-app browsers on the iPhone and iPad to use alternative browser engines like Google's Blink (used by Chrome and Microsoft Edge) and Mozilla's Quantum (used by Firefox). As a result, these browsers would no longer be tied to WebKit's features and development schedule.
Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and other popular web browsers like Opera and DuckDuckGo are all currently forced to use WebKit on iOS, resulting in limited differentiation with Safari. Apple has previously stated that the WebKit requirement is enforced primarily due to security and privacy considerations, but some find the policy anti-competitive.
Earlier this year, a group of software engineers from the UK and other countries said Apple banning non-WebKit browsers on iOS is "deeply anti-competitive" and encouraged the company to remove this limitation. The group also complained that Safari has several features unavailable to third-party web browsers on iOS that do use WebKit.
Gurman's report also said that Apple is not currently considering adopting the RCS standard alongside iMessage, and said that the company is working to provide third-party apps with limited access to the iPhone's NFC chip, but he did not elaborate.
When it comes to present-buying for a friend or family member who is a staunch Apple fan, one common problem is that they often already own all the latest Apple devices they could want. That's where third-party accessories become a top choice for gift givers.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
In this article, we've rounded up some worthwhile bits of kit that should help that special person get even more use and enjoyment out of their favorite Apple gear over the holidays.
Ugreen 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station
For anyone with multiple Apple device charging needs, Ugreen's MFi-certified 25W wireless charging station fits the bill. The sleek and compact white 3-in-1 charger can deliver power to an iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods at the same time via a single USB-C cable.
In contrast to multi-device charging pad designs, Ugreen's charger features a magnetic 15W MagSafe stand for your iPhone with adjustable viewing angle, a tiltable Apple Watch stand, and a Qi-enabled well to keep your AirPods case neatly in place.
Apple Watches don't have the best battery life compared to most other smartwatches, which means if you're going away for a couple of nights, you really need to pack your charger. Or, you could throw this compact power bank in your bag instead and charge on the go, no power outlet required.
The iWalk features an integrated magnetic charger module and a huge 9000mAh battery, which means it can boost your Apple Watch to full capacity about 20 times on a single charge. It also includes a built-in Lightning cable, so you can charge your iPhone and Apple Watch simultaneously. Available in Black, White, Pink, and Green.
Keeping a new iPad in perfect condition isn't easy without attaching a durable case, and Zugu's slick wraparound design for iPad, iPad Pro, iPad Air, and iPad mini is easily up to the task. Available in a variety of colors, the outer of the Zugu case is made of a soft pleather material and contains a hard TPU and polycarbonate shell that provides excellent defense against knocks and bumps.
Thick bumpers around the edges ensure added screen protection, while a recess on the edge of the case allows a second-generation Apple Pencil to be attached for charging (there's even an elastic holder on the side to keep it from getting lost when you're traveling). The Zugu also features a landscape easel mode with eight different angles to choose from, plus it's magnetic so you can even attach it to the door of your fridge.
Arguably one of the simplest ways to improve your AirPods Pro listening experience, Comply Foam eartips use ear-conforming memory foam for extra comfort and provide an excellent seal, which reduces external noise and allows you to listen to audio at lower volumes.
They're easy to attach, while the compact design ensures they fit in the AirPods case without interfering with charging. And if you pick the wrong size, Comply will help you find the correct one, no questions asked.
If someone you know wants to take notes on their iPad but the price of the Apple Pencil makes you wince, consider the Logitech Crayon as a lower-cost alternative. The drawing and writing tool features a slim aluminum body and an Apple Pencil-like tip, with the same latency, tilt, and palm rejection that you get with the Apple Pencil. (Unlike the Apple Pencil, however, the Crayon lacks pressure sensitivity.)
The Logitech Crayon is compatible with the 12.9-inch iPad Pro (third generation and later), 11-inch iPad Pro, iPad Air (third generation and later), iPad mini (fifth generation and later), and iPad (sixth generation and later).
Specifically designed for the AirPods Max, this unique aluminum stand securely holds your headphones in ultra-low power mode when placed inside the dormant arch arm, and also makes docking and picking up the cans a cinch.
Despite the minimalist appearance, the stand ensures the headphones stand up safely with no possibility of tipping over, while a soft microfiber material lines the base and arch, so it poses no risk of scratch damage. Easy access to the headphones' Lightning port also means you can charge AirPods Max in the stand.
As an alternative to the 140W USB-C charger included with Apple's 16-inch MacBook Pro, Ugreen's Nexode charger stands out. It offers the latest Gallium Nitride technology, allowing for better power efficiency that results in the smaller travel-friendly design, with the added benefit of extra ports for multi-device charging.
The main 140W port can charge a 16-inch MacBook Pro to 56 percent in 30 minutes, while the secondary USB-C port delivers a maximum of 100W, with a handy 22.5W USB-A port included for legacy devices. The Nexode features a built-in "Power-X" power delivery system that allows the charger to adjust the power provided to each port based on what's plugged in, and it offers wide compatibility with both Apple and non-Apple devices.
Since the iPhone is now a true gaming device, avid players are sure to appreciate being gifted a Gamevice Flex. Not only does it fit all iPhone sizes, it also accommodates protective cases thanks to its flexible back panel, meaning users can attach the controller with a minimum of fuss.
Most gamers seem to agree that its responsive sticks, action buttons and shoulder triggers make gaming on the iPhone a much more enjoyable experience than merely relying on onscreen touch controls, enabling them to transfer their console skills to their smartphone. It even has a 3.5mm audio jack to plug in headphones and listen to the action with zero latency.
Apple's 256GB M2 MacBook Air has hit a new best-ever price today, available for $999.00 on Amazon and B&H Photo, down from $1,199.00. On Amazon, only the Midnight color is available at this price.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
B&H Photo has all four colors at $999.00, including Space Gray, Midnight, Silver, and Starlight. The retailer offers free expedited shipping to most locations in the United States.
The 512GB M2 MacBook Air also remains at its all-time low price of $1,299.00 on Amazon and B&H Photo. Similar to the 256GB model, Amazon only has one color at this price while B&H Photo has all four models on sale.
Keep up with all of this week's best discounts on Apple products and related accessories in our dedicated Apple Deals roundup.
Apple's online store is currently down for many users around the world, as reflected on DownDetector.com. The store section of Apple's website and many individual product pages for the iPhone, iPad, and other devices are failing to load.
Apple's system status page does not yet indicate any issues with the online store. We'll update this story when more information is available or the outage is resolved.
Between late Tuesday and early Wednesday, a handful of Apple services experienced issues or outages that have since been resolved, including the App Store, Apple Arcade, Apple Music, Apple TV+, iCloud Calendar, and others, according to the system status page.
Update: Apple's online store appears to be coming back online.
Apple released iOS 16.2 this week with many new features, including the digital whiteboard app Freeform, Apple Music Sing, Advanced Data Protection for U.S. users, and more. Attention now turns to iOS 16.3, which should enter beta testing this week.
Below, we've recapped five upcoming iPhone features that Apple has previously announced but yet to launch, such as an Apple Pay Later financing option and an Apple Card savings account for earning interest on Daily Cash. It's possible that some of the features will be part of iOS 16.3, while others might not appear until iOS 16.4 or later.
Advanced Data Protection in More Countries
Apple recently introduced an optional Advanced Data Protection feature that expands end-to-end encryption to many additional areas of iCloud when enabled, including iCloud Backups, Photos, Notes, Reminders, Voice Memos, and more. The feature was enabled in iOS 16.2 and other software updates released this week for U.S. users only and will start rolling out to the rest of the world in early 2023, according to Apple.
It's unclear exactly when Advanced Data Protection will be available in additional countries, but given the early 2023 timeframe, it's possible that the feature will be enabled in upcoming betas, such as iOS 16.3 or iOS 16.4 for the iPhone.
Apple Pay Later
Announced at WWDC 2022 in June, Apple Pay Later is a financing feature that will let qualifying customers in the U.S. split a purchase into four equal payments over six weeks, with no interest or fees to pay. The feature will be built into the Wallet app and will be available for purchases online and in apps on the iPhone and iPad.
On the iOS 16 features page, Apple says Apple Pay Later is coming in a future software update for qualifying applicants in the U.S. and may not be available in all states. Apple Pay Later was not included with the release of iOS 16.2 and Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has suggested that the feature might not launch until iOS 16.4 next year.
Security Keys for Apple ID
Apple recently previewed a new Security Keys for Apple ID feature that it said will be available globally in early 2023. The feature gives users the option to use hardware security keys to further protect their account. For users who enable this feature, Security Keys strengthens Apple's two-factor authentication by requiring a hardware security key as one of the two factors instead of a verification code from another Apple device.
Apple does not plan to release its own hardware security keys. The feature will rely on third-party security keys available from brands like Yubico.
In October, Apple announced that Apple Card users would soon be able to open a new high-yield savings account from Goldman Sachs and have their Daily Cash cashback rewards automatically deposited into it, with no fees, no minimum deposits, and no minimum balance requirements. The account would be managed through the Wallet app on the iPhone.
The savings account was listed in the release notes for the iOS 16.1 Release Candidate, but it did not end up launching with that update. The savings account did not launch with iOS 16.2 either, so it's unclear when it will be available.
Once the account is set up, all Daily Cash received from that point on would be automatically deposited into it and start earning interest, unless a user opts to continue having Daily Cash added to their Apple Cash balance. Apple Card provides 2-3% Daily Cash on purchases made with Apple Pay and 1% on purchases made with the physical card.
Launched in 2019, Apple's credit card remains exclusive to the United States.
Earlier this year, code-level references to an "Apple Classical" app were discovered in betas of the Apple Music app for Android and iOS 15.5. These references were never made visible to the public, but it could reveal that Apple is or at least was planning to name the app "Apple Classical" instead of Apple Music Classical. Even more references to the classical music app were discovered in an XML file on Apple's servers in late September.
If the Apple Classical app ever launches, it's unclear if the app would be built into iOS or made available through the App Store only.
Apple has officially released iOS 16.2, the second major update to the iOS 16 operating system, which introduces a number of new features, functions, and customizations for iPhones, including a karaoke-style mode for Apple Music, end-to-end encryption for iCloud backups, new options for Live Activities, and more.
This article summarizes what's new and provides links to how-to articles that aim to help you make the most of all the new features. Keep reading to learn more.
Freeform App
Freeform is a digital canvas app that is designed to let iPhone, iPad, and Mac users work together collaboratively in real time. Multiple people can contribute images, notes, scribbles, documents, web links, PDFs, and more, with content added visible to everyone.
Apple's Freeform app is designed to work with the Apple Pencil on iPad, and it can be used with FaceTime for visual feedback between Freeform participants.
Apple Music Sing
With the release of iOS 16.2, iPadOS 16.2, and tvOS 16.2, Apple is introducing Apple Music Sing, a new Karaoke experience for Apple Music subscribers that lets users sing along to their favorite songs by adjusting the volume of the vocals in tracks.
Available on iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV 4K (2022), Apple Music Sing works with Apple Music's real-time lyrics feature, and gives you control over a song's vocal levels. This means you can sing along with the original artist vocals or turn the vocals down and take the lead.
iCloud Enhanced Data Protection
With the release of iOS 16.2 and macOS 13.1, Apple is introducing Advanced Data Protection for iCloud, which uses end-to-end encryption to provide Apple's highest level of cloud data security yet. iCloud already protects 14 sensitive data categories using end-to-end encryption by default, including passwords in iCloud Keychain and Health data. For users who enable Advanced Data Protection, the total number of data categories protected using end-to-end encryption rises to 23.
The new security feature ensures users now have the choice to protect more of their important iCloud data, including iCloud Backup, Photos, Notes, and more. Note that the feature is currently only available to users in the US. Apple says it will launch globally in early 2023, but a precise date is not known.
iPhone 14 Pro Always-On Display Customizations
When Apple debuted iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max devices, some users criticized the Always-On Display's lack of customization options. For example, in iOS 16.1, there is no way to hide the wallpaper or notifications when an iPhone is locked and not in use.
Fortunately, Apple has listened to feedback, and in iOS 16.2 it has added options to let users adjust the level of detail presented on their iPhone 14 Pro's Always-On display.
iCloud Private Relay Temporary Bypass
Apple's paid-for iCloud+ service includes a feature called iCloud Private Relay, which is designed to encrypt web traffic leaving your device so that no one can intercept it or read it.
Private Relay hides your IP address from websites in the process, but Apple realizes that there may be times when you actually want your IP address to remain visible in certain situations, which is why it has added a new temporary bypass option.
Live Activities Updates
Despite the introduction of Live Activities support for third-party apps in iOS 16.1, Live Activities integration for select sports games via Apple's built-in TV app was pushed back to iOS 16.2. Now you can enable Live Activities for Apple's TV app, as well as opt to receive more frequent updates from the feature on a per-app basis.
Note that Live Activities in the TV app are available for MLB games for users in the U.S., Canada, Australia, U.K., Brazil, Mexico, Japan, and South Korea, in addition to NBA and Premier League games for users in the U.S. and Canada only. The feature will likely be expanded to other sports leagues in the future.
Apple's iMac Pro launched five years ago today, offering a high-end all-in-one desktop machine to bridge the gap between new Mac Pro models.
In April 2017, Apple uncharacteristically apologised for its approach to the Mac in recent years and pre-announced it was working on a "completely rethought" Mac Pro with a modular design, a new pro-level iMac, and a new high-end external display. At WWDC that year, Apple unveiled the iMac Pro, after years of rumors about a "Pro" iMac. The iMac Pro sought to placate many of Apple's discontented professional Mac users, coming around four years after the launch of the controversial "trashcan" Mac Pro, but two years before the current Mac Pro, which returned to a modular tower design.
Apple presented the iMac Pro as "the most powerful Mac ever made." It featured 8-, 10-, 14-, or 18-core Intel Xeon processor options, a 5K display, AMD Vega graphics, ECC memory, and 10 Gigabit Ethernet, with a starting price of $4,999. It was also the first Mac to contain a custom T2 chip, as well as the first desktop Mac to be available in Space Gray. While it did not have a slot to easily access the memory like the 27-inch iMac, the processor, memory, and storage were not soldered in place and could easily be removed if the display was disassembled.
In March 2021, Apple announced that it was discontinuing the iMac Pro. By that time, the machine had been surpassed by the 2019 Mac Pro, a significant final update for the 27-inch iMac, and the first Apple Silicon Macs. The iMac Pro's position in Apple's product lineup is now effectively held by the Mac Studio and the Studio Display.
Yet after the launch of the 24-inch Apple silicon iMac in April 2021 and the discontinuation of the 27-inch iMac in March 2022, interest in an iMac Pro with a larger display has again spiked. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman believes that Apple is still "working on a larger-screened iMac aimed at the professional market," a rumor supported by Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Yet other reports claim Apple has no plans to release a new high-end iMac at all.
Apple today released iOS 16.2 and iPadOS 16.2 to the public after more than a month of testing, and the update is a big one that adds a number of important new features. You'll want to upgrade right away for the new additions and for important bug fixes.
We've outlined all of the changes that are available in both iOS 16.2 and iPadOS 16.2.
Freeform App
Apple debuted a new cross-platform Freeform app in iOS 16.2, iPadOS 16.2, and macOS Ventura 13.1. Designed for collaboration, Freeform can be used for jotting down notes, sketching, drawing, saving links, and more.
Multiple people can work on the same Freeform document, with updates synced for all participants in real-time. Apple says that Freeform can be used for sketching projects, designing mood boards, and brainstorming ideas, with the app serving as a creative space.
Apple Music Sing
Designed as a karaoke feature for Apple Music subscribers, Apple Music Sing provides real-time lyrics that iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV users can sing along with. Features include adjustable vocals for changing the volume of the original singer, real-time lyrics that move to the rhythm of the vocals, background vocal options, and a duet view for multi-singer tracks.
Apple has introduced more than 50 playlists that include songs, duets, choruses, and anthems ideal for use with Apple Music Sing.
Apple Music Sing can be used on the iPhone 11 and later, the third-generation 11-inch iPad Pro and later, the fifth-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro and later, the fourth-generation iPad Air and later, the ninth-generation iPad and later, and the iPad mini and later.
Advanced Data Protection
Introduced last week, Advanced Data Protection expands end-to-end encryption to additional iCloud data categories. Advanced Data Protection is opt-in and can be used to encrypt iCloud backups, Message backups, iCloud Drive content, Notes, Photos, Reminders, Voice Memos, Safari Bookmarks, Siri Shortcuts, and Wallet Passes.
With the update, almost all iCloud data is protected, with the exception of Mail, Contacts, and Calendar because these features need to interoperate with systems that use legacy technologies.
Advanced Data Protection is opt in because it means Apple can't restore your data if you lose your password, plus access to iCloud.com is disabled by default.
Stage Manager External Display Support
With iPadOS 16.2, Stage Manager on M1 and M2 iPads can be used with external displays once again. This is functionality that Apple removed in the first version of iPadOS 16 in order to expand Stage Manager to A12X and A12Z iPad Pro models.
With external display support, Stage Manager supports up to eight apps for multitasking purposes, rather than four. This functionality is limited to M1 and M2 iPads.
For the M1 or M2 capable iPads, there is also an option to drag and drop a window from the iPad to the external monitor that is connected to your device. Dragging a window from one device to another is new in the iOS 16.2 update.
New Home App Architecture
Paired with HomePod 16.2 software, iOS 16.2, iPadOS 16.2, and macOS Ventura 13.1 add support for an updated Home app architecture that comes following the addition of the Matter smart home standard.
Apple says that the new Home app architecture brings faster, more reliable performance in homes with many smart accessories, but it requires every device that accesses the home to be running the iOS 16.2, iPadOS 16.2, macOS Ventura 13.1, tvOS 16.2, and watchOS 9.2 updates, along with the HomePod 16.2 software.
Disable Wallpaper and Notifications for Always On Display
iOS 16.2 adds two toggles for disabling wallpaper and notifications when always on display is active. The feature makes for a simpler always on display interface that only shows the time and any widgets that are enabled.
Contacts Only AirDrop
With the launch of iOS 16.2, AirDrop is going to be restricted to Contacts Only by default, rather than everyone. There is still an option to open AirDrop up to everyone nearby, but it will revert back to Contacts Only after a 10 minute period.
Apple says that this was implemented to cut down on AirDrop spam.
Software Updates
Apple has made a small tweak to the Software Updates section of the Settings app, which is available under General. The text of the software version that's installed is now bolder, making it more apparent.
Lock Screen Sleep Widget
iOS 16.2 adds a Sleep widget to the Lock Screen, which draws from data stored in the Health app and collected by the Apple Watch or other sleep tracking devices. It provides information such as time spent in bed and sleep quality, with three variants available.
A simple one tile widget shows the amount of time that you spent in bed, and two multi-tile options display either a bar chart that shows sleep quality or a larger widget that shows time in bed along with a visual representation. Tapping on the widget opens up the Sleep section of the Health app.
Lock Screen Medication Widget
In addition to a new Sleep widget, Apple has also added a Medications widget. There are two options, one that is a single pill icon and a second that lets you know when you need to take a medication. It will alert you if all your medications are logged or if you have no more medications for the day.
Game Center
Game Center now supports SharePlay, allowing iPhone and iPad users to play games with friends and family while on a FaceTime call.
There's also a new Activity Widget that lets users see what their friends are playing and achieving in games from the Home Screen.
Messages Search
Apple has improved search in the Messages app for finding photos based on content, like a pet, car, person, or text.
Turn Off Hide IP Address
There's a new iCloud Private Relay setting to disable it temporarily for a specific Safari site.
5G in India
iOS 16.2 unlocks 5G service in India, and multiple carriers in the country are now supporting 5G speeds.
TV App Live Sports Scores
iOS 16.2 re-adds Live Activities integration for select sports games for the built-in TV app on the iPhone. Games can be tracked in real time on the Lock Screen or the Dynamic Island on the iPhone 14 Pro models.
TV App Updates
With the iOS 16.2, iPadOS 16.2, tvOS 16.2, and macOS Ventura 13.1 updates, Apple has tweaked the TV app. There are now large show and movie previews located above the "Up Next" interface making it more difficult for users to get to the TV shows they want to watch.
Weather App News
The Weather app now integrates with Apple News, displaying relevant Weather-related news information based on your region.
Live Activities in the TV App
There is an option to get more frequent Live Activity updates from the TV app for following sports games. More frequent updates can result in faster battery drain, so you might want to disable it if you're concerned about battery life.
Siri Silent Responses
In the Accessibility section of the Settings app, there is an option to set Siri to "Prefer Silent Responses" so that Siri will confirm requests on-device rather than out loud.
ProMotion Lag Fix
On devices that support ProMotion, Apple says that SwiftUI animated layout changes will support a 120Hz refresh rate, functionality that was previously missing.
The iOS 16.2 update also appears to address long-running issues affecting the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro models with ProMotion. These devices can experience lagging and stuttering system animations when closing and switching between apps, and multiple reports from beta testers indicate the performance has been improved in the update.
AirTag Alerts
On the iPad, tracking notifications are now available to let users know if an AirTag separated from its owner is nearby and has recently played a chime to indicate that it is moving.
Crash Detection Optimizations
First introduced in iOS 16.1.2, Crash Detection optimization for the iPhone 14 models is also added to iOS 16.2. Crash Detection optimization could perhaps involve improvements to prevent the iPhone 14 models from calling emergency services when users are enjoying rollercoasters and other intense rides.
Unintentional SOS Calls
Apple is now collecting data on accidental SOS calls with the update, and one user has reported an Apple inquiry about the call that collects system data.
Battery Status Shortcut
There is a new Battery Status Shortcut available that provides information about the iPhone's battery and any charger that's connected.
Other New Features
Know of a new feature in iOS 16.2 that we left out? Let us know in the comments below.
With the launch of the new Apple Music Sing feature in iOS 16.2, iPadOS 16.2, and tvOS 16.2, Apple has released dozens of playlists aggregating songs that support the feature.
There are playlists for hits, party anthems, family favorites, crowd-pleasers, iconic duets and festive favorites, as well as playlists separated into genres like pop, dance, hip-hop, indie, rock, and more, plus playlists for music from different decades.
Apple has also added categories like "Songs for Pros," filled with challenging songs to sing, along with songs for beginners new to karaoke.
All of the playlists can be accessed in the Apple Music app on the iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV. Note that Apple Music Sing is available on the iPhone 11 and later, the fifth-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro and later, the third-generation 11-inch iPad Pro and later, the fourth-generation iPad Air and later, the sixth-generation iPad mini, the ninth-generation iPad and later, and the 2022 Apple TV 4K.
Meta-owned social network Instagram today announced the launch of a new "Notes" feature that is designed to allow Instagram users to share their thoughts using text and emojis. Notes are described as short posts that can include up to 60 characters, which means they're similar to a tweet, but with support for fewer words.
Notes can be shared by going to the top of the inbox, selecting followers or people on the Close Friends List, and then writing and sharing a note. Notes will show at the top of the inbox for 24 hours, and replies will be displayed as DMs.
During testing, we learned that people liked having a lightweight, easy way to share what's on their mind and start conversations. From asking for recommendations to sharing what they're up to, Notes give people a casual and spontaneous way to express themselves and connect with each other.
Instagram will also soon be implementing Group Profiles, which will allow multiple users to share posts and stories through a dedicated, shared profile.
Candid Stories are in testing as well, with Instagram aiming to add BeReal-like functionality. Candid Stories are only visible to those who also share their own Candid, and it is meant to be used to "share what you're doing right now." Instagram will send daily notifications to post a Candid, unless the setting is disabled.
Notes are rolling out today, while Candid Stories are in testing and will be available for some users. Group Profiles are set to come out in the near future.
Car manufacturer Tesla today rolled out a holiday software update that introduces support for Apple Music. According to reports on Twitter, the 2022.44.25 update allows Tesla owners to access their Apple Music accounts directly in their cars.
Stream over 100 million songs and 30,000 playlists ad-free. Listen to your entire library, discover new music, and tune into live radio stations. To access Apple Music, tap the Apple Music icon in the Application Launcher, scan the QR code with your mobile device, and login with your Apple ID.
Note: A Premium Connectivity subscription is required to stream Apple Music over a cellular connection.
There were hints that Apple Music support was imminent when a Tesla exhibit at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles featured a vehicle with an Apple Music app installed.
Apple Music integration has been a feature long desired by Tesla owners, and Apple Music subscribers who want access can install the latest software to get it.
The iOS 16.2 and iPadOS 16.2 updates that Apple released today include fixes for more than 30 vulnerabilities, which is why it's a good idea to update as soon as possible if you have not done so already.
Apple addressed issues with everything from the Graphics Driver to WebKit to the kernel, along with vulnerabilities in Safari, Weather, Photos and more. None of these issues were known to have been actively exploited in the wild, but updating is still important now that they're publicly highlighted.
Apple has provided many of the same fixes in the iOS 15.7.2 and iPadOS 15.7.2 updates available to those who are not able to install iOS 16.2, and there are also fixes in tvOS 16.2, watchOS 9.2, and iCloud for Windows 14.1.
On the Mac, macOS Ventura 13.1 has the same fixes, plus a WebKit vulnerability that may have been actively exploited against versions of iOS released before iOS 15.1, which Apple fixed in iOS 16.1.2.
Those who cannot update to Ventura can install macOS Monterey 12.6.2 or macOS Big Sur 11.7.2 to get protection against some of the vulnerabilities.
Apple is planning to allow for alternate app stores on iPhones and iPads ahead of European legislation that will require the company to support sideloading, reports Bloomberg.
The change would allow customers to download apps without needing to use the App Store, which would mean developers would not need to pay Apple's 15 to 30 percent fees, but to start with, Apple is only planning to implement sideloading support in Europe.
If other countries introduce similar legislation, alternate app stores could expand beyond the European Union. The United States, for example, is considering legislation that would require Apple to allow sideloading. Apple has claimed that sideloading will "undermine the privacy and security protections" that iPhone users rely on, leaving people vulnerable to malware, scams, data tracking, and other issues.
The European Union's Digital Markets Act that went into effect on November 1 requires "gatekeeper" companies to open up their services and platforms to other companies and developers. The DMA will have a major impact on Apple's platforms, and it could result in Apple making major changes to the App Store, Messages, FaceTime, Siri, and more. Apple has until March 6, 2024 to comply with the EU's rules.
According to Bloomberg, Apple's software engineering and services employees are working to open up "key elements of Apple's platforms," with Apple using a "significant amount of resources" for the change. Apple is planning for the functionality to be ready for iOS 17 in 2023, which would put it ahead of the deadline. There is a danger that these drastic updates could impact work on new features slated for iOS 17, some employees told Bloomberg.
To protect users from the aforementioned risks of sideloading, Apple is considering implementing security requirements such as verification, a process that it could charge a fee for in lieu of collecting money from app sales. Apple has a verification system on Mac that allows users to be safe while giving them access to apps outside of the Mac App Store.
Apple could open up underlying app frameworks and APIs to third-party app developers, providing deeper access to core system functions and hardware. Third-party apps could in the future get access to camera technologies not available now, and Apple is working to open up NFC in a limited way that could allow for Apple Pay alternatives. Apple is also considering further opening up the Find My network to accessory makers like Tile. As of now, Apple lets third-party device makers create Find My accessories, but there is a requirement that prevents them from working with non-Find My apps and services.
There is an aspect of the Digital Markets Act that would require Apple to allow developers to install third-party payment systems within their apps, and Apple has not yet "made a final decision" on whether it will comply with the rule. Apple is also undecided on how the Messages app might be made available to third-party services, as the DMA requires interoperability between messaging platforms.
Apple has to comply with the Digital Markets Act because the European Union can fine a company as much as 20 percent of its global revenue if the laws are violated. If Apple does not implement the changes, fines could be as high as $80 billion.
In addition to resulting in major changes to the App Store and other Apple services, European legislation is also pushing Apple to adopt USB-C across all of its devices, a change that will be made in 2023.
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