For the iPhone iOS 16

The iPhone is about to get an overhaul, and it won't cost you a penny to upgrade. iOS 16, due for release this autumn, is a free upgrade and it's packed with exciting new features that get the most from your Apple smartphone.

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The Lock Screen

No one pays too much attention to the iPhone lock screen these days. It's just there, whenever your phone is locked and needs a passcode or a biometric to open it. Sure, it gives you the time and date, a few recent notices and easy access to the Camera app or Torch feature, but it that's all it's good for. But all this is going to change in iOS 16.

The new operating system offers a complete overhaul for the iPhone's lock screen. A new multilayered effect makes the subjects of photo wallpapers sit in front of the time, offering a sense of depth. If you press and hold the lock screen you get a screen selector, where you can swipe left and right through lock screen presets and screens you've already created. Tap a screen to set it as your lock screen, or tap Customise to edit it. Apple Watch owners will be very familiar with this feature.

Tapping Customise takes you to the editor, where you can swipe to try out different styles that automatically change the colour filter, background and the font and colours used to display the time. You can also add widgets to your lock screen, selectable through the widget gallery. Widgets collate information gleaned from iOS apps, and present them on your lock screen where they can be seen without unlocking your iPhone. A Calendar widget might offer upcoming events, for example, and Weather might show the current temperature at your location. Third-party developers can create widgets for their own apps too.