Apple’s iOS 16 could be launched any time after it’s confirmed at the iPhone maker’s fall event. According to Apple, iOS 16 will be available on September 12, and the latest iPhone software comes with a bunch of brilliant new features that will change the game for your security and privacy. These are the best iPhone features of iOS 16.
Fast Security Response
Currently, Apple’s security updates are accompanied by feature upgrades, although the iPhone maker is increasingly releasing emergency fixes separately, such as iOS 15.6.1. Fearing iPhone bugs, many Apple users have to decide between security and functionality when a new iOS version comes out.
Enter iOS 16’s Rapid Security Response, Apple’s response to quickly resolve security independently of general software updates. “Now your iPhone gets major security enhancements between regular software updates, so you’re automatically kept up to date and protected from security vulnerabilities,” Apple says.
Passwords
Passkeys generate a lot of headlines – and for good reason. As of iOS 16, passkeys are end-to-end encrypted and synced across Apple devices through the iCloud Keychain password manager.
One of the benefits is that Apple’s password wipe solution makes it difficult for you to fall victim to phishing and protects your login credentials from website leaks. “Your private key is never stored on a web server, so you don’t have to worry about website leaks putting your accounts at risk,” Apple said.
Passkeys should also be easy to use. As of iOS 16, you can sign in to websites or apps on other devices, including non-Apple devices, with your saved password by scanning the QR code with your iPhone or iPad and using Face ID or Touch ID to authenticate.
Undo messages
Apple fans have been asking for the ability to undo messages for a while, and with iOS 16, the iPhone maker has finally launched this feature. You can edit a message up to 15 minutes after it is sent, and you can unsend a message up to two minutes after it is sent. Users can make up to five edits to a given message, but keep in mind that recipients can see a record of this.
Apple’s iOS 16 could be launched any time after it’s confirmed at the iPhone maker’s fall event.
Lock Mode
Lockdown mode is actually something that will make big headlines for Apple when it launches iOS 16, but most of us won’t be using it. Apple says Lockdown Mode provides “extreme protection for the very small number of users who face serious, targeted threats to their digital security.”
The idea of the feature is to lock your iPhone so strongly that it will not be attacked by spyware. Unfortunately, Lockdown Mode makes your device almost unusable, so handle it with care.
Security check
Security Checkup is a handy privacy feature available in iOS 16 that is intended for those who may be at risk from a controlling or abusive partner. More generally, it can be used as a quick check to lock your iPhone. With Security Check, you can reset the access you’ve granted others, change system privacy permissions for apps, and restrict Messages and FaceTime to the device.
In short
Several other privacy and security features of iOS 16 are also worth mentioning. First, apps will ask for permission before opening the pasteboard to paste content from another app.
Meanwhile, your hidden and recently deleted albums in Photos are locked by default and can be unlocked using Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode.
It’s not long before iOS 16 comes out on September 12, when you can try out these brilliant new iPhone features. Stay tuned for more Apple analytics, including iOS 16 security fixes, reviews, and demos.