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iOS 16.2

Apple

Apple ‘temporarily’ pulls new Home app architecture in iOS 16.2

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On its products, Apple has momentarily disabled the ability to upgrade to the updated HomeKit architecture. The new Home app architecture is one of the new features of iOS 16.2, which was formally made available to all customers this month.

Home app
Image Source: theverge.com

Apple claims that this new architecture improves the efficiency and dependability of using HomeKit accessories. However, because users have been reporting problems with HomeKit, the company has now removed the option to update to the new architecture.

Prior to its removal, Reddit users who installed the optional update had complained about problems with the app kicking other users from a Home account and the inability to add them back. On the MacRumors forum, users have complained that they are unable to share the Home with others, that HomeKit devices are perpetually stuck in the “updating” state, and that some accessories have completely vanished from the Home app. After upgrading, users cannot go back to the earlier version of the application.

Apple clarified the issue in a statement, “We are aware of an issue that may impact the ability for users to share the Home within the Home app. A fix will be available soon. In the meantime, we’ve temporarily removed the option to upgrade to the new Home architecture. Users who have already upgraded will not be impacted.”

Apple has also updated its help website with information on what to do if, after switching to the new HomeKit architecture, users are unable to access a Home’s gadgets or invite another user to it.

It’s unclear when Apple plans to reinstate the upgrade option since the company hasn’t commented on its removal from the Home app. What will happen to customers who have updated their Home apps to the new architecture is likewise an issue. With the release of iOS 16.2’s first developer beta in October, the redesigned Home app architecture was unveiled.

The upgrading remained optional even in iOS 16.2’s final release before the option was eliminated. All Apple devices must be logged into iCloud and running the newest versions of iOS, macOS, and tvOS in order to upgrade the Home app to the new architecture. Perhaps the upgrade option will reappear in iOS 16.3, which is now in beta and is anticipated to be made accessible to the general public between February-March 2023.

HomeKit is Apple’s simple-to-use platform for building a trustworthy and protected DIY smart home. A completely functional smart home system can be set up and operational in a matter of minutes with just a few HomeKit-compatible gadgets and an iPad or iPhone to operate them.

HomeKit enables users to connect a number of voice-controlled smart home gadgets from many manufacturers into one system, similar to other voice-controllable smart home devices, primarily Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. HomeKit differs from the competition in two ways: first, it’s simple to set up and manage all of one’s devices via a single app; second, one’s privacy and security are safeguarded.

iOS 16.2

Apple’s iOS 16.2 update released: Check out the new features

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Apple has begun to deploy iOS 16.2 to all users, together with iPadOS 16.2 as well as macOS Ventura 13.1. Among other things, the new version includes improved encrypted messages for iCloud data, Live Operations on the Home Screen, as well as a unique karaoke functionality for Apple Music. In addition, Apple is launching Freeform which is a collaborative whiteboard app.

iOS 16.2
Image Source: techcrunch.com

Here’s a rundown of everything you’ll be able to do with iOS 16.2.

End-to-end encryption for iCloud data

In earlier years, Apple has encoded sensitive data such as passwords before stashing it in iCloud. With a new Advanced Data Security mode, the firm is now introducing end-to-end encryption for most data. Emails, contact details, and calendar events are not encrypted end-to-end because they are focused on unsecured standard protocols.

If you enable Advanced Data Protection then only you will be able to view your device’s data by verifying your identity on a secure device such as an iPhone or a Mac. Anybody else attempting to decrypt the data, including Apple, will most likely find invalid data.

Read More: Apple now has a deadline for switching the iPhone over to USB-C

This is not to be confused with Lockdown mode, which protects reporters, activists, and defenders of human rights from threats such as government-grade spyware attacks.

With the release of iOS 16.2, all users living in the United States will be able to protect their information with encryption. According to the firm, a larger rollout is planned for next year. At this point, the Advanced Data Protection mode will safeguard backups of your device and messages, as well as voice memos reminders, Notes, Safari Bookmarks, and photos.

Karaoke mode on Apple Music

While Spotify Wrapped is a popular year-end event, Apple Music’s karaoke mode may be a fun feature addition to house parties all year. Apple Sing will also be usable to all iPhone 11 and later users, as well as iPad and Apple TV owners.

Apple separates vocals from music tracks using a fusion of improved real-time lyrical content synced for karaoke as well as on machine learning. It also separates and emphasizes background vocals to create a more immersive group experience. According to the company, at release, this function will be accessible to the top 80 percent of its most-listened-to songs in addition to more tunes being added as time goes on.

Spotify’s karaoke function has been in testing for months, according to users. However, no official rollout was ever confirmed by the company. So now that Apple Music has made this useful feature accessible to its users, the onus is on Spotify to add it to its service.

Freeform app

Throughout its Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) in June, Apple initially launched Freeform as just a digital whiteboard in its ecosystem. It was previewed last month when it was accessible in iOS 16.2, iPad 16.2, and macOS 13.1 beta versions.

The app is not complicated to use since it’s essentially an infinite board where you can draw items and lines, add media, append documents or notes, and write notes. There’s also a collaborative component, but everyone must use Apple devices.

Digital whiteboard products are extremely valuable. Adobe paid a hefty 20 billion USD for Figma, especially over the past month. Miro raised about 400 million USD earlier this year for a valuation of 17.5 billion USD. Whereas Apple is not currently competing for enterprise customers or professional designers, it is contending for the focus of casual tinkerers who may prefer Freeform over other tools.

Airdrop Limitation

With the iOS 16.1.1 update, Apple reworked AirDrop settings in China. If you set AirDrop to receive requests from “Everyone,” it is restricted to 10 minutes. Also with iOS 16.2 upgrades, the firm is now making this feature available to all users. After 10 minutes, the AirDrop setting reverts to “Contacts Only,” and you must change it by the manual process to “Everyone” each time.

Updates to live activities feature

Live Activities are widgets on the Home Screen and Lock Screen that can be changed in real-time with information. They were part of the iOS 16.1 upgrade. Apple is bringing Sports score updates via the Apple TV app in iOS 16.2. Users in the United States and Canada will have access to NBA, MLB game scores, and the English Premier League. In the meantime, customers in Australia, Brazil, Japan, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and South Korea will be able to access MLB scores through Live Activities.

Other features

• With this update, iPhone Indian users would be allowed to use 5G in qualified regions on the Reliance Jio network.

• The Weather app will include a devoted news section that will display local news stories.

• Apple is also going to add Sleep widgets to the Home Screen. These widgets keep you up to date on the latest sessions and stages. It also allows you, to quickly view your medication schedule.

Starting December 13, 2022, all users with an iPhone 8 or later will receive the iOS 16.2 update.