WWDC 2022 is just weeks away. Here's everything we want Apple to add and fix in its next big iPhone update.
The next major version of the iPhone's software will likely be called iOS 16 and debut at Apple's annual Worldwide Developers Conference in early June. Apple is expected to share previews of iOS 16, iPadOS 16, WatchOS 9, MacOS and other software. We're most excited about the next version of iOS since it usually includes a few impressive changes for the iPhone.
Rumors for iOS 16 are relatively sparse, which is typical for unreleased Apple software. So it will truly be a surprise to see what new iOS features are revealed.
The last three versions of iOS have been similar. iOS 15 feels like a riff of iOS 14 which felt like a continuation of iOS 13. Any visual changes are able to be turned on-and-off instead of being forced onto your iPhone. For example, if you don't like home screen widgets or Focus mode, you don't have to use them. Even if you opt out of the more conspicuous changes, running iOS 15 brings a bunch of background improvements to keep your iPhone running smoothly and securely. And that will likely be the case with iOS 16.
iOS 15 has been out for seven months and the operating system has been relatively stable with very few bugs. Some features, such as Universal Control and SharePlay, took a while to roll out but everything seems to be up and running now. iOS 16 will likely continue where iOS 15 leaves off, adding new features to its existing design.
But that doesn't mean there aren't things Apple needs to add or improve. My colleagues and I came up with a list of improvements, additions and fixes that we'd like Apple to make for iOS 16. Some are big, like adding support for the Apple Pencil, and others are small but significant, like giving home screen widgets more functionality. We'll have to wait until June to see what Apple actually does.
iOS 16: The Photos app needs copy and paste for edits
We use iPhones to take photos and videos all the time, and editing photos is just as satisfying as taking them. Most people's place to edit is the iPhone's Photos app: The interface is straightforward, and there are an abundance of tools for getting the exact look you want.
But the MacOS version of the Photos app has one useful feature that would improve editing on the iPhone: the ability to copy and paste edits between photos. This is especially helpful when you take several photos at the same place, such as at a restaurant or party. Since all of the photos were taken under the same lighting and conditions, you can just edit one photo and then copy and paste those adjustments to the others.Instead, in iOS 15, you're left making those adjustments one-by-one for each photo on the iPhone. It's tedious.
In iOS 16, it would be great to see a similar copy and paste feature on the iPhone. We'd give iOS 16 bonus points if the edits you made in the Photos app on the Mac could be applied to the Photos app on the iPhone, and vice versa. But, one step at a time.