Apple today has ranked the sixth beta of its upcoming iOS 16 and iPadOS 16 updates for developers for testing purposes, as the updates come a week after Apple released the fifth beta to developers.
Registered developers can download iOS and iPadOS 16 profiles from the Apple Developer Center, and once installed, beta versions will be available over the air.
iOS 16 introduces a revamped lock screen that brings a new level of personalization and personalization through widgets, notification redesign, and then-adjustable fonts and colors. Multiple lock screens are supported, similar to watch faces, and can be linked to focus modes.
Adjusting focus is easier than before and more customizable, with focus filters available to cut out distracting content within apps. The Messages app now features tools to edit iMessages, unsend iMessages, and mark messages as unread, plus it supports SharePlay, like FaceTime.
The Mail app has improved search and tools that include undo send, schedule send, and follow up so you can get a reminder to check an email if you don’t get a reply. Safari supports shared tab groups and Apple is replacing passwords with passkeys, which is a more biometrically secure way to sign in to accounts.
iCloud Photo Library allows users to more easily share photos with family members, and live text is supported in video. There is a neat new feature to raise the topic from the background with one click, and it is part of the visual search.
Dictation has improved, Maps now supports multi-stop routing, Apple Pay Later lets you split purchase payments, and the Home app is completely overhauled with a new look. On the iPad, the update adds a new Stage Manager feature for more Mac-like multitasking, but is limited to M1 iPads.
The fifth beta of iOS 16 added battery percentage back to the status bar on iPhones with a notch, plus it introduced new sounds for locating the iPhone via Find My or the Apple Watch.
There are plenty of other new features in iOS 16 and iPadOS 16, with a full summary of all that’s available in our dedicated roundup.