iOS 16.2 and macOS 13.1 have been released with new collaboration features and other updates

Apple has released the final versions of macOS 13.1, iOS 16.2 and iPadOS 16.2 to the public after a few weeks of beta testing. In addition to standard bug fixes and security patches, these updates include the Freeform collaborative app announced at the Worldwide Developers Conference in June, Increased use of end-to-end encryption for iCloud dataand (for iPhones) karaoke-compatible volume downgrade Apple Music Sing Property.

Freeform uses your AppleID and iCloud to sync changes to a large board between multiple users in real time. Input can include written text, images, files, documents, shapes, handwritten text, or images created with Apple Pencil, creating something similar in appearance to a shared note or document but with greater input flexibility. Users can share multiple boards with different groups of people and communicate in real time via Messages or FaceTime.

Grouped under the “Advanced Data Protection” banner, the additions to iCloud’s encryption expand the service’s use of end-to-end encryption. Hardware backups for iPhone and iPad can be fully encrypted, as can bookmarks and data in Safari from photos, notes, voice memos, reminders, shortcuts and app wallets. Mail and calendar data remain unencrypted “due to the need to interact with global email, contacts, and calendar systems.”

Advanced data protection also includes support for two-factor authentication physical keys, as well as key verification for iMessage contacts so people with private conversations can be sure they’re talking to the person they think they’re talking to.

Like the Lockdown Mode feature introduced in iOS 16 and macOS Ventura, advanced data protection features are turned off by default and should be turned on after an update. When it’s enabled, you can also designate an emergency contact and generate a recovery key if your account is locked out, since Apple won’t have the encryption key and won’t be able to help you recover your data any other way.

For owners of older devices, Apple has provided security updates for macOS Monterey and Big Sur (12.6.2 And 11.7.2respectively) as well as a separate update for Safari 16.2. It is possible to install older devices that cannot be updated to iOS 16 iOS 15.7.2which includes many of the security-only updates included in iOS 16.2.

Apple has also released software updates for most of its other products: watchOS 9.2 adds a few new workouts and “improves” crash detection on devices that support it; tvOS 16.2 includes Apple Music Sing support for the latest Apple TV 4K and video previews for Apple TV+ programs; HomePod 16.2 software update adds “performance and stability improvements” and supports “new infrastructure” for the Home app.