One weekend with iOS 16
Apple released public Beta Access to iOS 16 last week. So how is it living with the new OS?
It‘s been a bit over a month since Apple announced the latest version of their operating systems at WWDC 22. While developers have had access to the new versions of the operating systems since then, the public beta only recently has become available.
Even though I knew there may be drawbacks to getting the bleeding edge beta software, I couldn’t hold back and updated as soon as I had the chance. After using it for about 3 days, I am pleasantly surprised by the performance as well as Apple‘s innovations.
The Great
The feature I immediately noticed was the new Lock Screen. Advertised as one of the major features of iOS 16, they also don‘t disappoint. The customization options already work very well, and the software does a fantastic job of recognizing objects and subtly layering the time behind them. Furthermore, they are effortless to create, which makes having a bunch of them to cycle through based on focus or your mood much more accessible and easy.
While the customizable lock screens allow for much more personalization than before on iOS, for me, another feature of iOS 16 steals the spotlight. Un-apple like named „Lift subject from background, “ this new feature allows you to quickly lift foreground objects from photos and create PNG images. Anyone who once had to edit out objects from pictures in photoshop knows what a cumbersome task this is. However, Apple‘s lift subject from background creates truly great cut-outs in a matter of seconds and allows you to share them as .png images. Even more impressive is that it works with any kind of photo (also non-iPhone photos), as long as there is a clear distinction between the subject and the background.
Even though the personalized lock screens will be used far more and also will draw a lot more attention, for me, the lift subject from background feature is the true highlight of iOS 16.
The Good
Most of iOS 16‘s new features are more subtle than the customizable Lock Screen. The updated spotlight search was the first one I noticed very quickly but was pleasantly surprised by. There is now a small spotlight search field on the bottom of the home screen. This not only makes spotlight more accessible but alongside the new positioning come richer results. Apple has noticeably improved Spotlights responses and recommendations, making it an even more useful feature, especially for people that don‘t have all their apps on the Home Screen.
During my weekend of use, I also noticed more minor updates in the photo app. There is now a duplicate folder that automatically detects duplicate photos in your library. With a click of a button, you can delete the lower resolution version of the duplicate. Furthermore, some albums (recently deleted and the hidden album) are now protected by your password/FaceID/TouchID, which I also found to be a subtle but very good change.
Another subtle but highly appreciated change coming with iOS 16 can be found in the settings app. When you have AirPods connected to your device, you‘ll find a settings tab for the headphones atop in the settings app. The quick access to the AirPods settings while connected is handy and makes adjustments way more accessible.
On Apple‘s preview to iOS 16, there are many more feature changes outlined, but I did not use or notice them over the past three days of use. However, one final good aspect of iOS 16 I noticed is the performance. Even on this first public beta, the software runs very smooth with only minor hiccups, hopefully, indicative of how the final build will perform once it comes out.
Improvement opportunities
So far, I am delighted with iOS 16‘s public beta and how the new iOS performs. However, there are some areas where I would love to see the software improve.
I noticed the first minor shortcoming when playing around with the customized lock screens. Currently, it is impossible to add widgets and still have the clock layered behind the subject of the background picture. This is a bit disappointing as I would love to add widgets to my Lock Screen, yet as of now, they create a far less aesthetically pleasing Lock Screen. Another minor issue I have with the new lock screens is that you can‘t edit them via the settings app. In order to change them, you have to unlock your phone, but haptic press on the lock screen, which just feels a bit counter-intuitive. Furthermore, if you want to link lock screens to focus modes, it requires a bit more planning ahead than just editing them via the settings app.
Furthermore, I noticed other smaller inconveniences, yet I mostly attribute them to the software still being a beta and not to iOS 16. For example, I had numerous instances of my music or other apps crashing. Once I reopened them again, though, they did work normally. Also, while performance is already excellent, I hope that the battery performance will also be addressed in the final version of the software. Still, I am confident that this is also just another beta issue.
Verdict
After a weekend of using iOS 16, I am impressed with Apple‘s upcoming OS update. The update makes the iPhone feel refreshed and sprinkles in a lot of customizability while remaining easy to use and straightforward. With iOS 16, Apple makes a small leap towards personalization while otherwise moving steadily ahead with their trusted iOS recipe of simplicity and user-friendliness.
As always, stay safe
Raffael
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