iOS 16.2—Stunning New iPhone Features Arriving Any Minute Now

Apple’s iOS 16.2 is arriving any minute now, along with a bunch of brilliant new features. The iOS 16.2 iPhone update should be great for those who care about security and privacy, because it comes with a feature called Advanced Data protection. Here’s what you need to know about the major security and privacy features arriving with the latest iPhone upgrade.

iOS 16.2—Advanced Data Protection

Apple’s iOS 16.2 will see the debut of a new feature called Advanced Data Protection, which sees end-to-end encryption expanded out to more iCloud categories—including iCloud Backup, Notes, and Photos.

The expansion of end-to-end encryption in iOS 16.2 means no party has access to your data within this expanded list of categories, including the government and Apple itself. The information is also protected if there is an iCloud data breach.

If you are in the U.S., you can access this new iOS 16.2 feature straight away; you just need to opt in. The rest of the world can enjoy it at the start of 2023.

Ivan Krstić, Apple’s head of security engineering and architecture, describes the feature: “Advanced Data Protection is Apple’s highest level of cloud data security, giving users the choice to protect the vast majority of their most sensitive iCloud data with end-to-end encryption so that it can only be decrypted on their trusted devices.”

Apple also announced it will allow wider use of security keys starting next year—a feature I’m very much looking forward to.

iOS 16.2—New AirDrop settings improve privacy

Apple’s AirDrop has always been a handy feature for quick data transfers, but it’s not that secure or private by default, if it’s set to “Everyone.” Currently, if you haven’t changed this AirDrop setting, anyone can request to share with you.

Not anymore with iOS 16.2, as Apple has replaced “Everyone” with a new setting called “Everyone for 10 minutes.” The new iOS 16.2 setting means after 10 minutes, AirDrop will revert back to Contacts Only.

iOS 16.2 could include a brilliant new security feature

Last and certainly not least—iOS 16.2 could include a brilliant new security feature that enables Apple to drop iPhone updates on the fly. Using Rapid Security Response, Apple is able to deliver important security updates to iPhones without you having to wait for a proper software update. If it works, this could ensure your device is protected from all the latest threats in the most timely way possible.

When will iOS 16.2 arrive?

So when will iOS 16.2 arrive? It looks like the new iPhone update will be released this week; possibly today or tomorrow. Keep an eye on my page, check for the update, and apply it on your iPhone Settings > General > Software Update.