Apple has released iOS 16.2, iPadOS 16.2, and macOS Ventura 13.1 today. These updates bring a new Freeform digital whiteboard app that will allow users to collaborate on a digital whiteboard across devices. A new Apple Music Sing karaoke feature is also available on all platforms.

Of course, there are also some unique additions for each platform. If you have an iPhone 14 Pro or Pro Max, iOS 16.2 adds a new setting to make the Always-On Display feature hide the wallpaper and notifications, which some users have found to be distracting.

With this update, Apple is also restricting the option to receive content via AirDrop from everyone for just 10 minutes, a change that was previously introduced in China. iOS 16.2 also introduces Advanced Data Protection for iCloud in the US, which is an opt-in feature to encrypt additional iCloud data including device backups, Notes, and Photos.

For iPad Pro users with an M1 or M2 chip, iPadOS 16.2 brings support for external displays when using the new Stage Manager feature. If you’re a smart home enthusiast, iPadOS 16.2 also introduces a new Home app with a revamped architecture.

On the Mac side, macOS 13.1 also adds Advanced Data Protection for iCloud plus other minor changes and bug fixes. Users can expect improved search in Messages, as well as live indicators to show when other users make updates in a shared note in Apple’s Notes app.

Apple also released new updates for watchOS 9.2 and tvOS 16.2 today. Highlights include crash detection optimizations on watchOS, as well as multi-user voice recognition on tvOS. The new Apple Music Sing feature is also making its debut on the 2022 Apple TV 4K, but it’s not available on previous Apple TV models.

Tagged with Apple, iOS 16, macOS Ventura, iPadOS 16