Apple’s iOS 16 could overhaul lock screen, add major features

It could be all-change for the new iOS - especially on the iPhone 14

iOS 16 - to change iOS 15 lock screen

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Although June’s WWDC should see more information on what’s coming up from Apple, iOS 16 news is already trickling through and whetting some appetites. The latest rumors include suggestions about important iOS 16 features and a potentially overhauled lock screen – so something more than a formality to be dealt with.

The latest suggestions come by way of Mark Gurman’s Power On newsletter, in which Gurman reports that iOS 16 – codenamed Sydney – could be “chock full of changes”, and not just when it comes to the features available beyond the lock. “Major changes” are thought to be in the works for iOS 16’s lock screen itself, providing extra interest and use; particularly for iPhone 14 users.

iOS 16 - to change iOS 15 lock screen
Current lock screen capabilities can be expected to change

The first suggestion is that iOS 16 will build in additional functionality for new “wallpapers with widget-like capabilities”. Although we don’t yet know of those capabilities, such wallpapers could mean more useful information is available without even having to unlock your phone.

Perhaps more interesting though, particularly for anyone with an eye on yet to be confirmed ‘iPhone 14’ models, is Gurman’s report that iOS 16 will feature future support for ‘always-on’ lock screens in newer iPhones – something that is currently available on some Apple Watches.

Whether or not either will add more life to the iOS 16 lock screen depends on usefulness and implementation, but iOS 16 will reportedly look to overhaul notifications, Messages, the Health app, and multitasking on the iPad too. WWDC should provide some of the answers, or at least more of the details, everyone’s after.

WWDC will also provide details about iPadOS 16, macOS 13, watchOS 9, and tvOS 16. So in just over one week’s time, we should know more about what Apple has planned going into the second half of 2022, and beyond.

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Kevin has been a technophile since he first owned a Commodore 64. Then an Amiga….progressing to Gameboy, self-built systems, consoles, and a 15-year career in and around computing and technology. Kevin is an all-around tech and gadget enthusiast. He was previously found at such places as Micro Mart, Custom PC, Bit-tech, and PC PRO, then Which? Computing, Den of Geek, and Daily Telegraph. Also WIRED, Hardware Heaven, and KitGuru.

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