iOS 16: the 10 features that take your current iPhone to the next level

Since last week, iOS 16 has been available for a lot of iPhone models. The new operating system brings a lot of improvements, but which ones are really worth it? OMT editor Mark Hofman lets you know in this article.

There are countless functionalities that you can discover after installing iOS 16. The update is one of the bigger ones in recent years and really takes your iPhone to the next level. Time to explore the software a little better.

10 amazing iOS 16 features for your iPhone

If you don’t have iOS 16 on your iPhone at the moment, be sure to check the article below. In it I tell you step by step how you can get started with the new software.

Something that I think is worth the effort, because your iPhone feels as good as new thanks to iOS 16. And it owes this to the following ten functionalities:

#1 New lock screen on your iPhone

Let’s start with the biggest change on your iPhone: the lock screen. Thanks to iOS 16, it is finally possible to set this completely to your own liking. It doesn’t matter whether you’re talking about the font of the time, an overflowing background or different widgets, it’s all customizable.

To customize the lock screen, long press the screen after unlocking your iPhone. You will then be given the option to choose different backgrounds. Apple will serve you a few for yourself, but of course you can also use your own photos.

Then select the time to change its font. In addition, you also have the option to set the colors completely to your own liking.

Finally, choose a number of widgets that you want to add. Keep in mind that the overlap between the background and the time disappears as soon as you set it.

#2 iOS 16: emails can now be scheduled

Do you work a lot with the app? Mail, then iOS 16 has a fantastic feature for you. Since the update, it is finally possible to schedule emails. Something that many third-party apps have been able to do for ages, but not the standard Apple app yet.

To do it, hold down the big blue button with the arrow before sending. You will then be given a number of standard options, but you can also set the ideal time and date yourself. Ideal in case you forget a certain email or want to plan something in the evening for the next morning.

A small addition perhaps, but very nice to have.

#3 Cardsapp even easier for iPhone

iOS 16 makes it even easier to Cardsapp from your iPhone. The app has evolved considerably over the years, making it a seriously good option for navigation.

What the new software does well is adding stopovers. For example, if you have to drop off a colleague on your way home, you can add his address as a stopover. So your iPhone first navigates to your colleague’s house and then immediately takes the route home. Useful!

#4 iOS 16: exercising without Apple Watch

If you regularly take a walk or run with your Apple Watch, you know how nice it is that the smartwatch keeps track of your exercise. If you, as a consumer, only have an iPhone in your pocket, you have been unlucky until now. Fortunately, iOS 16 comes with the solution.

From now on it is also possible without a smartwatch to keep track of your progress. Your iPhone’s sensors recognize your movement and will then detect an activity. Filling your rings without an Apple Watch is therefore officially a fact.

#5 Passwords a thing of the past with passkeys

Apple has had enough of passwords and will happily take you along. With iOS 16, the company introduces passkeys: A convenient alternative that lets you use your iPhone as the key to your online life.

Your passwords will be stored on your iPhone and can only be used with Face ID or Touch ID. In this way, they are filled in automatically and the passwords, since they are stored locally, remain safe.

#6 iOS 16: keep a close eye on medication

The HealthApple app is now also the place to keep track of your medicines. Within iOS 16 it is possible to register all your medication on your iPhone. The beauty of it is that you not only keep track of what you throw in, but you also get notifications of when to do it.

In terms of security, the new iOS 16 feature is also very nice. You can use this road, for example, to keep an eye on dangerous combinations. As soon as you take two different medicines that combine to cause health problems, your iPhone will give a notification.

#7 iPhone fully secured with Lockdown Mode

The chance that you really need it is small, but Lockdown Mode makes your iPhone a lot more secure. Once this feature is enabled, certain features will be temporarily disabled and your data will be protected like mad.

The functionality is new in iOS 16 and will be able to better protect well-known (political) figures.

#8 iOS 16: Personal Spatial Audio

Certain Android competitors have been doing it for a while, but from now on you can also completely tune your AirPods to your own ears. In iOS 16 it is possible to use Personal Spatial Audio. You scan your ears via your iPhone by taking pictures and a few tests are performed.

The result will be passed directly to the AirPods, making the sound quality ideal for your situation.

#9 Battery percentage on your iPhone

We don’t need to mince words, but iOS 16 brings the battery percentage back to your iPhone.

No more fiddling, but standard on the home screen to see how full your battery is. It’s a blessing in the sky!

#10 Focus filters for optimal concentration

Apple makes it possible in iOS 16 to set Focus Filters. It’s a new way to silence notifications at certain times of the day. In apps like Messaging, Safari and Mail for example, it is possible to open only work-related cases. Think of business inboxes, contacts and tabs.

At the moment it only works with the applications from Apple itself, but that will change. The company has developed an API for developers, so that third-party apps can also be provided.