Apple iPadOS 16.2 Update For iPads Brings Freeform App, Improved Stage Manager

After weeks of testing, Apple has finally released the iPadOS 16.2 update for iPads. Apart from all the features that are included in the iOS 16.2 update for iPhones, iPadOS 16.2 gets an additional feature that lets external displays be used with the Stage Manager feature on iPads. Other new features include the Freeform app, improved data protection, Apple Music Sing, and tracking notifications for unidentified AirTags. Let us have a look at what’s new with iPadOS 16.2 and the iPads that are eligible to get the update.

Apple iPadOS 16.2 Update: New Features

The iPadOS 16.2 update brings Apple’s new Freeform app. It is a collaborative and brainstorming app that is great for students, designers, and all kinds of workers. It has a flexible white canvas where you can draw, write text, add images, and even stick files. Files can be viewed inline without a need to open them in a separate app. These Freeform Boards can be shared with others and see real-time progress on the document. The app syncs with iCloud, so you don’t need to worry about data and stay synced on all Apple devices at all times.

The improved Stage Manager feature, which is coming with the iPadOS 16.2 update, allows you to use an external monitor with its original resolution (up to 5K resolution) and aspect ratio. It means that you can move over some windows from your iPad’s display to the external monitor when the Stage Manager multitasking feature is activated. However, this feature is only limited to iPads with the M1 (or better) processor.

The new update also brings Apple Music Sing to iPads. The new karaoke-like feature allows you to reduce the volume of the original artist and sing along. You can also mix and match the music and the artist’s audio. Other new features include end-to-end encryption for more iCloud data categories, including iCloud Backups, Notes, and Photos. The Apple TV and Weather apps have also improved. Apple TV now shows bigger previews, while the Weather app only shows news articles related to a particular location.

Apple has also improved the search functionality within the Messages app. It lets you search for images by simply describing them. The company has also improved the Home app to improve the efficiency and performance of smart home connections. AirDrop’s ‘Everyone’ feature will be disabled automatically after ten minutes and downgraded to ‘Contacts Only.’ The SharePlay feature now works with Game Centre, which means you can play multiplayer games while being on an audio or video call with your family members or friends.

iPads are also getting alerts for unidentified AirTags that are found traveling with the device. So users can know when an unknown AirTag is tracking them. The Shortcuts app can now check an iPad’s battery charge level and whether the device is connected to a charger or getting charged. The update also fixes over 30 security vulnerabilities.

Apple also released the iOS 16.2 update for iPhones, watchOS 9.2 update for Apple Watches, macOS 13.1 update for Macs, and the tvOS 16.2 update for Apple TVs.