iOS 16.1 is finally here. This is Apple’s first major feature update for iOS 16, includes important security updates, and coincides with the long-awaited launch of iPadOS 16.1. So what do you get, and is the iOS 16 bug fest finally under control? Here’s everything you need to know.
Tip: Bookmark this page as I will update it if/when new issues are found. I will give my final verdict in a week.
Apple IOS 16
For whom is that?
Apple iOS 16.1 has been released for all iOS 16 compatible devices, i.e. iPhone 8/iPhone X and newer. iOS 16 dropped support for the iPhone 6S and iPhone 7 ranges, and the iPod Touch.
Since Apple admits delays in automatic updates, you can trigger the update manually if you haven’t received a notification. Navigate to Settings > General > Software update. If you are using newer beta software (see The Road Ahead section at the end), you will need to deregister your device before the update will appear.
Note: This guide does not focus on older iOS updates, iPadOS, or macOS, but I will address relevant topics in these guides. you can read mine How to upgrade to iOS 15.7 here.
The deal breakers
The first 24 hours for iOS 16.1 have been largely positive. Notably, the update has introduced a graphical bug for some users that causes cellular and wifi icons to randomly disappear and reappear (1,2,3,4 Etc).
Other graphic errors are also reported on the lock screen Flashlight and camera buttons are missingand the frustrating copy/paste permissions error from previous iOS 16 updates quiet remains (Apple promised a fix, but it’s not listed in the iOS 16.1 release notes).
I’ve also seen anecdotal reports of problems with Tap Back and password management while there continue to be complaints about battery drain – which has plagued iOS 16 since its release. However, iPhones need to be re-indexed after updates, resulting in higher battery drain for 24/48 hours, so it’s too early to say definitively.
So what do you get?
iOS 16.1 is a major update, for which Apple publishes lengthy release notes:
iCloud Shared Photo Library
– Separate library to seamlessly share photos and videos with up to five other people
– Setup Rules allow you to easily contribute previous photos based on start date or people in the photos when creating or joining a library
– Library filters to quickly toggle between showing the shared library, your personal library, or both libraries together
– Shared edits and permissions allow anyone to add, edit, favorite, tag and delete photos
– The Share toggle in the camera lets you choose to send captured photos directly to the shared library, or enable a setting to automatically share when other participants are detected nearby via Bluetooth
live activities
– Live activities from 3rd party apps are available in Dynamic Island and on the lock screen for iPhone 14 Pro models
Fitness+
– Apple Fitness+ is supported on iPhone even if you don’t have an Apple Watch
wallet
– Key Sharing allows you to securely share car, hotel room and other keys in Wallet with messaging apps like Messages and WhatsApp
home
– Matter, the new smart home connectivity standard, is supported, allowing a variety of smart home accessories to work together across ecosystems
Charge with clean energy
– New setting that can try to reduce your carbon footprint by selectively charging when power with lower carbon emissions is available
Books
– Reader controls automatically hide when you start reading
This update also includes bug fixes for your iPhone:
– Deleted conversations may show up in the conversations list in Messages
– Island dynamic content is not available when using reachability
– CarPlay may fail to connect when using a VPN app
iCloud Shared Photo Library is the biggest feature here, allowing up to six people to share a single photo library, a blessing for family and close friends. Sharing for Apple Wallet also eliminates similar organizational problems.
Also worth noting are new customization options for the (troublesome) iOS 16 lock screen, Fitness+ for iPhones, and Clean Energy Charging, which selectively charges your iPhone/iPad when low-carbon electricity is available. In a new support document, Apple says this feature is currently limited to the US and requires location services, system customization, and key locations to be turned on in the System Services section of the Settings app.
iOS 16.1 security
Apple’s official security page reveals that iOS 16.1 comes with 20 dedicated security fixes. Of particular note is CVE-2022-42827, which patches a vulnerability in Zero Day’s memory. Apple explains that hackers could have exploited this to run arbitrary code with kernel privileges.
It is currently unclear whether this error affects older iPhones and iPads or older versions of iOS. I’ve contacted Apple and will update this post if/when I get a response.
Apple iOS 16.1 Verdict: Upgrade
For iPhone owners who are already using iOS 16, updating to iOS 16.1 is a breeze. The update brings many useful new functions and important security updates. The first 24 hours are also promising, although cautious updaters might want to wait a week for my final verdict.
For those running iOS 15, it looks like iOS 16.1 might finally give you a stable update experience barring minor graphical glitches. The only disappointment is the lack of fixes for ongoing iOS 16 issues, including the copy/paste bug, but expect more dedicated bug fixes in the coming weeks.
Note: Bookmark this page as I will be tracking user experiences and will give my final verdict in a week.
Along the road
While iOS 16.1 is shaping up to be the most stable version of iOS 16 yet, there are still many bugs that need to be fixed. As such, I would expect iOS 16.1.1. come fast and an iOS 16.1.2 and even iOS 16.1.3 ahead of the arrival of iOS 16.2 in late 2022/early 2023. For early access to iOS 16 updates, join the Apple Beta Software Program.
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