Apple Released iOS 16.2 Beta 3 For Developers & Beta Testers - All iOS 16.2 Features

Nov 17

Nov 17 Apple Released iOS 16.2 Beta 3 For Developers & Beta Testers - All iOS 16.2 Features

What’s New in Beta 3

Apple released iOS 16.2 beta 3 for developers and public beta testers. iOS 16.2 is not only addressing bugs that exist in previous iOS 16 versions, but also add significant new features. The big change is no other than the new Always On Display (AOD). More speficically, Apple is now allowing users to set an all black AOD. This has been a highly anticipated feature for many iOS users who have been disappointed with Apple’s pre-iOS 16.2 implementation. You can read more about the new Always On display here.

iOS Rapid Security Response

For the first time ever, Apple released a software update package which included only security updates, instead of an entirely new software update. As Apple mentions in the update card: “This Rapid Security Response provides important security fixes and is recommended for all users”.

Basically, Apple is now able to roll out security updates that do not require from users to install a full iOS update.

New iOS 16.2 Features

iOS 16.2 Beta 2 had unlocked 5G capabilities in India for the first time. iPhone beta testers who live in India are able to enable 5G cellular connectivity directly from their iPhone’s settings. Local carriers launched 5G services in October. However, iPhone users who have installed any public iOS 16 version, are still unable to access 5G networks in the country. Access for all users is expected to become available mid-December when iOS 16.2 gets publicly released for all.

Apple added a new Lock Screen Health Widget in the second beta of iOS 16.2. The new widget is available for your Lock Screen and allows you to view your Medications at a glance. This widget is available in both Lock Screen size options.

Apple also added a new Sleep Widget for your iPhone’s Lock Screen. This feature is even more useful if you own an iPhone 14 Pro or Pro Max with an always on display.

Freeform is a new brainstorming application available mainly for the iPad but also the iPhone. Users are able to keep notes, draw and design basic shapes and diagrams through this app. It’s also easy to collaborate with other iPhone and iPad users. Freeform app is automatically installed when updating to iOS 16.2. iPad version works with the Apple Pencil which is an important benefit.

Apple Music has also been updated with new play and pause animations which look really impressive.

Home application has also been updated to support a new architecture for easier and more reliable performance. The app asks from users to update to the new architecture when launching the app for the first time since updating to iOS 16.2.

Weather cards in Apple’s native weather application are now showing important information from Apple News related to the selected location if supported.

TV application is now enabling a new Live Activity setting that allows users to activate more frequent updates while a Live Activity is running. Furthermore, when launching the TV app a new featured show/movie section replaces the up next section which has moved below that on iOS 16.2. TV app is also adding back the ability to Show Sports Scores in the Dynamic Island and the Lock Screen as live activities.