What’s new in iPadOS and iOS 16.2 Beta 1: Freeform app, Stage Manager external display support, SOS reporting for accidental emergencies and more

Apple introduced today First beta version of iOS 16.2 and iPadOS 16.2 to developers, by introducing more of the new features that were promised for iOS 16 Modernization.

We have explained all the changes in the iOS 16.2 and iPadOS 16.2 beta so far in this guide.

free app

apple New Freeform App Launched across Platforms In iOS 16.2, iPadOS 16.2, and macOS Ventura 13.1. Designed for collaboration, the freeform can be used for note-taking, drawing, sketching, saving links, and more.

Multiple people can work on the same Freeform document, with updates synced to all participants in real time. Apple says Freeform can be used to sketch projects, design mood boards, and brainstorm ideas, with the app serving as a creative space.

Support the external display of the stage manager

With iPadOS 16.2, theater manager on me m 1 And the m 2 iPads can be used with external displays again. This is the functionality that Apple removed in the first version of iPadOS 16 To expand Phase Manager to A12X and A12Z iPad Pro Models.

With external display support, Phase Manager supports up to eight applications for multitasking purposes, instead of four. This functionality is limited to the iPad ‌M1‌ and ‌M2‌ devices.

New Home Application Engineering

It’s paired with HomePod 16.2, iOS 16.2, iPadOS 16.2, and macOS Ventura‌ 13.1 to add support for an updated home app architecture that comes after the addition of the Matter smart home standard.

Apple says the new Home app architecture will bring faster and more reliable performance in homes with many smart accessories, but it requires every device that arrives at home to run iOS 16.2, iPadOS 16.2, macOS Ventura 13.1, tvOS 16.2, and watchOS 9.2 beta, along with Along with HomePod 16.2 beta software.

On devices that support ProMotion, Apple says that SwiftUI’s animated layout changes will support a 120Hz refresh rate, a functionality that was previously missing.

Unintended SOS calls

It appears that Apple is collecting data about occasional SOS calls with the update, and one user reported an Apple query about the call collecting system data.

Software updates

Apple has made a small tweak to the Software Updates section of the Settings app, which is available under General. The text of the version of the installed program is now bolder, which makes it clearer.

iOS 16.2 adds a file sleep widget to Lock Screen, which derives from data stored in the Health app and collected by your Apple Watch or other sleep trackers. It provides information such as time spent in bed and sleep quality, with three different types available.

One simple tile shows the amount of time you spent in bed, and two multi-tile options show either a bar chart showing sleep quality or a larger widget showing time in bed with a visual representation. Clicking on the gadget opens the sleep section of the Health app.

Live sports scores on TV

iOS 16.2 beta re-adds Live Activities integration for Select sports For the built-in TV app on Iphone. Games can be tracked in real time on the lock screen or a file dynamic island On the iPhone 14 Pro Models.

Other new features

Do you know a new feature in iOS 16.2 that we left behind? Let us know in the comments below.