Apple iOS 16.1: What’s New and Should You Upgrade?
iOS 16.1 is shaping up to be the most steady iOS 16 release yet, but there are still plenty of bugs to be eliminated.
Because of this, we here at Tech and Geek believe that iOS 16.1.1. will be released fairly soon, followed by iOS 16.1.2 and even iOS 16.1.3. We then expect this to be followed by the release of iOS 16.2 in late 2022/early 2023. To obtain early access to iOS updates, sign up for the Apple Beta Software Program.
With the release of iOS 16.1, Apple has finally delivered on its promise to bring iPadOS to the masses. The new version brings critical security updates in addition to a slew of new features. So what does iPadOS 16.1 have in store for you? Here’s what you need to know.
It is advisable to bookmark this page because I will keep it updated if new issues are discovered. I will give my final opinion in a week’s time.
Who is the update for?
Apple has released iOS 16.1 for all iOS 16-compatible devices, including the iPhone 8/iPhone X. The iPhone 6S and iPhone 7 lines, as well as the iPod Touch, are no longer supported by iOS 16.
To manually update your device, if you have not received a notification, go to Settings > General > Software Update. If you are using a newer beta version of iOS (see ‘The Road Ahead’ section at the end), you must first unenroll your device.
The deal breaker?
The update has caused a graphical glitch for some users that causes cellular and WiFi icons to disappear and reappear at random (1, 2, 3, and so on).
Further graphical glitches are still present on the lock screen, where the flashlight and camera buttons are missing (Apple has promised a fix for this, but the problem has not been resolved in the iOS 16.1 release notes).
There have also been reports of problems with Back Tap and password management, in addition to battery drain issues—which have plagued iOS 16 since its release—that said, iPhones have to reindex after updates, which results in higher battery drain for 24/48 hours post-update, so it’s too early to come to a conclusion.
What are the benefits?
Apple has published lengthy release notes for iOS 16.1:
With iCloud Shared Photo Library, up to six people can collaborate on a photo album. Likewise, Apple Wallet sharing eliminates the problem of having to organize everything the same way.
There are also some nice customization options for the troubled iOS 16 lock screen, Fitness+ for iPhones, and ‘Clean Energy Charging,’ which charges your iPhone/iPad when lower-emission electricity is available. According to a new support document from Apple, this function is currently available in the US and requires Location Services, System Customization, and Significant Locations to be enabled in the System Services section of the Settings app.
There are 22 security vulnerabilities that Apple patched in the latest version of iOS, version 16.1.
According to Apple’s official security page, iOS 16.1 addresses 20 security issues. CVE-2022-42827 fixes a Zero Day memory vulnerability. Hackers might have been able to use this to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges, as Apple explains.
There is currently no indication as to whether this bug affects older iPhones and iPads or older versions of iOS. I have contacted Apple and will update this post if/when I receive a response.
Should you upgrade to Apple iOS 16.1?
There’s no reason for those running iOS 16 to skip the 16.1 update, as it includes critical security updates as well as new and useful features. A cautious updater, however, may wish to wait a week before updating in order to give our final verdict. Here’s what others had to say in the meantime:
Apple has released iPadOS 16.1 featuring Stage Manager, Desktop Class apps, iCloud Shared Photo Library, Weather app, and more pic.twitter.com/V901PcO1z3
— Apple Hub (@theapplehub) October 24, 2022
iOS 16.1 is here w/ several new features like improved customization, Live Activities, a new way to charge & much more!
— Brandon Butch (@BrandonButch) October 24, 2022
Here are 30+ features & changes in 16.1: https://t.co/4Ay3ADuPbM
The good news is that those running iOS 15 will soon have an opportunity to update to iOS 16.1, which appears to be stable aside from some minor graphical issues. The bad news is that Apple has not addressed ongoing issues with iOS 16, including the copy/paste bug, in this update. However, we should see more bug fixes in the coming weeks.
What next?
There are still many issues to be addressed in iOS 16.1, but it appears to be the most stable iOS 16 release to date. Therefore, I believe that iOS 16.1.1. will be released quickly, followed by iOS 16.1.2 and then iOS 16.1.3 before the arrival of iOS 16.2 in late 2022/early 2023. If you want to receive iOS 16 updates early, sign up for the Apple Beta Software Program.
