iOS 16.1 Beta 1 Released: Battery Percentage Support Available for Older Models, Green Energy Charging Added

Apple recently released its first iOS 16.1 beta, and it brings some improvements to existing features, adds features for previously unsupported devices, and adds features that were promised at the WWDC 2022 developer event back in June. Those interested should keep in mind that the features mentioned below are still in beta testing, which means there is no guarantee that they will appear in the final release of iOS 16.1. Users hoping to try out the 16.1 beta 1 update should also keep in mind that the current update is only available to registered developers, and the stable update could be released next month.

It is worth noting that according to XDA Developersthe iOS 16.1 update will break the software update mechanism, so general users are discouraged from trying it until Apple fixes it.

Here is a list of new features and changes in iOS 16.1:

Battery indicator

Apple has finally added a battery percentage indicator to the status bar on all iPhone models such as iPhone XR, iPhone 11, iPhone 12 mini and later iPhone 13 mini. In an earlier report, we were unable to understand why this long-awaited feature never made it to older devices, and it’s still unclear why it did. The good news is that iOS 16.1 beta 1 is adding a battery percentage feature to these devices.

Report MacRumors confirms that the latest beta added indicator support on older models. The percentage indicator was removed with the release of the iPhone X and the introduction of a display cutout that houses the TrueDepth camera required to unlock iPhone models that use Apple’s Face ID 3D authentication system. Apple fixed the issue somewhat by introducing the new Dynamic Island on the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone Pro Max models. The software feature displays notifications with an animated bubble around the updated TrueDepth camera and changes shape based on the notification or content being displayed. But for all iPhone 14 Plus and below, the battery percentage display is a long-awaited feature that has finally arrived.

Fundamentals of matter

Matter is a new smart home standard that basically aims to connect to all types of devices from different brands and platforms (including Apple, Samsung, Google and Amazon). In iOS 16.1 Beta 1 release notes we’ve finally begun to see Apple support Matter-compatible home accessories. Everything is in its early stages, and that includes support for pairing Matter home accessories as well as their integration with Apple Home. We should expect to see more updates in future releases.

Charging with clean energy

The clean energy charging mode was unheard of until it first appeared in the official Press release during the release of iOS 16. Apple mentioned that it is “aiming to reduce the iPhone’s carbon footprint by optimizing charge times when the grid uses cleaner energy sources.” It appears to be a more efficient way to charge your iPhone, but it will only be available in the US for now. If available, the toggle will appear in the Settings app under Battery.

Apple Wallet can be deleted

First reported 9to5MaciOS 16.1 beta 1 allows users to uninstall the Wallet app. This can be useful for users in India who can currently only use the Wallet app to save passes and tickets (again from supported third party apps). Since Apple Pay hasn’t arrived in India yet, iOS 16.1 users will finally be able to completely uninstall the app.

Live activity, small changes

The Live Activity API has also been added, which will allow developers to implement support for Apple Live Activity notifications that appear at the bottom of the lock screen and display information about live activities such as navigation routes, food delivery, rideshare information, and more. as part of the latest beta. Other minor changes include a new icon that shows the connected headphones icon instead of the AirPlay icon. There’s also a slightly redesigned menu when saving or deleting a screenshot, which now has icons next to each option. Users can also personalize the lock screen faster by displaying lock screen and desktop customization options after tapping and holding the lock screen to view the customization menu.