Apple to Announce Apple iOS 16 Software Update at Slated WWDC 2022

UTC by Tolu Ajiboye · 3 min read
Apple to Announce Apple iOS 16 Software Update at Slated WWDC 2022
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Apple is planning to provide coverage on its upcoming operating system upgrade iOS 16 with more features and improvements.

The incoming iOS 16 software release for Apple Inc (NASDAQ: AAPL) devices such as the iPhone and iPad brings along several new features for consumers. According to reports, some of these changes include notification updates and improvements to how Apple messages and Health apps function. In addition, the new Apple iOS 16 operating system will also feature a revamped lockscreen and include multitasking panels for iPads.

First teased by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the iOS 16 and iPadOS 16 are expected to be announced at the upcoming Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC 2022) on June 6th.

A Closer Look into What the New iOS Offers

The first standout feature in the new Apple iOS 16 is its retooled lockscreen. Devices with the new OS will be able to access updated first-party apps such as Messages and Health. Previously underutilized, the Apple lockscreen will now have an always-on display, similar to Apple Watch. However, reports suggest that accessing this feature may require updated hardware. Essentially, this feature may only be available in the form of higher-end iPhones, including iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro. Furthermore, the lockscreen will also sport more engaging enhancements. However, Gurman suggests that this might be mostly impractical or unnecessary:

“Personally, I don’t spend much time on my iPhone’s lock screen. I can’t remember the last time that I’ve swiped to the right on it to open the widgets panel. When I want to read through notifications, I typically unlock my phone, then view the notification panel from inside the system. I’d venture to guess my most used lock-screen feature is the flashlight button”.

The new software – codenamed Sydney, improves notification functionality which already sports changes that Apple made last year. These include the option to bunch the notifications together into a single summary at specific times, as well as a new Focus mode that enables users to initially view only important alerts. The iOS 16 upgrade also supports wallpapers with widget-like capabilities, which could benefit developers who support widgets. This functionality allows developers to grab users’ attention using this high-visibility area.

Apple’s message app will reportedly get new audio features as well. In addition, its Health app will receive increased synchronization with the iPhone and Apple Watch.

Apple iOS 16: iPads & Mac Computers

Apple will also reportedly add new iPad multitasking options, improving on the enhancements it made to this functionality last year. In 2021, the tech giant made it much easier for two apps to run side by side. However, iPad users have since longed for the option to run more apps in a multifaceted window format as is currently available on a Mac computer.

Apple also plans to announce new MacBook Air laptops at its upcoming developers’ event. According to Gurman’s Bloomberg article, “the recent supply chain crunch due to Covid-related closures in China has complicated [rollout of the MacBook Air laptops], but developers say that Apple employees are increasingly using next-generation MacBook Airs with their apps. That’s a sign that the new Mac is close.”

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