Apple began testing iOS 16.2 and iPadOS 16.2 updates in late October, providing beta versions to developers and public beta testers alike. We currently have four betas and the fourth beta was released earlier this week. iOS 16.2 and iPadOS 16.2 are expected to be released before the end of the year, so we decided to try to narrow the launch dates.

With only four betas released since October, iOS 16.2 still has some testing time before waiting for a release. We’ll have a release candidate at least before iOS 16.2 is released, but there’s a chance we’ll see another beta.

We usually see five or more betas before a release candidate, but the timeframe gets shorter during the holiday season. Last year Apple only released four iOS 15.2 betas before the RC and subsequent launch, so we may see something similar this year. If that’s the plan, Apple could give us the candidate version of iOS 16.2 next week, possibly Tuesday, December 6th.

With that in mind, we can see that iOS 16.2 is released the week of December 12. The week of December 19 is also possible if there are more betas on the horizon, but this is during Hanukkah and closer to Christmas. Last year’s iOS 15.2 launch took place on Monday, December 13, after Apple released its fourth beta on December 2 and RC on December 7. Mark Gurman Bloomberg He said we can expect iOS 16.2 in mid-December, matching the December 12 forecast. Apple has confirmed that some features in the update, such as the Freeform app, will indeed arrive before the end of the year.

Most notable features

iOS 16.2 is a major update that adds a number of notable new features to iPhone and iPad, the biggest changes are described below.

• Additional Freelance work. Freeform is a cross-platform, open-source whiteboard application that you can use for notes, sketches, drawings, save links and more with built-in collaboration features. Available in the latest beta versions of ‌iPhone‌, ‌iPad‌, and Mac.
• Stage Manager external display support ‌iPad‌ with iPad M1 or M2 can once again use Stage Manager with external displays. You can use up to eight apps for multitasking, and there’s a handy new option to drag and drop a window from the “iPad” to an external display and vice versa. External display support is limited to Apple silicon models, although older iPads can use “Stage Manager”.
• New architecture of home app. The iOS 16.2, iPadOS 16.2, and macOS Ventura 13.1 updates add support for the updated architecture of Apple’s Home app, which has been available since Matter’s debut. The new application architecture will provide faster and more reliable work at home with many smart accessories, but this requires updating the entire set of devices to the latest version of the software.
• Always On Display update — On iPhone 14 Pro models, there are two new switches to turn off wallpaper and notifications when the fixed display function is enabled. This reduces what’s on the screen when it’s off for less distraction.
• Vehicle sleep mode on lock screen. The lock screen has received a sleep mode widget for those who use the sleep function on the Apple Watch.
• Medicines widget on lock screen — also has a Medications widget that tells you when to take your medication.
• News in the Weather app. If there’s weather news in your area, such as a hurricane or wildfire, you’ll see headlines in the Weather app.
• 5G in India – iOS 16.2 will bring 5G connectivity to India.