Apple Releases iOS 16.1 and iPadOS 16: Apple finally released the newest versions of its various operating systems, as promised last week. Since the initial release of iPadOS 16. x was skipped last month, the currently rolling out 16.1 version is the first iPadOS 16. x iteration we've seen so far.
Apple has CONFIRMED that iPadOS 16 is delayed, and will release as iOS 16.1 later this Fall (likely in October). 🚨
The first beta of iOS 16.1 is out now for developers… pic.twitter.com/tMsFFjTsPE
— AppleTrack (@appltrack) August 23, 2022
iPadOS 16.1 was released alongside iOS 16.1, confirming the rumors that the company's mobile OS versions were once again in sync.
The new version of iPad OS includes an improved multitasking app called Stage Manager (only on iPad Pro 12.9 3rd generation and newer, all iPad Pro 11″ models, and the latest iPad Air). This will logically arrange your apps and windows and give you the freedom to do things like drag and drop windows, overlap them, and change their sizes. Later this year, an update will roll out to M1 and M2 iPads, bringing full support for external display for Stage Manager, at up to 6K resolutions.
iPadOS 16 also includes new Messages features (edit, undo send, and mark conversations as unread), a suite of smart tools for Mail (cancel send, schedule send, alerts for forgetting to include a recipient or attachment, reminders to come back to a message, and better search), support for iCloud Shared Photo Library, new security and collaboration features for Safari, and – surprise! – the Weather app makes its debut on iPad.
In addition to iCloud Shared Photo Library, iOS 16.1 enables Clean Energy Charging, Fitness+ without an Apple Watch, key sharing in Wallet, and the Dynamic Island and lock screen of iPhone 14 Pro models to display Live Activities from third-party apps. Even more, the newest protocol for in-house networks, Matter, is supported.
By decreasing the frequency of heart rate and GPS scans, watchOS 9.1 allows the Apple Watch Series 8, Apple Watch SE (2nd generation), and Apple Watch Ultra to last longer during outdoor activities like walking, running, and hiking. Not only do smartwatches now support Matter, but they also allow you to download music even when your watch is not plugged into a power source.
tvOS 16.1 introduces a refreshed Siri, the ability to sync photo libraries across devices, and Fitness+ without the need for an Apple Watch. As might be expected, Matter compatibility has been included.
If you have one or more Apple devices running one of these operating systems and you haven't received an update notification yet, checking for updates manually should do the trick.