Here’s what’s new and great in iOS 16 beta 4

As we get closer to the eventual release of the iOS 16 update, Apple is still releasing beta software to help developers prepare for what’s to come. To that end, we have a new beta release today, as well as some new features and changes to the pre-release software.

As usual, Apple is making the necessary changes to give developers the platform and tools they need to prepare their apps for the launch of iOS 16 later this year. However, most of the new additions and features will be available for public launch right at launch. However, this time there is one important note.

And it will be with the ActivityKit beta released today. The API and platform are needed by developers to support the Live Activity feature for the lock screen, which will be launched at some point in the future. But Apple has already said that live action won’t be available to the end user when iOS 16 initially launches this fall, but will be available with a subsequent software update for the platform at a later date.

However, Apple is allowing developers to test the infrastructure and feature ahead of time, which will hopefully mean that by the time the feature goes live, many apps will support it right out of the gate.

Anyway, here’s what’s new in iOS 16 Developer Beta 4.

New features and other changes in iOS 16 dev beta 4

• ActivityKit Beta: As we detailed in a previous post, Apple has made it possible for developers to try out the new Live Activity feature for the iOS 16 lock screen. This feature will allow users to follow real-time information, including food delivery, order status, and sports results.
• Messages: Apple has tweaked the undo and edit features in iMessages. The new time limit for unsending messages has been reduced from 15 minutes to 2 minutes. Along with this, messages can be edited up to five times, and each change is visible to another person in the conversation.
• Mail: You can now change the amount of time you have to unsend an email in Apple’s default Mail app.
• CarPlay: New wallpaper options have been added to CarPlay.
• Continuity Camera: Apple has tweaked and improved the Continuity Camera, a feature available in iOS 16 and macOS Ventura. There is now a new dedicated button to enable desktop mode. There is also a new popup that will explain what Desk View is.
• Now playing: This has been changed on the lock screen to offer better graphics and more legible fonts.
• Music app: When adjusting the volume, the volume bar will increase as the volume increases.
• Home: There are a couple of new wallpapers to choose from.

There are other minor changes as well, but these are the main highlights found so far.

iOS 16, along with other major platform updates, will be released later this fall.