Apple debuts iOS 16 with Apple Pay Later, new lock screen, and ability to delete sent texts
Apple (AAPL) on Monday debuted its iOS 16, the latest version of the software that powers millions of iPhones around the world.
Unveiled at the company's Worldwide Developers Conference, or WWDC, iOS 16 brings a host of improvements to Apple's flagship device — including a new lock screen, a buy-now-pay-later service through Apple Pay, and, finally, the ability to delete or edit texts you've already sent.
IOS 16's new lock screen gives you the ability to customize the look and feel of the normally plain lock screen with improved notifications and device data that you can see without unlocking your phone.
The update allows you to change the color filter of the background, alter the font for the time, and add color filters. More impressive is the ability to add widgets to the lock screen. For instance, you can add the temperature, your fitness activities, and calendar updates.
Apple also gives you suggested lock screens including ones that focus on the weather, showing information about the current conditions, or ones that highlight themes like Pride Month.
Notifications will now appear at the bottom of the screen, and can be accessed by tapping them as they appear. Apple has also added a new feature called Live Activities to the lock screen, which will let you track things like sports scores, your workouts, and even your Uber status without having to unlock your phone.
Apple's Messages app is getting some big updates, as well. Now, you can edit messages you've already sent, delete messages you might have fired off in haste, and mark messages that you've already read to unread, so you don't forget to go back to them later.
Those are some big changes that will help in instances where you might have fired off a message without proofreading, or sent one that you immediately regretted (and we've all done that).
For those who like watching movies with friends and families across the country, Apple is extending SharePlay to Messages. The feature will allow you to start watching movies or TV shows while messaging with other users. So if you and your significant other are plowing through a show and they have to go out of town, you can keep on streaming and watching together without skipping a beat.
Apple also debuted its long-awaited buy-now-pay-later program called Apple Pay Later program. Available via Apple Wallet, the feature lets you order items by paying in four equal payments with zero interest and no fees. You'll also be able to track your orders purchased with Apple Pay Later via the Wallet app using Apple Pay Tracking.
Apple's Maps app is also getting an update, allowing users to create multi-stop routes and improved map imaging for select cities. You can also now check out funds for your transit card, and reload them from Maps.
Apple is changing the way your iPhone interacts with your car with a new version of its CarPlay software, which integrates directly into your car's hardware.
The software will now put widgets on your car's display and even the instrument cluster. According to Apple, the new setup connects your phone and your vehicle — allowing your phone to see your speed, RPMs, and more.
Automakers including Ford, Honda, and Land Rover will begin offering the new CarPlay next year.
Finally, Apple announced a new tool that will allow people to quickly turn off features like location sharing with others. The feature, called Safety Check, lets you quickly revoke somebody's access to your location or other app privacy permissions. It also lets you sign out of your accounts on other devices and turn off your ability to use FaceTime and Messages on other Apple products. That way, they can't see who you're connecting with if you've got both an iPhone and iPad.
Apple's iPhone is its most important product, bringing in $191.9 billion in revenue during 2021, or 52% of its $365.8 billion in total revenue. Apple has been working to build out its accessories and services to better balance its income sources, though the iPhone still stands out as the company's primary breadwinner.
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