Apple releases iOS 16.1 update with Live Activity and Matter support

American Apple Corporation introduced iOS 16.1 update, which added a number of new features. New features include Live Activity for viewing events on the lock screen, an iCloud shared library for the whole family, and support for the Matter standard to connect smart devices around the house.

Thanks to the Live Activity function, the user will be able to follow some events on the lock screen of the smartphone, for example, to see the remaining time until the delivery of food from a restaurant or find out the score of a sports match. This feature is most fully implemented in the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max, which have the Always-On Display function, which allows you to display part of the information on the screen of a locked phone in sleep mode.

You can also merge your iCloud library with other users. Thanks to this feature, it will be much easier to share with familiar photos – access to the library can be allowed for up to six people. Each of those who have received access will be able to upload their photos to the library.

With support for the Matter standard, iPhone will now be able to manage a connected network of smart devices in the home. For the first time, you will be able to uninstall the Wallet app and Fitness+ will work without an Apple Watch. Apple Card holders will be able to open a savings account.

Evgeny Fedunenko