Apple’s newest iOS 16.1 software update went live on Monday with several new features that were missing with the launch of iOS 16.0 in September.
Apple announced that its iOS 16.1 software would be released with the iPhone 8 or newer devices and includes several features such as live activities for third-party apps, support for Fitness+ without an Apple Watch, support for the Matter standard, and an update to the iCloud photo library, and clean energy charging.
Here is what to look for with the rollout of Apple’s latest software update.
Live Activities for Third-Party Apps
Apple users with iOS 16.1 on the iPhone 14 Pro or iPhone 14 Pro Max will get access to live updates for sports scores, Uber statuses, and more, all from the iPhone’s lock screen. Apple’s live-activities-for-third-party-app feature will be available to some apps upon update, and others will have the update pushed out over time.
Apple Fitness+ Support
Apple Fitness+ is now available as a $9.99 per month or $79.99 per year monthly subscription service for iPhone users. Previously, the service was exclusive to owners of the Apple Watch.
“We wanted the amazing impact of Fitness+ to reach iPhone users, and with special offers from partners like SilverSneakers, Target, and UnitedHealthcare, it’s easier than ever to get started on your health and fitness journey,” said Jay Blahnik, Apple’s vice president of Fitness Technologies.
Apple is offering three months of Fitness+ free with the purchase of a new iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV.
New Matter Standard Support
iPhone users will now have access to Matter, an open-sourced connectivity standard or communication protocol that leverages existing technologies — Thread, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and ethernet — to allow devices to communicate with each other locally without the need for a cloud. Matter gives control over smart home devices such as locks, doorbells, and lights, whether made by Apple, Google, or Amazon.
Clean Energy Charging
Apple’s iOS 16.1 contains a new feature called “clean energy charging” that aims to reduce a user’s carbon footprint by selectively charging the device when potentially lower-emission electricity is available.
iCloud Shared Photo Libraries.
iPhone users can now create and share iCloud photo albums with up to five others with a customizable feature that allows anyone to add, edit or delete photos.
How to install iOS 16.1
- Open the settings app on your iPhone.
- Tap General.
- Choose Software Update.
- Your iPhone will download and install iOS 16.1.
