8 iOS 16 features that Apple kept silent about at the presentation

June 6 as part of WWDC 2022 submitted iOS 16 is the next major system update that will be available to iPhone users this fall. At the presentation, Apple revealed a lot of cool update chips, but a lot of useful stuff was left behind the scenes. Here's what you might have missed if you only watched the official announcement.

1. Support for Nintendo Switch controllers

Empirically, we managed to find out that the joycons and Pro Controller from the popular set-top box now work with the iPhone. At the same time, the smartphone is able to perceive the left and right joysticks both separately and together in the combined gamepad mode. Recall that support for controllers from the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X appeared in iOS 14.5.

2. Protect hidden folders with photos

Apple has added additional protection for the Hidden and Recently Deleted folders in the stock Photos app. After the update, you will need to unlock your smartphone with Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode to access content. You can disable this feature if you wish.

3. Search for duplicate photos

Another innovation of the Photos app is the automatic detection of duplicate photos and videos. They will be available in a separate "Duplicates" folder under the "Albums" tab. Here you can merge all copies into one file: the system will select the highest quality image or video and save geolocation data, signature and other additions.

4. Face ID in landscape mode

You can now scan your face even if you do not hold your smartphone vertically. It is noteworthy that this feature seems to be available only to iPhone 13 users: even on the iPhone 12, it cannot be made to work.

5. Security patches can now be installed separately

Starting with iOS 16, users will no longer have to immediately install new versions of iOS, risking bugs. Now the system allows you to install security updates independently of system updates. In iOS 16, this setting is called "Install system files and data" and is located in "General" → "Software Update" → "Auto Update".

6. View Wi-Fi password

A feature that was missing for users who come to guests not from the iPhone: you can’t share the password via AirDrop, just like you can’t see it. Now this has finally been fixed: you can view the password for the network you are currently connected to by clicking on the "Password" item in the settings. Authentication using biometric sensors or a password will be required.

7. Separate settings item for AirPods

In iOS 15, to access the headphone settings, you need to open the Bluetooth section and click on the icon to the right of the device name. Now the life of AirPods users will become more convenient: the desired item opens in one click.

8. Keyboard tactile feedback

Surprisingly, a feature that many third-party keyboards offer has not yet been implemented in the standard one. In iOS 16, it will finally be possible to feel a slight vibration when typing. Judging by the beta, the feature will be disabled by default, but anyone can enable the response in the settings.

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A complete (and very impressive) list of innovations can be found at Apple website.