The 15 Best Hidden Features in iOS 16
iOS 16 has arrived, and it’s packed with exciting new features. While some of the changes are obvious, there are many hidden features that you might not know about yet. In this article, we’ll take a look at the 15 best hidden features in iOS 16.
1. Private Relay
One of the most significant features of iOS 16 is Private Relay, which enhances users’ privacy by routing their internet traffic through two intermediate servers in different locations, one provided by Apple and one by a third-party content provider. This means that no one, including Apple, can see both your IP address and the websites you visit.
2. Live Text
Live Text is a new feature that uses machine learning to convert text in your photos into selectable and copyable text. It works not only in photos you take but also in existing images in your Photo Library.
3. Focus
Focus is a new feature in iOS 16 that lets you choose what notifications you want to receive at different times of the day. This means you can create custom modes for work, leisure, and sleep with unique notification settings.
4. App Privacy Report
iOS 16 comes with a new privacy report feature that shows you how apps access your data and permissions so that you can make informed decisions about what you install and use.
5. Customizing the Control Center
With iOS 16, you can now customize your Control Center by adding or removing buttons and control toggles. This means you can prioritize the functions you use most often.
6. Weather App Redesign
The Weather App in iOS 16 has undergone a significant change, including new graphics, maps, and other features like air quality data for select regions.
7. Live Text Translation
Live Text includes translation features that can translate text in photos, screenshots, and even live camera views. This is particularly useful when you’re in a foreign country.
8. Safari Redesign
Safari, the native web browser for iOS, has also undergone a significant redesign, including a new tab bar, tab groups, and tab previews.
9. Low Power Mode Customizations
In iOS 16, you can now customize Low Power Mode settings to disable specific features, such as haptics, always-on display, or background app refresh.
10. Siri Offline Support
With iOS 16, Siri can now perform certain tasks, such as setting alarms or sending messages, even when you’re offline.
11. On-Device Speech Recognition
iOS 16 now supports on-device speech recognition, which means you’ll be able to use Siri even when you’re not connected to the internet.
12. Memories Enhancements
The Memories feature in iOS 16 has been enhanced with more themes, music, and transitions.
13. New Memoji Customizations
With iOS 16, you can customize your Memojis with new clothing, headwear, accessibility, eye shapes, and color choices.
14. iCloud+ Enhancements
iCloud+ in iOS 16 now includes some new features, such as Private Relay, Hide My Email, and expanded HomeKit Secure Video support.
15. SharePlay
One of the most eagerly anticipated features of iOS 16 is SharePlay, which will let you watch movies, listen to music, or share your screen with friends during FaceTime calls.
In conclusion, these are the 15 best hidden features of iOS 16. While some of the changes are significant, others are small parts of larger, more substantial updates to iOS. Nonetheless, these improvements make iOS 16 one of the most exciting updates to the operating system.