WWDC 2022 | Leaked Features and Changes Coming to iOS 16 This Year

But there’s another advantage, too. Thanks to betas, I can test those features as soon as they’re announced, instead of waiting weeks for a whole new product.

It’s been a while since any hardware was announced at WWDC, but we might see some Macs again this year. More on that later in a future article.

Since WWDC is getting closer and closer, I want to tell you everything there is to know about it. As you can guess, I don’t know all the details, but I think I can give you a very accurate preview of what’s to come at Apple’s event in June. Let’s get started with iOS 16!

iOS 16 Compatibility

This is probably the most anticipated operating system in the world. I expect to see quite a few changes, but first let me say something about compatibility. So let me cut right to the chase:

If you own an iPhone 6s, 6s Plus, or a first-generation iPhone SE, you will most likely have to stick with iOS 15.

That makes perfect sense, and while Apple is usually accused of letting its devices become obsolete, that’s not true at all. The iPhone 6s launched seven years ago and still supports Apple’s latest software update. Please let me know if you find a device that old that supports Android 12; I’ll wait.

Now let’s move on to the expected features of iOS 16. There are already full builds of iOS 16, so the rumors will be more accurate in these weeks. Let me start with what I know so far.

InfoShack

First, InfoShack. I do not have confirmation yet on whether or not this feature will make it to the final version of iOS 16 or not, but I do know that Apple is working on it, and while I can not confirm that iOS 16 will include this feature, I can tell you that there’s a 60-70% chance of it happening.

I really hope this happens, because that would mean we get interactive widgets, and that’s something we’ve wanted for years.

Quick Actions

Another thing I have heard about is called “Quick Actions.” These already exist, but Apple is giving them a new twist by enabling them on the lock screen. As far as I know, there are at least two different builds that have an action in the form of a notification that can be activated in the system. This can perform various actions, such as giving you directions to home or playing a predefined Apple Music playlist.

As I always tell you, I can not guarantee that this feature will be included in the final release, but from what I have heard, the chances are very high – so let’s hope for the best.

App Changes, Focus Modes, and More

I have also heard that there will be changes to the Files app and Reminders, but they will be very small. Apple is also working on some improvements to Mail, but I can not confirm what those will be at this time. I’ll get back to you when I have more information on this topic.

The Music app will be visually improved, and there will be some nice algorithm changes to give better music recommendations. I also heard something about a thing called Apple Classical. I have no idea what that is supposed to be, but if I had to guess, I’d say it has to do with a new classical music subscription, or maybe a separate section in the Music app, or even an entirely new app. We will see what Apple comes up with.

There will be some changes to notifications, something that has been due since last year. They are a bit messy, in my opinion, so a redesign is always welcome.

There are also rumors that Apple is working on new Focus modes, as well as major changes to existing modes. Unfortunately, I can not give you any more details on that, but rest assured that you’ll be the first to know if my sources report anything about it.

Mark Gurman hinted a few days ago that there would be some changes to the Health app that will improve how you view your data. I asked my sources if they know anything about this, and while they can not confirm it, they say it seems very plausible given recent internal meetings.

I have heard that a redesign of the Podcast app is in the works, though I do not have confirmation yet that it will be released in the first version of iOS 16. That’s what makes the most sense, but Apple is not known for making many common-sense decisions.

Will There Be Always-On Display Support?

I know a lot of people are eagerly awaiting an always-on display option for the latest iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max, so let me be clear: I do not think that’s going to happen.

So far, I am not aware of any iOS 16 build that includes this feature, and knowing how Apple works, I am assuming Apple will announce this feature when it releases a new iPhone, just like it did with the Apple Watch. I do not want to wait another year for this, so I hope I am wrong.

Let me know what you think about it in the comments below. I hope you found this article helpful. As always, have a fantastic day.

[The information provided in this article has NOT been confirmed by Apple and may be speculation. Provided details may not be factual. Take all rumors, tech or otherwise, with a grain of salt.]