Besides the new MacBook models powered by the new M2 chipset, Apple has announced its latest operating system, including iOS 16, iPadOS 16, macOS Ventura, and watchOS 9.
iOS 16
The main highlight of iOS 16 is a redesigned lock screen, which lets you personalize everything from static photos or live wallpapers to the date and time elements. You can also customize different fonts, colors and shades, and add widgets to the lock screen. There's also a Live Activities feature for the lock screen, which updates events in real-time like sports games.
iOS 16 also brings updates to Messages with functions that allow you to edit sent messages, undo sent messages, mark message threads as unread. In addition, SharePlay now allows you to share videos and watch them with your friends while sending messages.
Other updates include Family sharing updates for parents to manage their children's accounts and devices more easily, Wallet, HomeKit, CarPlay, a new Apple Pay Later feature to split purchases into 4 equal payments with zero interest and fees applied, and more.
macOS Ventura
The upcoming version of macOS is called Ventura, and will bring new organization and collaboration features to Mac devices. Named Stage Manager, the feature can organize apps windows on the desktop, putting the apps you're working in front and center. Mail will get similar updates to Messages in iOS 16, such as recall emails, schedule send, and reminders. In Safari, you can share multiple tabs and collaborate in real-time.
FaceTime gets new Handoff and Continuity features, where the former lets you bring the FaceTime call you started on your iPhone to the Mac seamlessly while the latter lets you use your iPhone as a webcam. You'll be able to attach the phone to Mac's screen and use its camera system as your webcam for video calls. Apple also introduces new passkeys or digital keys (to replace passwords) that will not be stored in the cloud to make them less susceptible to phishing and theft attempts. Passkeys will integrate with TouchID and FaceID for biometric authentication. They can be synced with other Apple devices via iCloud Keychain.
iPadOS 16
iPadOS 16 introduces many updates similar to those of iOS 16 and macOS Ventura. Notably, it will get updated Game Center profiles and sharing capabilities. It also has its own Stage Manager feature, pushing your iPad to function as a desktop. It will let you resize app windows and overlap app windows, like browser and program windows you get on a desktop.
watchOS 9
watchOS 9 brings a number of new exercise features, including a Workout app that lets you keep track of heart rate zones while exercising and set goals based on the heart rate zone you want to stay in. The app also includes vertical oscillation, stride length, and ground contact time, designed for runners.
Apple also adds a Custom Workout feature to the app for you to create exercise routines with specific goals. There's also sleep tracking to monitor when you're in REM (rapid eye movement), core, and deep sleep. It records the amount of time you spend in each phase and the amount of time you spend awake at night.
