iOS 16.2, macOS 13.1, iPadOS 16.2, watchOS 9.2, tvOS 16.2, HomePod 16.2 released with Freeform, enhanced encryption, and more!

Today Apple released significant updates across all of their OSes. These updates include bug fixes, refinements, and a few new features. The headliner feature is Freeform, which Apple demoed at WWDC. It's a collaborative whiteboard app built on iCloud and it's pretty slick (though the app icon fits the decor of a shopping mall in 1993).

Apple's new Freeform app, available on Mac, iPhone, and iPad, allows you to create a whiteboard and even collaborate. Best used with an Apple Pencil, but not required.

Apple now allows you to encrypt almost all of your data so that even if there was a data breach on the iCloud servers, it would be nearly impossible for anyone to access it. You can only enable this feature if every device connected to your account is running this latest software.

These updates include

• End-to-end encryption options for most iCloud content (requires all devices connected to your account to be running today's software, including HomePods and Apple TVs).
• Apple Music Sing allows you to remove vocals on newer devices
• Medication reminder Lock Screen widgets
• Ability to disable wallpaper or notifications on your iPhone 14 Pro always-on display
• Sports Scores will show continual score updates for followed games on your lock screen using Live Activities
• Live Activities have an option for more frequent updates, at the cost of using more power
• Ability to report an unintentional 911 call to Apple so they can reduce the number of accidental calls
• An optional updated way for HomeKit Hubs to communicate, resulting in faster and more reliable home automation responses
• 5G support in India
• Apple Watch includes lots of new improvements such as Race Route which allows you to compete with your own previous runs, information about a running track if you start a workout at one, and kickboxing workouts.

Other updates

Additionally, Apple released:

• Safari 16.2 for macOS Big Sur and Monterey
• macOS Big Sur 12.6.2 with security fixes
• macOS Monterey 11.7.2 with security fixes
• iOS/iPadOS 15.7.2 with security fixes for older devices that are unable to upgrade to iOS 16 such as iPhone 7, 6s, and SE (first-gen)