Lock Screen Widgets

iOS 16 introduces a revamped Lock Screen that features widgets similar to the complications found on the Apple Watch. These widgets come in three different visual formats: Circular, Inline, and Rectangular.

Additionally, widgets can adopt one of three color styles: full color, accented (single color), and vibrant (transparent). On iPhones, the vibrant style is the only option, adapting its tint according to the wallpaper.

Utilizing WidgetKit within SwiftUI, these widgets can be seamlessly shared between your iOS and Apple Watch applications.

Watch the video for insights into how software design evolved under Steve Jobs, focusing on Apple's design principles.

Live Activities

Another notable feature introduced on the Lock Screen is Live Activities. These are dynamic widgets that provide real-time updates throughout the day—ideal for monitoring music playback, timers, sports scores, or even the status of your Starbucks order. They can also include animations to enhance visibility.

Currently, Live Activities are not available but are expected to be included in a future iOS 16 update.

Messages Collaboration API

The new Messages Collaboration API allows you to designate a link in your application as collaborative. When shared through Messages, users can instantly begin collaborating on the content.

Apple’s examples include collaborating on a Pages document, browsing together in Safari, or editing a Keynote presentation. The updated share sheet indicates whether a document or link is collaborative, and any updates will be communicated through the Messages app.

Learn how to design like Apple in this video, which guides you through Apple’s design language.

App Intents

Previously, users had to manually add your app to Siri if it supported Shortcuts. With iOS 16, Siri integration is now automatic when using app intents, eliminating the need for the “Add to Siri” button.

This new feature will make Siri shortcuts readily available in the system, enhancing user accessibility. They will also appear in Spotlight search results.

Passkeys

Apple aims to eliminate passwords with Passkeys, offering a more secure login method. Passkeys reside on your device and cannot be leaked or shared. When creating an account, users no longer need to set a password; a secure Passkey is automatically generated and synced across all Apple devices.

For those logging in from different devices, a QR code can be scanned and confirmed with FaceID, maintaining security while facilitating ease of access.

RoomPlan and Focus Filters

RoomPlan allows users to scan spaces using ARKit to create 3D models of rooms. By walking through a room, the app can automatically recognize and classify features like doors, windows, and furniture.

Focus Filters enhance the Focus Modes introduced in iOS 15, allowing apps to modify their interface based on the user's Focus setting. For instance, when Work Focus is activated, the mail app could be configured to show only work-related accounts.

MapKit and WeatherKit

New capabilities in MapKit allow developers to integrate detailed 3D city experiences into their applications, facilitating precise location displays.

The WeatherKit framework now enables developers to incorporate extensive weather data, such as 10-day forecasts, directly into their apps.

Live Text and SF Symbols 4.0

Building on the Live Text feature from iOS 15, Apple is broadening its capabilities for developers. The Live Text API allows users to extract information from images or paused videos, providing several quick action options.

SF Symbols 4.0 has been enhanced with over 4000 icons and now supports variable colors, allowing for greater customization of icons.

Push to Talk and Shared with You

A new API introduces a walkie-talkie-like feature that enables users to communicate within apps without needing to keep the app open.

Shared with You has been expanded to allow developers to integrate this feature into their apps, automatically displaying shared content in a designated section.

Swift Charts and Human Interface Guidelines

Apple is adding a Charts framework to SwiftUI, enabling the easy incorporation of accessible charts into applications.

This year, Apple has also redesigned their Human Interface Guidelines, providing new sections and updated content to assist developers in creating user-friendly app experiences.

For further updates from WWDC, including improvements to Safari Push Notifications, Screen Time API, App Clips, and SwiftUI enhancements, stay tuned for more announcements.

Thanks for reading! For questions or feedback, feel free to reach out to me on Twitter @nielsboey.