iOS 16.2 is out with Karaoke mode, Freeform app, encrypted iCloud backups, better AOD, more

iOS 16.2 is now available for download on compatible iPhones. Apple's latest "big" update delivers several new features and apps, giving users more capabilities, better security, and traditional bug fixes. If you have yet to update from iOS 15 (or even older), check out our articles covering what is new in iOS 16.0 and iOS 16.1.

What is new in iOS 16.2?

Here are the changes in iOS 16.2:

• Apple Music Sing. Apple Music has received a dedicated karaoke mode, allowing you to sing along with millions of your favorite songs. You can sing with the original artist, solo, or mix it up. Finally, the app now features enhanced beat-by-beat lyrics that let users follow along with the music easier.

• Freeform. iOS 16.2 delivers a new app for creative collaboration on Mac, iPad, and iPhone. Customers can draw on a flexible canvas using various tools and add files, images, stickers, and more.

• Encrypted iCloud Backups. The latest iOS version adds end-to-end encryption support to more iCloud data categories (23 total).

• Improved Lock Screen and always-on display. iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max customers can now hide the wallpaper and notifications on the always-on display. There are also new sleep and medications widgets for the Lock Screen (available on all compatible iPhones).

• Game Center Updates. SharePlay now supports Game Center, allowing you to play multiplayer games with others during FaceTime calls. Also, the new Activity Widget is here to let you know what your friends are playing and their latest achievements.

• Apple TV and Live Activities. The Live Activities feature allows you to follow your favorite teams and receive live scores on the Lock Screen and Dynamic Island (iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max).

• Home. iOS 16.2 delivers communication reliability and efficiency between smart home accessories and Apple devices.

And here are the most notable bug fixes:

• Improved search in Messages allows you to find photos based on their content, like a dog, car, person, or text

• Turn Off Hide IP Address setting enables iCloud Private Relay users to temporarily disable the service for a specific site in Safari

• News articles in Weather display information relevant to the weather in that location

• Participant Cursors in Notes allow you to see live indicators as others make updates in a shared note

• AirDrop now automatically reverts to Contacts Only after 10 minutes to prevent unwanted requests to receive content

• Crash Detection optimizations on iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro models
• Fixes an issue that causes some notes not to sync with iCloud after updates are made

What iPhones support iOS 16.2?

iOS 16.2 is available for all iPhones capable of running iOS 16. They include the following models:

• iPhone 8 and 8 Plus
• iPhone X
• iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR
• iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max
• iPhone SE 2020, SE 2022
• iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, and 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, and 13 Pro Max
• iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, and 14 Pro Max

You can download iOS 16.2 by heading to Settings > General > Software Update.

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