iOS 16.2 on Your iPhone: Every New Feature, Tool and More

James Martin/CNET

If you haven’t downloaded Apple’s iOS 16.2, there are several reasons you’ll want to do so. The latest iPhone update arrived Tuesday and brings a new Apple productivity tool, a karaoke mode for Apple Music and other new features to your iPhone. The update was released alongside iPadOS 16.2, Watch iOS 9.2 and MacOS Ventura 13.1, according to an Apple support page. 

The highlight of the update is the new app Freeform, a shared whiteboarding tool designed for “working creatively with friends or colleagues on Mac, iPad and iPhone.”

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Other new features of the iOS 16.2 update include Apple Music Sing, a singalong-focused upgrade to the Apple Music app, and new lock screen functions. After downloading the update, you’ll be able to hide wallpaper or notifications when Always-On display is enabled on iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max. There’s also the Sleep widget, which keeps you informed of your sleep data, and the Medications widget to send you reminders of when to take your medicine.

Speaking of widgets, the Activity widget now lets you see what games your friends are playing from your Home Screen. Additionally, the update includes SharePlay support for multiplayer games in Game Center, enabling you to play with people you’re on a FaceTime call with.

The update also enhances iCloud security by increasing the number of data categories that are protected using end-to-end encryption. And, like with any good software update, there are a few random bug fixes and other minor improvements.

For more things to do on your iPhone, check out the 22 setting changes that can optimize your phone and every hidden feature you’ve probably haven’t tried out yet. 

Apple didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.