Headlines: New iOS 16.1 features, USB-C iPhone confirmed and more

October is drawing to a close and there is much to talk about in terms of new hardware and software releases from Apple, while we also look to iOS 16.2 and future hardware.

Read below for all the details on everything Apple released this week, including our first hands-on look at Apple’s new iPads, plus a rumor about Apple’s biggest iPad ever, and more!

iOS 16.1 released: Everything is new here

It’s been a busy week for Apple software-wise, as the company released iOS 16.1, iPadOS 16, and macOS Ventura with a long list of new features for iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

We’ve rounded up everything new in iOS 16.1, including support for Live Activities in third-party apps (check out our list of apps), iCloud Shared Photo Library, support for Matter accessories, and more.

In terms of hardware, new iPad Pro models and a revamped 10th-gen iPad were launched this week after it was announced last week. We shared a hands-on look at both devices on our YouTube channel. The new Apple TV 4K launches next Friday, November 4th.

Apple releases iPadOS 16 with Stage Manager and more

iPadOS 16 was finally released to the public this week after over four months of beta testing. One of the key new features of the update is the Stage Manager, which allows multiple apps to be used in overlapping windows for improved multitasking.

Unfortunately, Stage Manager was criticized as a “poorly tested” feature with a “confused constellation of missing features, bugs, and confusing interactions.”

macOS Ventura: 50 new features and changes worth checking out

After the release of macOS Ventura, we shared a list of 50 new features and changes worth checking out in the software update.

macOS Ventura‌ is a major update that introduces a new multitasking experience on the Mac with Stage Manager, overhauls several default apps like Mail and Messages, adds support for using an iPhone as a Mac webcam with a newly released Belkin accessory, and much more.

Apple is slated to release a larger 16-inch iPad next year

According to a report this week, Apple is developing a larger 16-inch iPad that should launch in Q4 2023. This would be the largest iPad model ever, surpassing the 12.9-inch iPad Pro.

The oversized iPad would have the same screen size as the 16-inch MacBook Pro, giving users a much larger canvas to work with. Apple was previously rumored to be planning a 14-inch iPad Pro as well.

Apple admits it needs to meet EU requirements and move iPhone to USB-C

In an interview this week with tech reporter Joanna Stern, Apple’s marketing chief Greg Joswiak admitted the company “must comply” with an EU law that will require devices like the iPhone to adopt USB-C as a common charging port by 2024.

Apple’s software engineering chief Craig Federighi also joined the discussion, which touched on the lack of iMessage on Android and many other topics.

All new in iOS 16.2 Beta: Freeform App and more

Shortly after iOS 16.1 was released, Apple released the first iOS 16.2 beta with even more new features to developers and public beta testers.

iOS 16.2 includes Apple’s new Freeform digital whiteboard app, unintentional reporting of SOS emergency calls, a new sleep widget for the lock screen, a new Home app architecture, live activity integration for select sports games in the Apple TV app and more.

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