Free iPhone and Watch software update that updates the lock screen, adds new watch faces, stops sending messages, and more
Apple plans to release a software update for iPhones and smartwatches on Monday that will add new features and designs for compatible devices.
As announced at the company’s developer conference in June, iOS 16 and watchOS 9 completely overhauled the lock screen, trying to get rid of the much-maligned passcode, overhauling notifications, and adding a new watch face, new run stats, and more.
Here’s what you need to know about the update.
When can I get it?
Downloads for iOS and watchOS updates typically begin around 18:00 UK time (13:00 New York; 3am Sydney). Unlike other manufacturers, all eligible Apple devices can download and install updates as soon as they are released, not in stages. Updates to Apple’s iPad lineup will be available throughout the year.
What devices can get it?
All Apple smartphones from iPhone 8 2017 or later can install iOS 16. All Apple Watches from 2018 Series 4 or later can install watchOS 9.
How to get it?
Open the Settings app on your iPhone, then go to General > Software Update. Tap Install if available to download, confirm, then reboot to install. You can also install updates on a Windows PC via Mac or iTunes.
WatchOS 9 initially requires an iPhone 8 or later to run iOS 16. Then open the Watch app and go to General > Software update to start the installation. You must put the smartwatch on the charger to complete the update.
How much does it cost?
Free updates from Apple. If you’re being asked to pay for updates, it’s probably a scam.
iOS 16
New lock screen theme
The lock screen has been overhauled with more customization options and changes to the way notifications are displayed.
By default it now shows the date, time and set of info widgets at the top with notifications showing in groups at the bottom of the screen. You can change the font and color of the time, add other information along with the date and customize the wallpaper with 3D effects for multiple pictures or photo slideshows.
Live activities like sports scores or music playing sit at the top of the notification stack at the bottom of the screen, making them easier to reach with one hand.
You can also have multiple lock screens and associate them with focus mode, so you can have one for work and one for play, for example. The new “Focus Filter” can hide distracting content from apps, e.g. B. Block messages from coworkers when the clock is off.
A digital key authenticated with your face or fingerprint on iPhone can be used to sign in to websites, apps, and services instead of using a password. It works with non-Apple products e.g. For example, sign in to a smart TV by scanning a QR code with your iPhone, then confirming with your face or finger.
The passkey syncs with iCloud Keychain and can be recovered if you lose or damage your iPhone.
Edit iMessages and unsubscribe from Mail
Sent messages can now be edited or deleted within the first 15 minutes if, for example, you sent something to the wrong group. You can also mark messages as unread for later, just like you would with emails.
Search in the Mail app has been improved and you can now pull up emails in 10 seconds. Mail also displays a warning if you forget to attach something to an email or don’t add recipients using machine learning.
Automatically crop objects from pictures
The lock screen has been overhauled with more customization options and changes to the way notifications are displayed.
By default it now shows the date, time and set of info widgets at the top with notifications showing in groups at the bottom of the screen. You can change the font and color of the time, add other information along with the date and customize the wallpaper with 3D effects for multiple pictures or photo slideshows.
Live activities like sports scores or music playing sit at the top of the notification stack at the bottom of the screen, making them easier to reach with one hand.
You can also have multiple lock screens and associate them with focus mode, so you can have one for work and one for play, for example. The new “Focus Filter” can hide distracting content from apps, e.g. B. Block messages from coworkers when the clock is off.
A digital key authenticated with your face or fingerprint on iPhone can be used to sign in to websites, apps, and services instead of using a password. It works with non-Apple products e.g. For example, sign in to a smart TV by scanning a QR code with your iPhone, then confirming with your face or finger.
This is in addition to identifying, copying text, and other items, but requires an iPhone XS or later.
You can also type and dictate on the keyboard at the same time and insert emoticons by voice. Translation apps can also use the camera to translate text directly or find text in photos.
Faster security updates
Apple has separated security updates from full iOS updates, allowing bug fixes to be released more quickly and installed automatically on users’ iPhones. Face ID now works when the phone is held in landscape mode.
View OS 9
New and refurbished old dials
Three new watch faces available. Metropolitan is an analog watch face with more customization options, Playtime is a digital watch face created by artist Joi Fulton, and Lunar shows the phases of the moon. Astronomy has been updated while you can now set colored backgrounds for modular, modular and X-Large compacts.
Notifications no longer fill the screen when you’re actively using them, and appear as smaller, expandable banners like on the iPhone. Apps running in the background stand out more in the Dock, while the Calendar app has been redesigned for a better view of the week and day.
More running metrics and better workouts
The training app has several improvements. The watch can record running power without any accessories and displays other metrics such as stride length, ground contact time, vertical swing and heart rate zone.
Workouts can also be adjusted for intervals and other bits with alerts for speed, heart rate, cadence, and strength. Automatic transitions between running, cycling and swimming are now supported for multisports, while an improved workout summary provides more detail at the end.
Medicine and sleep
Health apps can now remind you to take your medication and keep a diary right on your wrist. Sleep tracking is also enhanced with milestones and comparison charts in the iPhone app.
