Apple today seeded the fourth beta of iOS 16 to developers for testing. The latest beta contains a handful of new features and changes involving the Messages app, the Home app, the Mail app, lock screen notifications, CarPlay, and more.
iOS 16 is currently in beta for developers and members of Apple’s free public beta testing program, and the software update will be released to all users with an iPhone 8 or newer in September. A second public beta of iOS 16 will likely be released next week to coincide with today’s fourth developer beta.
We’ve outlined new features and notable changes in iOS 16 beta 4 below. Thanks to Steve Moser and @AppleSWUpdates for their contributions.
iMessage Edit/Undo sends changes
You can now tap the small “Edited” label below an edited iMessage bubble to see the original version of the message and any other previous edits. Additionally, iMessages can now only be edited a total of five times before the “Edit” option disappears.
While there’s still a 15-minute window to edit an iMessage, Apple has reduced the time limit for undoing an iMessage to two minutes after delivery.
Live Activity API
Apple has released ActivityKit in beta, allowing developers to start testing the Live Activities feature on the lock screen in their apps in iOS 16 beta. For now, apps that implement the feature will only be available through TestFlight.
Live Activities will provide real-time visual information on the lock screen. For example, a sports application may allow the user to initiate a live activity for a live sports game. In this scenario, the live activity would appear on the lock screen for the duration of the game and provide the latest updates about the game at a glance.
Apple says that Live Activities will not be included in the initial released version of iOS 16, with the feature to be enabled in an update later this year, perhaps iOS 16.1. At that time, apps that offer Live Activities will be available in the App Store.
New wallpapers in the Home app
The fourth beta of iOS 16 adds new Wildflowers and Architectural wallpapers to choose from in the Home app, along with existing wallpapers.
New Time Limits for Undoing Mailing
In the Mail app in iOS 16, it’s possible to stop sending an email briefly in the Mail app. In the first three betas, the time limit for unsending an email was 10 seconds, but the fourth beta gives users options of 10, 20, or 30 seconds.
Lock screen notification settings
Apple has improved the look of the lock screen notification options in the Settings app. In the fourth beta of iOS 16, Apple now includes images that preview the Count, Sack, and List options of how lock screen notifications are displayed.
New lock screen customization interface
Apple has revamped the interface by customizing the lock screen, with options for colors, gradients, photos and more at the bottom.
Bolder music player on lock screen
Apple has updated the music player on the lock screen with bolder elements.
New wallpapers for CarPlay
A static version of the iOS 16 iPhone wallpaper for CarPlay is now available, with multi-colored, blue, and gray options to choose from.
Other Changes
If you spot any other changes, let us know in the comments section.