Apple has confirmed that iPadOS 16.1 and macOS Ventura will become available for download on October 24.
Public launches of the final software will also see the release of the iPhone-focused iOS 16.1 update, which includes a bunch of new features that Apple had held back from the original launch.
Apple also decided to keep iPadOS 16.1 (while skipping iPadOS 16 altogether) until October to end key features like Stage Manager, which proved problematic during the development stages. iPadOS 16.1 also includes new features such as full support for an external display, desktop apps, and a new reference mode.
It was the first time Apple had split the iPhone and iPad operating systems into separate release schedules, but they should meet again next Monday, with both iOS 16.1 and iPadOS 16.1 releasing.
macOS Ventura also includes a multitasking feature, Stage Manager, which explains why it won’t be available until late October as well. Once the new operating systems are released, Apple will have completed its major 2022 software updates.
However, iOS 16.1 will also include a bunch of new features for iPhone users. The release filter, shared with developers today, includes support for the shared iCloud Photo Library feature previewed earlier this year, as well as the recently announced Apple Card high-interest savings account option.
iOS 16.1 also provides access to the Live Activity API to bring sports scores and more to your lock screen, key-sharing in the Apple Wallet app, support for the Matter smart home connectivity standard, and eco-friendly Clean Power charging. The latter is designed to optimize the charging of your device at times when the network may be using electricity with lower carbon emissions. iOS 16.1 will also bring support for Apple Fitness+, even if an iPhone owner doesn’t have an Apple Watch to track their workouts.
Overall, it’s a very important update for the early cycle of iPhone owners with a bunch of fun new features. I hope iOS 16.1 sorts out battery life concerns on your iPhone 12 Pro Max, which has been draining faster since downloading iOS 16 last month. However, nothing in the release notes indicates that battery improvements are on the way.