The most important new features in iOS 16

Apple announced major changes at the latest Apple Worldwide Developers Conference, held from 6 to 10 June at the company's campus in Silicon Valley, marking its return to in-person events for the first time since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

All signs suggest that iOs 16 will change the way we use our iPhones, with dozens of new features and tweaks. Here, we've rounded up the features that excited us most.

First up, the Messages app is set to receive a series of changes, most notably the ability to edit and unsend messages you've already sent. This option is available for up to 15 minutes after you send your message. Another addition is the “Recently Deleted” folder, which keeps messages you've deleted for 30 days.

One notable feature of iOS 16 is the new lock screen, which lets you customise its appearance and the information it displays in an entirely innovative way. Images gain a depth effect that allows subjects to overlap the time and other information. You can customise the font and colour of the date and time and add a wide range of widgets. Apple has also added special dynamic wallpapers with animations.

On the more practical side, the notification system and focus mode are set for a refresh, with support for additional apps and features such as Siri, Messages and Calendar. Focus Mode can even change your device's home screen, showing you the apps and widgets that suit the mode you've selected.

Data sharing also received plenty of attention. Perhaps the most significant change is the new iCloud Shared Photo Library. This is an entirely new, separate photo library that anyone in your Family Sharing group can access, with options to create a separate type of account for children.

The eagerly awaited updates will be available in autumn 2022, with the official public release of iOs 16.