What Has Changed With iOS 16?
iOS 16 officially landed just a couple of weeks ago, and it’s already proving to be one of Apple’s most exciting updates in years. From a fully redesigned Lock Screen to major upgrades across Messages, Photos and privacy tools, this update brings a fresh new feel to the iPhone experience.
If you’re wondering whether to update — or even thinking about upgrading your iPhone to take full advantage of the new features — here’s a quick breakdown of everything iOS 16 has introduced so far.
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1. A Brand-New Customisable Lock Screen
The most talked-about addition is the completely redesigned Lock Screen — something Apple hadn’t touched in years. iOS 16 now lets you:
- Change fonts and colours for the clock and widgets
- Add Lock Screen widgets for weather, calendar, battery and more
- Create multiple Lock Screens and switch between them
- Use depth-effect wallpapers for a layered 3D look
It’s easily the biggest personalisation update the iPhone has seen.
2. Messages Gets Its Most-Requested Features
Apple finally listened — Messages is now more flexible and forgiving. With iOS 16, you can:
- Edit messages after sending
- Undo Send for mistakes or accidents
- Mark conversations as unread
- Use improved SharePlay inside chat threads
These changes make everyday communication feel much smoother.
3. Smarter, More Helpful Focus Modes
Focus Mode has evolved, allowing you to connect specific Focus settings to your new Lock Screens. You can now:
- Set work, personal or sleep Lock Screens
- Filter notifications and app distractions automatically
- Limit what you see in certain apps during Focus sessions
It’s a serious productivity upgrade for anyone juggling work and personal life.
4. Major Privacy and Security Enhancements
iOS 16 places a stronger emphasis on safety and personal data protection. New features include:
- Passkeys — a password-free, more secure way to log in
- Safety Check — helpful for quickly revoking shared access
- Clipboard permission alerts
Apple continues to make privacy a top priority.
5. Big Improvements in Photos
The Photos app has received meaningful quality-of-life upgrades, including:
- Duplicate detection to help clear storage
- Live Text in video — pause a frame and copy text instantly
- Locked Hidden and Recently Deleted albums (Face ID protected)
- Shared iCloud Library upgrades for families
It’s now easier than ever to organise and edit your library.
6. Lift Subjects From Photos
One of the most surprising (and viral) features: you can now tap and hold on an object in a photo — like a pet or a person — and “lift” it cleanly from the background to drop into Messages, Notes and other apps.
It’s fun, clever and extremely satisfying to use.
7. A More Capable Mail App
The Mail app finally got the modern features users have been begging for:
- Undo Send
- Scheduled emails
- Much better search
- Follow-up reminders
It now feels much closer to third-party email apps — but built right into iOS.
8. Smarter Dictation
Dictation now lets you speak and type at the same time, switching seamlessly between both. It's one of those features you don't realise you need until you try it.
9. Updated Home App
The Home app has been fully redesigned for reliability and supports the Matter standard for wider smart home compatibility.
10. Early Look at the Next Generation of CarPlay
iOS 16 also includes previews of the next era of CarPlay, featuring:
- multi-screen dashboards
- deep vehicle integration
- customisable instrument clusters
This one will roll out gradually, but it’s a massive jump forward.
Should You Upgrade Your iPhone for iOS 16?
If your current device struggles with the new features or your battery life has taken a hit, it might be the right moment to switch to a phone that handles iOS 16 effortlessly.
You can explore every model that supports the update in our refurbished iPhone range.
iOS 16 has only been out for a short time, but it’s already shaping up to be one of the most impactful updates Apple has released — bringing personalisation, privacy and productivity to a whole new level.
