Craig Mercure 
iOS 16.2
iOS 16.2 is one of Apple’s major updates in recent years, bringing a slew of new features and improvements to the iPhone and iPad. With iOS 16.2, users can now take advantage of Dark Mode, Home Screen Widgets, and new Messages features. Let’s take a closer look at everything new in the update.
Everything New in iOS 16.2, macOS 13.1, and More
The iOS 16.2 update offers several new features and improvements to the home screen. With this update, users now have access to new home screen widgets that allow them to quickly access different content or services with a single tap. Home screen widgets can be rearranged and resized to fit your individual needs. Widgets can include recent content from an app, a list of contacts, or even information on upcoming tasks that need to be done. Apple also offers some recommended widgets for quick viewing and organisation of content. In addition, users can turn off suggestions based on their usage habits for a more personalised experience. With this latest update, Apple has made it easier than ever to customise your entire home screen experience with shortcuts and widgets to make everyday tasks easier than before!
App Library
The App Library is one of the standout features of iOS 16.2, and it makes it simpler to organise your apps. It allows users to quickly find their apps and customise organisation options with an easy-to-use interface.
The App Library presents users with a simple view of all their apps and helpful categories for Quick Launch, Suggested, Recently Added, and more. Apps are grouped by category automatically and placed in the most relevant places on the Home screen based on user activity patterns.
In addition to offering stylish grid views of your app folders, you can also view them in list format. In the list view all installed apps are found alphabetically at the bottom, making finding a specific app much easier than before. Furthermore, you can hide select app pages if you don’t need immediate access to them often — this will make finding frequently used apps even quicker!
The App Library comes with macOS 13.1 as well for Macs running Big Sur or later than version 10.15 Catalina, giving Mac owners similar capabilities found in iOS 16.2 devices on their devices too!
App Clips
App Clips allow you to access and experience what an app offers without needing to install it from the App Store. Instead, app Clips are targeted and lightweight versions of an app designed to be quick, single-use experiences within the Apple ecosystem.
With App Clips, users can quickly get what they need within a few seconds or minutes, instead of committing to downloading and installing an entire app. Instead, they can be discovered via NFC tags, QR codes or URLs that appear in Safari, Maps or other apps. When tapped on one of these discoverability points, the user launches into a mini version of the full app experience and finishes it, with no need for subsequent sign-ins or downloads.
App Clips have several benefits: they provide quick access for those who don’t want a large install package; they generate more interest in full apps; and (with permission) can take advantage of user information already on their device (location services), resulting in a faster sign-in process.
Developers don’t have to build these features from scratch either – Apple provides components for authentication and payments that simplify development even further. With iOS 16.2 users finally get an App Clip experience as Apple rolls out support for this feature in its latest update. If you’re looking for more convenient and efficient ways of accessing content on your iPhone or iPad, try out App Clip today!
Shortcuts
Shortcuts are a major update to the latest version of Apple’s mobile operating system. iOS 16.2 introduces a new way to automate your daily life, offering access to feature custom-built shortcuts for myriad tasks and quickly linking you up with your favourite apps. These shortcuts can be built using a drag-and-drop editor or transfer existing scripts from other automation apps like IFTTT, Workflow, and Automator.
Once set up, these shortcuts can be triggered manually or activated automatically based on contextual cues such as time of day, WiFi connection status, etc. In addition, with Shortcuts integration in iOS 16.2, you’ll be able to do useful things such as:
- Schedule reminders related to upcoming events
- Automatically upload photos when you connect to WiFi
- Use voice commands to lock your front door
- Launch an app or website with automatic context sensitivity
- Send directions from Maps based on travel time
In addition to Shortcuts integration in iOS 16.2, MacOS 13.1 also offers integrated Shortcut support that can automate processes such as adding location data to photos or creating custom actions for specific applications like Final Cut Pro X or Adobe Creative Cloud applications. With both platforms now supporting Shortcuts automation, iPhone and Mac users have a powerful new set of tools at their disposal for simplifying tasks and streamlining their workflows for maximum efficiency and productivity.
MacOS 13.1
MacOS 13.1 is the latest version of the MacOS operating system and comes with several exciting new features. The update includes:
- A redesigned Notification Centre.
- A new Dark Mode.
- Various performance enhancements.
- A new Music App.
- Support for 1080p FaceTime calling.
To top it off, MacOS 13.1 also includes a variety of security and bug fixes. So let’s get into the details of MacOS 13.1.
Universal Control
Universal Control is a macOS 13.1 feature that allows users to control multiple Macs from one input device, such as a mouse and keyboard. This means users can have multiple Macs set up at different locations and then use the same input device to control them all, eliminating the need for multiple keyboards or mice in different spots. It’s ideal for workplaces that use multiple devices but need just one working station or educators who utilise computers in a classroom setting but have limited access to hardware.
To use Universal Control, users must connect their Mac computers with eligible devices through a wired connection such as Thunderbolt cable or USB-C cable and set up Multi-Touch on all the connected devices. Once this is complete, their pointer will be synchronised across all displays, allowing users to easily move content from one screen to another with ease and without lag. The feature also works smoothly with an Apple Keyboard & Trackpad or Magic Mouse 2 and Magic Trackpad 2 connected by Bluetooth or USB cable. With Universal Control, copy & paste or drag & drop apps from one computer to another can be accomplished in a few clicks of the mouse button without ever having to leave your current seat.
AirPods
The latest update to MacOS, version 13.1, brings a few key updates related to AirPods.
Users with an AirPods Pro or AirPods Max will be able to receive notifications when low-battery warnings are detected on either earbud or the case. This is an improvement over previous versions of MacOS, which had no such option available.
Furthermore, users with compatible devices can now keep listening to audio even while switching between multiple Apple devices while using the same AirPods. Users will be able to seamlessly switch back and forth between two supported Apple devices without stopping audio playback on either device.
Other new features include:
- Automatic switching between multiple iCloud accounts for different saved preferences for media control and music playback.
- Improved Bluetooth playback reliability with third-party accessories.
- Improved support for lossless formats at higher bitrates.
- Automatic Ear Detection allows the user’s Mac to detect when their ears are in contact with their AirPods so that audio playback pauses automatically when the user takes them off — saving them time of having to manually do this each time themselves.
Messages
Apple’s Messages app on Mac has received a major update in macOS 13.1. Several new features include group messaging options, Memojis and improved search options.
Group Messaging: You can start a group conversation with up to 100 people! You can add, remove or mute people at any time. You can also name the group, set a photo or emoji for the group and get notified when someone joins or leaves the conversation.
Memojis: You can now customise your own Emoji and instantly send them as messages to your friends and family! Your Memojis will look just like you with different hairstyles, accessories and more than thirteen different skin tone settings.
Search: The search bar within Messages makes it easier to find contacts, conversations and messages by typing keywords into the bar. Messages will now show you all the relevant results. And if those words are found in messages sent via iMessage or SMS in your device’s history, they’ll be highlighted too!
With these new features in macOS 13.1, Apple continues to make messaging easier and more fun than ever before!
Privacy
MacOS 13.1 gives users more control over their digital privacy than ever. Apple’s new Data Protection and Transparency features ensure that user data is secure and easily accessible when needed. In addition, with the new “Sign in with Apple” feature, users can sign up for services without providing personal data.
Also, Mail has been beefed up to make it harder for malicious emails to get through to its destination. The new feature adds an extra layer of protection when sending sensitive information through the app. Additionally, Safari now allows users to block third-party tracking cookies which help keep your private information safe while browsing the web.
The updates also bring improved privacy features such as Automatic Strong Passwords which generate passwords even if you are logged out, and easy-to-use controls that allow you to share specific parts of your personal information with trusted friends or family members while still keeping your data secure overall.
MacOS 13.1 also provides a more transparent way to control how third-party apps access your data with App Privacy Reports which provide an overview of an app’s data practices so you can make informed decisions about what you share online and what should be kept private. With these updates, Apple is making sure it is taking steps towards securing its customers’ data and providing greater privacy control in the digital world.
Other Updates
In addition to iOS 16.2 and macOS 13.1, Apple released various other updates across their platforms. These updates have been designed to improve the user experience, provide additional features, and bring various new and improved tools and technologies. Let’s look closely at what’s new in these latest updates.
Apple Music
Apple Music has gained some great new features with the release of iOS 16.2 and MacBook 13.1.
The first new feature is improved playlist capability, enabling users to easily create and follow playlists more quickly and efficiently than before. Users can also curate a personalised collection of their favourite songs and follow their favourite artists to see what new music they’ve released.
In addition, Apple Music now allows for increased user privacy by allowing each user to choose what type of data can be shared when using the streaming service, from nothing to likes, playlists, friends and even profile information for a truly personalised experience.
The app has also been optimised for offline playback with enhanced buffering times ensuring it works smoother on even slower networks — great news for users living or travelling in areas with poor internet coverage or bandwidth caps. Finally, the much-requested lyrics feature is easily accessible directly within the Apple Music app so users can enjoy learning their favourite tunes while streaming them simultaneously!
Apple TV
Apple Inc. has released its new streaming service, Apple TV, as part of the iOS 16.2 and macOS 13.1 updates in December 2020. The service offers users access to original content including movies and TV shows from distinguished writers, directors, producers, and talent worldwide.
Apple TV allows you to watch content on your iPhone or iPad on any device with Apple’s AirPlay feature, including Mac computers and other compatible devices like smart TVs or game consoles connected to the same Wi-Fi network. For those willing to pay for a premium membership, Apple also offers a range of live channels such as HBO and Showtime which can be streamed anytime from any compatible device with a broadband connection.
On its new app store dedicated solely to video streaming services – the TV App – users can get personalised recommendations based on their viewing habits using an advanced algorithm developed by Apple engineers and third-party data sources such as ratings provided by Rotten Tomatoes and IMDb reviews. Furthermore, features like ‘Continue Watching’ allow you to resume watching shows right where you left off without worrying about losing your place in a series or film.
Whether you want to watch exclusive premieres or sitcoms on demand with an Apple TV subscription, the newly updated app store integrates seamlessly with all other supported apps giving you complete control over your entire entertainment experience at home or on the go.
Apple Arcade
Apple Arcade is Apple’s game subscription service for iOS, iPadOS, MacOS, and tvOS devices. The service was launched in September 2019 and features more than 100 exclusive games from renowned independent developers across all Apple platforms. With the latest iOS 16.2, MacOS 13.1, and more updates, Apple Arcade has some exciting additions that are now available to users.
With iOS 16.2 and MacOS 13.1 updates, users can now take advantage of the new Family Sharing feature on Apple Arcade. This feature allows up to six family members to play games with their accounts linked in one subscription so that everyone’s progress is tracked separately and their achievements are shared across all devices in real-time.
With this update also comes an enhanced support for game controllers such as DualShock 4 controllers from Sony’s PlayStation 4 console or Xbox Series X/S controllers from Microsoft’s Xbox Series X|S console which will let players enjoy some precision controls when playing certain game titles on their Apple devices with an external controller support feature as a bonus over standard touchscreen controls on most mobile devices.
Moreover, there are even more new titles launching now with this update including “Monument Valley 2”, “The Room: Old Sins”, “Little Orpheus”, “Rayman Mini” and many more highly anticipated premium games exclusively through Apple Arcade so you can stick to your favourite subscription plan while exploring beautiful new stories brought to you by some of the most acclaimed indie developers in the industry today!
Apple Podcasts
Apple Podcasts has been enhanced with several new iOS 16.2, MacOS 13.1 and beyond features. The new features are designed to make podcast listening more entertaining and easier to access, with improved search and navigation capabilities, better customization of show resources, recommendations of audio content by Apple Music’s curators, personalised playlists and collections, enhanced member subscriptions capabilities and more.
Search: Apple Podcasts have improved podcast discovery thanks to top hits highlighting the most popular podcasts in multiple category views and an easy-to-navigate sorting feature allowing for quick navigation between episodes.
Customization: Listeners can now customise the organisation of their favourite podcasts with collections like “My Best Friends” or “Work From Home”, making it simpler to identify shows by content type or length.
Recommendations: Apple Music curators will now provide personalised recommendations of podcasts that adapt over time based on users’ listening habits. This curation can be found within the For You section of Apple Music and through explicit recommendations within an individual episode’s show page in Podcasts.
Subscriptions: Subscriber support has been improved with a dedicated subscription hub that allows users to customise subscription preferences – including opting in or out of special offers and discounts – and manage their payment information within one place.
And more!: The latest version also allows users to share episodes directly on social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook while keeping track of their progress in each episode they listen to from start to finish across devices through iCloud syncing support.
Conclusion
The new iOS 16.2, MacOS 13.1, and related updates provide an array of great new features that will make using the latest operating systems easier and more efficient. With the introduction of powerful search tools, improved privacy protection, enhanced voice-to-text conversion capabilities, and more robust security protocols, Apple is continuing to provide excellent products with innovative features.
It’s important to get familiar with all of these new releases and take advantage of their capabilities since they improve existing productivity applications as well as add exciting new ones. Apple enthusiasts may have something to look forward to when using their devices for daily activities or even home entertainment. As always, Apple is on top of cutting edge technology and continuously improving its operating systems for maximum customer satisfaction.
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