Apple today released the release candidates of iOS 16.2 and iPadOS 16.2 updates to developers. The release candidates come just under one week following the fourth iOS 16.2 and iPadOS 16.2 betas.
The release candidate builds are available to developers through the Apple Developer Center or over the air on devices with the proper configuration installed.
Today’s RC brings opt-in end-to-end encryption to additional iCloud features, with the feature coming to all U.S. users with the launch of iOS 16.2 and iPadOS 16.2. Advanced Data Protection for iCloud adds end-to-end encryption for iCloud Backup, Notes, Photos, iCloud Drive, and more. The only iCloud categories not covered by end-to-end encryption include iCloud Mail, Contacts, and Calendar.
iOS 16.2 and iPadOS 16.2 both debut the Freeform app, which can be used for sketching projects, drawing, brainstorming, mood boards, and more. Multiple users can collaborate on the same Freeform board, all changes are synced for all users in real-time.
The iPadOS update brings external display support to Stage Manager, allowing up to eight apps to be used simultaneously. External display support is now available for M1 and M2 iPad models.
Apple has added a new Home app architecture coming in iOS and iPadOS 16.2, which Apple says is designed to bring faster, more reliable performance, especially in homes with a lot of smart home accessories.
The update also brings a new Sleep widget for the iOS 16 Lock Screen. The Sleep widget uses data stored in the Health app, which is collected by the Apple Watch or other sleep-tracking devices.