Best new iOS 16.2 features to try today

December 13, 2022

Christmas has come early!

Apple just released new updates for its various operating systems, and they're chock-full of goodies.

Forget Xmas shopping -- dive into the new Freeform virtual whiteboard app.

Don't worry about work -- spend the afternoon crooning with Apple Music Sing.

And don't forget to customize your iPhone's Always On Display.

There's lots to dig into -- see our guides below.

-- Leander Kahney, EIC.

iOS 16.2, which Apple released Tuesday, brings many new features that make it a must-have update for all iPhone owners. From security advancements and productivity boosters to cosmetic tweaks and other fun stuff, it’s positively loaded with upgrades. Here are the top new iOS 16.2 features you should try right now.

iPadOS 16.2 just launched, and for many users of top-tier iPads, the standout feature is full external display support. This makes Apple tablets far better at multitasking than ever before. There are other improvements in iPadOS 16.2 as well, including the Freeform collaboration app.

Today's free update gives Mac users access to Freeform, plus important new iCloud security options, including the ability to encrypt images on Apple’s cloud-storage service.

Need ideas for practical stocking stuffers that friends and family will actually use? The SwitchEasy Flash Sale in the Cult of Mac Store is on through 11:59 p.m. PST on December 13.

AirTag owners will want the latest firmware for the item tracker. Here’s what you need to do to get it, and then be sure it’s installed.

It’s no longer possible to order a new top-tier iPhone from Apple and have it delivered this year. The iPhone Pro and iPhone Pro Max are both backordered until early January 2023. The delay is the result of strong demand for these handsets, coupled with production problems in China.

The feature is now available to iPhone 14 owners in the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Ireland.

Daily practicality is often at odd ends with whimsy. But you can have both practicality and whimsy with Nyloon’s Stark Apple Watch band. Each one of these ballistic-grade nylon bands comes with a unique black-and-white pattern (with seemingly random splashes of red). And they feel soft enough for comfort, but rugged enough to take some abuse.

On December 13, 2016, Apple finally released the original AirPods after months of delay. The wireless earbuds became an instant hit.

Apple Music just added a great feature for people who love to sing along as they listen. Apple Music Sing lets you turn down the lyrics so you can karaoke to your favorite hits with just one tap. In fact, I’m using it right now to listen to some of my favorite music, without the lyrics distracting me from reading and writing. Let me show you how it works!

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One more thing ...

"A computer frees people from much of the menial work. Besides that, you are giving them a tool that encourages them to be creative. Remember, computers are tools. Tools help us do our work better." -- Steve Jobs, Playboy interview, 1985.

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