Apple today released new betas of iOS 16.1 and iPadOS 16.1 to developers, tweaking some of the functionality that's been introduced in prior betas and in the case of iPadOS 16.1, adding a major new feature to Stage Manager.
We've rounded up everything new in both betas below.
Wallpaper Updates
Apple has updated the Wallpaper section of the Settings app to allow users to swap between wallpapers from this interface. The design has also been tweaked, making the options to add new wallpaper more obvious.
Stage Manager
In the latest beta of iPadOS 16.1, Apple has expanded Stage Manager availability to the 2018 and 2020 iPad Pro models equipped with A12Z and A12X chips. Previously, Stage Manager was limited to the M1 iPad Pro and M1 iPad Air models.
Apple has also removed external display support from Stage Manager in this beta, with the feature to return in a future update to iPadOS 16. When reintroduced, external display support will be limited to M1 iPad models.
Matter Accessories
The Matter Accessories section added to the Settings app in prior betas has been removed.
Emergency SOS via Satellite
Apple is beginning to lay the groundwork for Emergency SOS via Satellite and Find My satellite integration, functionality that is coming to iPhone 14 models starting in November. Code in the update reveals some of the text we can expect to see.
Send your location using a supported iPhone from places where there are no cellular or Wi-Fi networks.
Send your Location via Satellite.
This friend sent you their location via satellite because they have no other network available.
Can send location again after X amount of time.
X hours ago - Last time your location was sent.
You can now text emergency services via satellite on your iPhone.
iPhone can try to use a satellite to text emergency services. When it's safe, exit the vehicle and follow the iPhone instructions.
iPhone is texting emergency services via satellite.
Other New Features
Know of a new feature in iOS 16.1 that we left out? Let us know in the comments below.
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Model
Starting Price
Model
Starting Price
Change
iPhone 16
$799
iPhone 17
...
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You can customize your Lock Screen. But don’t you DARE think you will be allowed to use the same font style as iOS 15!! Hellllllll no
—Apple designers
We were stupid enough to introduce Lock Screen customization in iOS 16, and simultaneously, categorically change Notifications by moving them to the bottom of the screen, but HELL no you cannot move them back to the top, where they intelligently belong!!!!
—Apple designers
We thought it would be a great idea to change notifications by moving them to a completely-hidden submenu that a user must perform an upward-gesture on the lower-portion of the Lock Screen to invoke.
I wish we could disable changing the wallpaper from the lock screen. After every time I use my flashlight now, I look at my phone wondering what in the world I hit to get into that edit screen. I never noticed that helpful tip until looking at this screenshot.
I wish someone would take five minutes to fix jiggle mode so I can just put an icon where I want it.
Trying to replace a Home Screen icon is like a puzzle. How do I get this icon where I want it without all my other icons moving themselves around?
Good god there is so much low hanging fruit they just ignore.
Yes, it’s actually highly comical because in early versions of iOS you could move the icons around with much, much less inaccuracy. Now icons just fly around all over the place and it’s difficult to even place an app in a folder.
The best way to describe iOS app placement is like trying to place magnets where you want them when their poles are repulsing
Can’t everybody get riled up about the lack of Stage Manager on the A15 iPad mini too for my sake?
Apple: No you don't get it everybody you really need M1 to use this other chips just can't handle this and you need a lot of RAM we care about user experience blah blah blah
Also Apple: BAM! A12.
Pathetic. Now make it available for all the chips between A12 and M1.
Biggest design overhaul since iOS 7 with Liquid Glass, plus new Apple Intelligence features and improvements to Messages, Phone, Safari, Shortcuts, and more. Developer beta available now ahead of public beta in July.
