2024 - the six most important new features for your iPhone

A month after iOS 16, here is 16.1. In addition to fixes, some of which are security-related, this update for iPhones brings new features.

iPhone 14 Pro Max // Source: Anthony Wonner – Frandroid

After iOS 16, available since September 12, 2022, Apple is rolling out the first major update. iOS 16.1 brings its share of fixes, but also new features. As usual, remember that to download you must be connected to a Wi-Fi network and have at least 50% charge remaining. Our advice: back up your sensitive data before starting the installation, you can never be too careful.

Live Activities

Live Activities is an extension of notifications on the lock screen, to be able to receive real-time updates. You can, for example, add a live activity during the duration of a sporting event to have you at a glance the score, or when you are waiting for a delivery or a VTC.

For the moment, very few applications have integrated this functionality, so we will have to wait for updates from third-party apps.

Note that the iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max, this function Online activities is also available from Dynamic Island.

Battery percentage display is fixed

If you have an iPhone with a notch, and therefore Face ID, you will now have the option to see the battery percentage in the battery icon at the top of the screen. Before iOS 16.1, this was only available on iPhone 12 and above, now you can enjoy it on older iPhones.

Do you see the difference ? // Source: Apple

Additionally, Apple fixed the battery display… see for yourself on our montage above. Incidentally, Apple has updated the font used for the battery icon, slightly increasing its size.

Fitness+ for all

Apple Fitness+ works on iPhone even if you don’t have an Apple Watch. The service has been available since September 2021 in France, it involves sports lessons in the form of videos.

Matter in the Home app

iOS 16.1 introduces a new “Accessories Matter” section in the Home app. As a reminder, Matter is a standard intended to simplify the installation and configuration of connected objects in home automation and to ensure compatibility between platforms.

Green energy, just in the USA

iOS 16.1 also adds a “Clean Energy Charging” option to the Battery section in Settings. Clean Energy Charging will attempt to reduce your carbon footprint by activating charging at the most convenient times. However, this feature is only available in the United States.

Shared and collaborative photo album

Delayed, but finally there, the iCloud shared photo library function allows you to have a collaborative photo album between six participants. Warning: the iCloud storage space used is that of the creator of the album.

iOS 16.1 is full of new features, more or less obvious, and fixes. For example, you can share virtual keys stored in the Cards app from the Mail, WhatsApp or Messages apps. This update goes hand in hand with iPadOS 16.1, also available today.