The Home app on iOS is getting a major overhaul with iOS 16, with Apple saying it's doubling down on reliability and ease of use.
Apple says it has made changes to the "underlying architecture" of the Home app to enable "faster, more reliable performance, especially for homes with many smart accessories."
With the new Home app redesign, all users' rooms are displayed on one single page, with easily glanceable widgets that showcase current accessories and their status. Pressing on a room takes users to a dedicated space with more details and controls.
Along the top of the Home app, users get quick information at categories, such as how many lights are currently on, the temperature range across their house, what doors are unlocked, and more.
Categories are even more helpful, however, when they're tapped. When users tap on a specific category, such as security and cameras, they're shown all the active cameras around their entire home on a single page.
The Home app is also gaining new Lock Screen widgets that provide easy information right on the Lock Screen. iOS 16 is currently available to developers and will be available to all users this fall.
Apple unveiled a host of improvements to Focus modes at WWDC this week, including set up suggestions, linked custom Lock Screens and watch faces, Focus filters, and more.
Focus modes were introduced with iOS 15 last year and have been expanded and refined in iOS 16, iPadOS 16, watchOS 9, and macOS Ventura. Accompanying the redesigned customizable Lock Screen in iOS 16, each Focus mode now has a linked Lock Screen. In addition to all of the pre-existing ways to activate a Focus mode, such as in Control Center or via automations, iPhone users can swipe between Lock Screens to enable a corresponding Focus. Users can also directly tie an Apple Watch face to a specific Focus.
One of the biggest additions to Focuses in iOS 16 is Focus filters. Focus filters allow users to set boundaries within apps like Calendar, Mail, Messages, and Safari to only display relevant content, such as a particular Tab Group in Safari, set of calendars in the Calendar app, or email accounts in Mail. With a new Focus filter API, developers can build this functionality into their apps and change content based on a user's current Focus.
The process of setting up Focus modes has also been improved with a personalized setup experience for each option. Now, iOS suggests a relevant set of Home Screens and Lock Screens for each Focus mode with relevant apps, wallpapers, and widgets. There are also more configurable options inside Focus modes, with a new ability to silence notifications from apps and people, effectively adding the ability to exclude notifications rather than only include as is the case in iOS 15.
iOS 16, iPadOS 16, watchOS 9, and macOS Ventura are currently undergoing beta testing to give Apple time to perfect the updates and address any bugs, as well as allow developers to prepare their apps. Beta versions of the updates are currently available to developers with compatible devices now and a public beta will become available in July.
As part of WWDC 2022 this week, Apple announced that Xcode Cloud is now available for all registered Apple developers after nearly a year of beta testing.
Xcode Cloud is a continuous integration and delivery service built into the Xcode app. Apple says the service is built to "accelerate the development and delivery of high-quality apps by bringing together cloud-based tools that help you build apps, run automated tests in parallel, deliver apps to testers, and view and manage user feedback."
Xcode Cloud is available in Xcode version 13.4.1 and in the Xcode version 14 beta, and it is also built into App Store Connect and works with TestFlight.
Starting this summer, Apple says developers will be able to subscribe to one of four monthly plans for Xcode Cloud, depending on the number of compute hours you need. Pricing starts at $14.99 for 25 compute hours per month, but Apple says all Developer Program members will receive the 25-hour subscription plan at no cost until the end of 2023.
More details are available on the Xcode Cloud page on Apple's website.
Belkin today announced the launch of its new high-end Soundform earbuds that are equipped with Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation and integration with Apple's Find My app.
First announced at CES 2022, the Soundform Immerse Noise Cancelling Earbuds are Belkin's second set of Find My-compatible earbuds, following the Freedom True Wireless Earbuds that came out in 2021.
Priced at $180, the Soundform Immerse earbuds are able to compete with the AirPods Pro when it comes to cost, and they offer a similar feature set. The earbuds are equipped with 12mm dual-layer dynamic drivers and three microphones in each earbud. AptX HD 24-bit audio is supported, and there is a Multipoint connection feature for connecting to and swapping between multiple devices.
Three sets of ear tips and wing tips come with the earbuds so each user can get their ideal fit, and the earbuds last for up to seven hours on a single charge. A charging case adds an additional 24 hours of battery life, and the earbuds are able to charge wirelessly with any Qi charger or over USB-C.
The earbuds feature an IPX5 water resistance rating, allowing them to hold up to light splashes of water and sweat. Sound is able to be customized using the accompanying Belkin Soundform app, and there is a Hear-Thru mode that's similar to the Transparency mode on AirPods Pro.
iPhone users can add the Soundform earbuds to the Find My app, allowing them to be tracked right alongside other Apple devices to make it easy to find them should they be lost. With Find My network support, the earbuds can be tracked down even when they're out of Bluetooth range by leveraging other nearby Apple devices.
Belkin today is also introducing the Soundform Play True Wireless Earbuds that follow the original Soundform True Wireless Earbuds, and debuting the Soundform Nano Wireless Earbuds for children. Neither of these other earbuds have Find My integration, but they're much more affordable.
All three sets of earbuds can be purchased today from the Belkin website. The Soundform Immerse are priced at $180, the Soundform Play are priced at $60, and the Soundform Nano are priced at $50.
The European Union has reached a landmark agreement to force a wide range of consumer electronics, including the iPhone and AirPods, to feature a USB-C port for charging by fall 2024.
In a press release, the European Parliament's Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection announced that it has reached an agreement to introduce a law to make USB-C the common charging port across a large number of consumer electronics by fall 2024.
The proposal, known as a directive, will force all consumer electronics manufacturers who sell devices in Europe to ensure that all new phones, tablets, laptops, digital cameras, headphones, headsets, handheld videogame consoles, and portable speakers feature a USB-C port, regardless of the manufacturer. Exemptions will only apply for devices that are too small to offer a USB-C port, such as smart watches, health trackers, and some sports equipment, but the legislation will be expanded to other devices like laptops over time.
This "common port" would be a world first and impact Apple in particular since it widely uses the Lightning connector instead of USB-C on many of its devices. MEPs claim that the move will reduce electronic waste, address product sustainability, and make use of different devices more convenient.
The EU is also looking to ensure that wireless charging solutions are interoperable as the technology evolves over time. The new directive proposes to empower the European Commission to develop delegated acts that force companies to make their custom wireless charging solutions more open and meet interoperability standards, helping consumers to avoid getting locked into proprietary charging solutions while preventing fragmentation and reducing waste. It is not clear if this would include Apple's MagSafe charging system for the iPhone and AirPods since it is based on the Qi wireless charging standard.
In 2018, the European Commission tried to reach a final resolution on the issue but it failed to come into law. At the time, Apple warned that forcing a common charging port on the industry would stifle innovation and create electronic waste as consumers were forced to switch to new cables. The EU's effort resumed last year, with the European Commission spearheading a refreshed version of the directive. In April, the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee voted to support the directive, with 43 votes in favor and just two against.
The legislation still needs to be formally approved by the European Parliament and European Council later this year. It will enter come into force 20 days after publication in the EU Official Journal and its provisions will start to apply to new devices after 24 months.
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iOS 16 is a significant release with major changes across the board, from an entirely redesigned and customizable Lock Screen to updates to Focus mode, CarPlay, and more.
Outside the major changes, there are plenty of smaller changes and new features Apple is introducing this year. While there will be many more to discover over the next several weeks and months, we've compiled a few notable ones below.
Built-In Currency Converter
With iOS 16, Apple is giving Live Text, introduced last year, some new tricks. Within the Camera app on iOS 16, point your iPhone camera to a price tag and Live Text will offer a currency conversion in the bottom left-hand corner.
Live Text and Quick Actions now also support translation within the Camera app. The Translate app is also gaining a new Camera mode dedicated to picture-to-text translation.
Undo and Redo for Photo Edits
The Photos app on iOS 16 and iPadOS 16 is gaining undo and redo abilities, meaning if you accidentally make a change to your photo you may not like, you can easily undo or redo.
Notfications for Shared Reminders List
With the Reminders app on iOS 16, users who are in a shared list with friends and family will now receive a notification when a specific task is marked as complete or when a new task is added.
Disable Spotlight Home Screen Shortcut
On iOS 16, by default, the home screen page indicators right above the dock on the Home Screen serves as a Spotlight Search shortcut. Some users may not like this, and thankfully, Apple has provided an option to turn it off in Settings under Home Screen.
The first betas of iOS 16 and iPadOS 16 are currently available to developers with a public beta planned for July. Find a cool tidbit or feature on iOS 16? Let us know down in the comments or mention us on Twitter @MacRumors.
iOS 16 includes a revamped Dictation system that features a cleaner interface that makes it easier to switch between voice and typing, as well as automatic punctuation and support for emoji insertion.
The new Dictation experience, powered entirely by on-device intelligence, aims to make it easier for users to switch between voice input and typing.
Unlike on previous versions of iOS, the Dictation panel no longer replaces the iOS keyboard. With iOS 16, the keyboard remains open and visible, letting users type if needed during dictation.
Dictation will now also automatically add punctuation to your text and has support for adding emojis by simply saying phrases like "mind blown emoji." Automatic punctuation and the improvements to Dictation in iOS 16 are also coming to Siri.
Using advanced machine learning, iOS 16 will let users extract a subject from a photo, then drag and drop that subject as a photo across the system to use in Messages, Notes, Mail, and more.
The feature works not only in Photos but even in screenshots and Quick Look. In the Photos app, just hold down on a photo for a few seconds until you see a white glow appear around the subject. You can then drag the subject out of the Photos app and into Messages, Mail, Notes, and more.
In Quick Look and elsewhere in the system, simply hold down on a photo and tap "Copy Subject" from the list of actions. The subject of the image is then isolated and stored in your clipboard to be used elsewhere in the system.
The feature also works with paused frames for videos in the Photos app. Since the feature requires advanced machine learning and image analysis, it is only available on phones with the A12 Bionic and newer.
Later this year, Apple will give developers the ability to create live lock screen notifications that it's calling "Live Activities."
Live Activities are similar to widgets on the iPhone home screen, but instead, reside on the bottom of the Lock Screen and can display dynamic and real-time information. During WWDC, Apple showcased how Live Activities could be used to track how far an Uber ride is or scores for a current sports game.
Live Activities will be available to users via a software update later this year and will not ship with the initial release of iOS 16.
With iOS 16, Apple is bringing the full-screen music player back to the Lock Screen, offering an entirely new view that puts album art in the center with controls at the bottom.
The full-screen music player on the lock screen was last available with iOS 10 and is now back with iOS 16 as part of a lock screen redesign. On iOS 16, users will be able to change the Lock Screen font and colors, add new widgets, entirely new dynamic wallpapers, and more.
It's worth noting that in the first developer beta of iOS 16, the full-screen music player does not seem to be present.
iOS 16 and iPadOS 16 are currently in beta testing with developers with a public beta planned for both in July. iOS 16, iPadOS 16, macOS Ventura, and watchOS 9 will be available to users this fall.
Later this fall, Apple Pay Later will let customers in the United States pay for online and in-app purchases through a six-week installment plan with no interest or fees.
Previewed at WWDC, Apple Pay Later will let customers split a purchase into four equal payments paid over the course of six weeks. Apple Pay Later will include zero interest and no fees and will be available "everywhere Apple Pay is accepted," according to Apple.
Inside the Wallet app, users will see a new overview of all of their upcoming payments and how much they owe and can set a personal budget. Apple says that Apple Pay Later will only be available to qualifying applicants, but no further details have been shared.
During WWDC yesterday, Apple announced it will be launching Tap to Pay on iPhone this month, allowing small merchants and independent sellers in the United States to use their iPhone as a payment terminal.
Announced in February, the feature allows compatible iPhones to accept payments via Apple Pay, contactless credit and debit cards, and other digital wallets, with just an iPhone.
Tap to Pay on iPhone will be supported with the iPhone XS or newer, and will work for customers as any normal Apple Pay transaction. Tap to Pay on iPhone uses NFC technology to securely authenticate and complete a purchase.
iOS 16 makes it easier for users to track orders and parcels with a built-in tracker within the Wallet app for Apple Pay transactions.
Previously, users would need to download a third-party app from the App Store to track their parcels. With iOS 16, Apple is building a tracker directly within the Wallet app for Apple Pay transactions. The new integration with Wallet will let merchants and couriers provide users with precise tracking information and notification.
Apple says Apple Wallet order tracking will be available from millions of merchants through e-commerce platforms, starting with Shopify and expanding over time.
Apple plans to announce its long-rumored mixed reality headset during an event planned for January 2023, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said today.
In a tweet, Kuo offered a more precise timeline for Apple's mixed reality headset, which despite speculation did not make an appearance during yesterday's WWDC keynote.
According to Kuo, Apple will hold an event in January to reveal the product, with tools for developers shipping "within 2-4 weeks after the event." Pre-orders for the headset will start in the second quarter of 2023 with customers able to purchase the headset before next year's WWDC.
Multiple reports have highlighted ongoing issues with the development of the headset, delaying a launch until next year. The headset is expected to be a niche device that costs somewhere around $3,000. Learn more about the headset using our roundup.
Apple's watchOS 9 update introduces several new watch face options, including Lunar, Playtime, Metropolitan, and Astronomy, in addition to revamping several of the existing watch faces.
Lunar depicts the relationship between the Gregorian calendar and the lunar calendar that is used in cultures that include Chinese, Islamic, and Hebrew. You can use up to four complications with this watch face.
Playtime is a fun, dynamic Apple Watch face featuring animated numbers, with the face designed in collaboration with artist Joi Fulton. Rotating the Digital Crown changes the background by animating the confetti, and the characters react if you tap on them. You can choose to have a confetti background or a solid background, but there are no complications.
Metropolitan is a classic Apple Watch that changes style when the Digital crown is turned. Custom-designed numbers change in style and weight, and rotate to become pills when the wrist is down. Up to four complications can be added with the circular dial, and the colors are customizable.
Astronomy is actually a revamped version of the original Astronomy watch face, but it has been remastered and includes a new star map and current cloud data based on your location. You can set the Earth, Moon, or Solar System as the main view, and customize font. It supports two complications, and turning the Digital Crown lets you fast forward or rewind to see the moon phase/planet location on another day.
As for existing watch faces, watchOS 9 adds enhanced and modernized complications, along with some design updates. The Portraits face has a depth effect on more photos, including cats, dogs, and landscapes, and Chinese scripts have been added to the California and Typograph watch faces.
watchOS 9 is available on the Apple Watch series 4 and later, and it does exclude the Apple Watch Series 3.
While Apple makes iOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS betas available to its public beta testing group, the HomePod software updates that are beta tested are limited to a select group of invite-only testers. That's set to change with the latest round of betas, as Apple plans to let public beta testers test the HomePod 16 software.
On its Apple Beta Software Program website, Apple lists HomePod software version 16 as one of the betas that are coming to public beta testers later in the year. It is listed right alongside iOS 16, iPadOS 16, macOS Ventura, and tvOS 16.
New public betas for iOS 16, iPadOS 16, macOS Ventura, tvOS 16, HomePod software version 16 and watchOS 9 are coming soon. As a member of the Apple Beta Software Program, you can take part in shaping Apple software by test-driving pre-release versions and letting us know what you think.
As of right now, there is no HomePod 16 software beta available to developers, so it is possible that Apple plans to release both a developer version and a public beta version later in the summer. Apple previously said that public beta testers will get access to the betas starting in July.
With macOS Ventura, there's a new USB-C security feature designed for Apple silicon Macs. As described by Apple in the macOS Ventura release notes (via The Verge), USB-C and Thunderbolt accessories connected to the USB-C port on an Apple silicon Mac will require explicit user permission before the accessory can communicate with macOS.
On portable Mac computers with Apple silicon, new USB and Thunderbolt accessories require user approval before the accessory can communicate with macOS for connections wired directly to the USB-C port. This doesn't apply to power adapters, standalone displays, or connections to an approved hub. Devices can still charge if you choose Don't Allow.
You can change the security configuration in System Settings > Security and Privacy > Security. The initial configuration is Ask for new accessories. Configuring an accessibility Switch Control sets the policy to always allow accessory use. Approved devices can connect to a locked Mac for up to three days.
Accessories attached during software update from prior versions of macOS are allowed automatically. New accessories attached prior to rebooting the Mac might enumerate and function, but won't be remembered until connected to an unlocked Mac and explicitly approved.
The user permission restriction does not apply to power adapters, standalone displays, or connections to an approved hub, so it will not impact the use of displays or chargers, and it can be toggled off if desired.
macOS Ventura is available to developers at the current time, with a public beta planned for July.
While not advertised on Apple's website, it has been discovered that iOS 16 adds support for the Nintendo Switch's Joy-Cons and Pro Controller. The feature was highlighted on Twitter by Riley Testut, the developer behind iOS video game emulator Delta.
In a series of tweets, Testut said that iOS 16 supports both single left or right Joy-Cons, or both at once as a singular controller. Testut added that it is possible to dynamically switch between using the Joy-Cons individually or as one combined controller by holding the screenshot capture and home buttons for a few seconds.
Testut also confirmed that iOS 16 supports the Nintendo Switch's Pro Controller, which is a more traditional looking game controller.
!!! iOS 16 natively supports Nintendo Switch Pro Controllers!!
Can confirm they work perfectly with Delta 😍 pic.twitter.com/p8u1sdjvTt
— Riles 🤷♂️ (@rileytestut) June 6, 2022
The controllers can be customized in the Bluetooth menu of the Settings app on iOS 16, which is available in beta for developers starting today. Apple said a public beta of iOS 16 will follow in July, and the software update will be released in the fall.
iPhones have also supported PlayStation 5 DualSense and Xbox Series X controllers since the release of iOS 14.5 in April 2021.
