iOS 16.1: Update your iPhone now to get these new features

 Apple is releasing iOS 16.1, the next iPhone software update, with a host of new features and some bug fixes. This includes a new way to charge your iPhone, using subscription-based Apple Fitness+ without the need for an Apple Watch, updating Dynamic Island for the iPhone 14 Pro, and more.

iOS 16.1, confirmed to launch on October 24, will also be released alongside other software updates, including iPadOS 16.1 and macOS Ventura.

So how to update to iOS 16.1?

To update, your iPhone may have an “Available Software Updates” option at the top of the settings for easy download. If not, you need to go to Settings > General > Software Update.

While iOS 16.1 fixes some bugs, this update includes some more interesting features – especially for those interested in Apple Fitness+, reducing carbon footprints, and live events. Let’s take a look below!

Apple Fitness+ is available to iPhone users

Starting October 24th, Apple Fitness+ will be available to iPhone users to subscribe, even if they don’t have an Apple Watch. It will be fully integrated with the Fitness app. Users without an Apple Watch won’t be able to see metrics like their heart rate and calories on the screen during a workout, but will still be able to follow up.

Clean and energy efficient

A new battery charging feature will be available on iPhone called Clean Energy. Available in Settings and currently only in the US, the feature will “attempt to reduce the iPhone’s carbon footprint by selectively charging low-carbon electricity when electricity is available.” This may result in slower charging, but is designed to reduce your carbon footprint.

Real-time activity of third-party applications

Want to check your sports scores or see your riding distance at a glance? iOS 16.1 brings live events to third-party apps, which allows iPhone users to watch live events directly on their lock screen and, for those with an iPhone 14 Pro or 14 Pro Max, on Dynamic Island.

Live activity will appear at the bottom of the lock screen on iPhone 14 and 14 Max models and earlier, while iPhone 14 Pro models will feature a feature set at the top of the screen to work with the new Dynamic Island.

iCloud Shared Photo Library

iOS 16.1 makes it easy for users to share photos and videos with up to five people with the iCloud Shared Photo Library feature. By setting up a shared gallery, users can allow photos taken by themselves to be sent directly to the gallery, and allow users in groups to add, edit, favorite, caption, and delete photos.

Enter the Home app

Matter, the new smart home connectivity standard, will now be supported in the Home app. This allows a wider selection of smart home accessories to work together, whether it’s Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and of course Apple’s Homekit.

Dynamic Island Reachability Support

For those with an iPhone 14 Pro or 14 Pro Max, iOS 16.1 will bring Reachability support to make one-handed access easier. It lowers the top of the iPhone‘s display by swiping down on the bottom of the screen. This is an optional feature that can be turned on through accessibility settings.

Key Sharing in Apple Wallet

iPhone users will be able to share their car, hotel room and other keys through iOS 16.1’s key sharing feature. This can be shared via messaging apps, including Messages and WhatsApp. What’s more, Apple Card customers will have access to a savings account that will automatically deposit “Daily Cash” cash back rewards into a high-yield savings account.

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