Apple launches iOS 16.1, iPadOS 16.1, watchOS 9.1, tvOS 16.1 and macOS 13 Ventura

Apple last night released the final versions for iPadOS 16.1, iOS 16.1, watchOS 9.1 and tvOS 16.1, along with a major new version of macOS, the new macOS 13 Ventura. Probably the biggest news Apple is bringing in these releases is in iPadOS and macOS, as they are just now debuting on these devices, while the other releases are minor updates that fix issues from the original versions released in September. Here’s what’s new with all these new operating systems from Apple.

iPadOS 16.1 – multitasking on tablets

Probably the most anticipated update on this list is iPadOS 16.1, which introduces advanced multitasking on higher-end iPad tablets. Tablets equipped with M1 and M2 processors (Air and Pro), along with 2018 and 2020 Pro models, get Stage Manager, a new interface that allows multiple windows to be displayed simultaneously on the screen. While not released in the first version, the Stage Manager interface will even allow display on an external screen, bringing the iPad experience closer to that of a desktop.

Elsewhere, iPadOS gets iOS 16 features like the iCloud Shared Photo Library in the Photos app, the ability to schedule or unschedule emails in the Mail app, or editing messages in iMessage. These are mostly minor updates, but they add to the user experience with added functionality.

iOS 16.1 – small improvements

Even though iOS 16 has already brought many new capabilities to the iPhone, along with Dynamic Island, version 16.1 introduces Live Activities, a kind of notifications that can be constantly updated during display, the ability to use Fitness+ without an Apple Watch, the ability to share virtual keys via Apple Wallet between users, as well as support for Matter, the new standard for smart home devices.

watchOS 9.1 – better battery life

The update for Apple Watch, watchOS 9.1, gets a few extra optimizations over last month’s version: it can reduce the frequency of GPS and heart rate sensor updates on Watch 8, SE 2 and Ultra for improved battery life, but it can also download music locally when the watch isn’t charging. Matter is also added.

tvOS 16.1 – support for Matter

The update for tvOS is a minor one. It can be used as a smart home hub, Apple has also added support for Matter in and on the Home app, while Siri gets a new design. Fitness+ running on it no longer requires an Apple Watch.

macOS 13 Ventura – new interface, Continuity Camera and gaming on Mac

The operating system for Mac computers is also an important one. Stge Manager is also introduced on the desktop, with the ability to organise windows more easily, along with some important new features.

One of them is Continuity Camera, which can use the camera on an iPhone as a webcam. The connection is completely wireless and works very well since beta. You can use both the fixed main camera and the ultrawide camera for various effects. For example, you can turn on Center Stage, which follows the subject in frame, or Desk View, which lets you display items on your desktop. Of course, Portrait mode, which bluescreens elements around the subject, is also offered. Continuity Camera can be used on all applications that use a camera.

Mail, Photos and Messages apps get the same features as iOS 16 and iPadOS 16.1. Apple also talks about a new focus on gaming, with the introduction of the Metal 3 API. On Friday, February 28, the Mac App Store will get Resident Evil Village, a AAA title from Capcom released last year on PC and consoles. This should be the first in a series of AAA titles coming to the Mac, thanks to the power of Apple’s Silicon processors. It remains to be seen if other developers will adopt this platform in the future.