iOS 16 could be the most radical iPhone update in years
A useful lock screen, finally
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As we get nearer toWWDC, rumors are starting to appear with one ofApple’s upcoming updates, withiOS 16looking to get a few significant new features, including improvements to youriPhone’slock screen.
According toMark Gurman’s ‘Power On’ newsletter(paywalled), there’s going to be further improvements to notifications, Messages and Health apps, alongside some help with iPad multitasking.
However, the significant takeaway here is the lock screen seeing a redesign. Since the debut of iOS in 2007, we haven’t seen major changes to this, except for a Camera shortcut and a ‘Today’ notification where it gives you a brief overview of your day. Yet we may see interactive widgets soon, alongside a further benefitfor iPhone 14 users, where an always-on screen will be able to constantly show notifications, thanks to a new display.
AsiOS 15was arguably a release that stepped back from major features andfocusedon existing ones, it looks as though iOS 16 is going to go fullsteamahead in new features that are going to change how you manage your content.
Analysis: Lock screen has been overdue for a facelift
Granted, seeing further improvements to Messages and Health will be welcome, although it would be good to see Health appear as its own app on iPad andApple Watch.
Multitasking on iPad has clearly been a tough nut to crack by Apple, as we’ve seen up to three different ways in managing three windows, but the iPhone’s lock screen is something that’s been left by the wayside.
While notifications have been redesigned and improved withiOS 12, and a ‘Today’ view was added with iOS 15 where it would show you the day’s weather, there’s not been anything substantial for the lock screen itself.
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However, with widgets redesigning our iOS home screens, there’s an opportunity for the lock screen to see the same level of change with widgets and other aspects. Notifications that look similar on an Apple Watch, which can show even when the iPhone 14 is in low-power mode, would be a useful addition.
Regardless, it looks as though almost any user that will be able to run iOS 16 will be able to see a big upgrade even before they’ve accessed their home screen.
Daryl had been freelancing for 3 years before joining TechRadar, now reporting on everything software-related. In his spare time, he’s written a book, ‘The Making of Tomb Raider’. His second book, ‘50 Years of Boss Fights’, came out in 2024, with a third book coming in 2025. He also has a newsletter called ‘Springboard’. He’s usually found playing games old and new on his Steam Deck, Nintendo Switch, and MacBook Pro. If you have a story about an updated app, one that’s about to launch, or just anything Software-related, drop him a line.
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