iOS is one of the best operating systems you can find anywhere. One of the reasons is because it’s native to Apple, hence, there’s the flexibility of change. If you use an iPhone, you can testify to how smooth the iOS can be. The newest update – iOS 16 – has been announced and has some very exciting additions and upgrades from the iOS 15.
In this post, I’ll take you through all these iOS 16 updates and what I think about some of them. Read through and let me know your thoughts too.
iOS 16 Updates
New Lock Screen & Focus Filters
The iPhone is getting new lock screens with the iOS 16. Apple understands how personal the lock screen is for a lot of people and has provided ways to make it even more personalized. In the new lock screen, you can customize it by changing the photo filters, background colors, editing time fonts, and adding new widgets.
This is important as you can now have a lot more information at a glance. If you added a calendar widget to the screen, for example, you can see what upcoming meetings or events you have without unlocking your iPhone and opening the Calendar app. It’s exciting, to say the least.
Based on the Focus modes that were announced with the iOS 15, Apple has made it easier to attach the lock screen to a Focus mode. So, you can have various pictures on your lock screen that are connected to a Focus mode. An example is a picture of your family when you’re in Personal mode, or a picture of your workspace when you’re in work mode. This helps set your mood in the right mode.
These Focus Filters also work with Safari where you only see tabs related to work while you’re in work mode and so on. Very exciting!
Edit and Unsend Messages
Did you wish you could edit an embarrassing typo or delete a message entirely after it had already been sent? Well, your wish has come through. You can now edit messages and delete them with the Messages app. Also, you can mark any thread as Unread if you’ll prefer to respond later.
These updates bring a lot more flexibility to the Messages app on iOS. Think about the level of flexibility you have with Instagram chats where you can quickly delete a message before the recipient sees it. It’s the same here.
SharePlay in Real-Time
How to Share Your Screen With SharePlay on iPhone During FaceTime Apple introduced SharePlay with iOS 15 to let users create shared experiences with their friends and family. You could watch TV shows and movies together, listen to stories, play games, or even work out together. Now, you can easily discover all of these experiences from within your FaceTime app. With just one app, you can jump into SharePlay-supported apps that you already have on your phone or discover new experiences. SharePlay is now also available on the Messages app.
Accessibility is an important thing with these features. And it’s great that Apple is making SharePlay more accessible. See a list of apps that support SharePlay . SharePlay in Messages app is a game-changer. When you find something you want to share, you can kick it off right there and enjoy it together while texting the person on the other end.
Dictation
A new on-device Dictation experience has been introduced that lets you fluidly move between voice and touch. Hence, you can select text using touch and replace it with your voice. If you’re sending a longer message, Dictation automatically adds punctuation marks to make your message readable and can also add emojis when you say them. These new experiences also work when you send messages with Siri.
This is a very exciting update, especially with the Apps Intents API that makes it easier for users to work with Siri shortcuts without manually setting them up.
Live Text in Video
Apple released LiveText to enable users to interact with text in their photos. So you could select text from your camera to Safari, Notes, and screenshots. Live Text is now available with videos. you can simply pause a video and interact with the text in it. This is groundbreaking. You can also automatically convert currency and translate from Live Text.
Imagine a developer who’s watching a tutorial and can pause the video to select and copy the code samples from his tutor. This is an extremely useful feature. Live Text can now also be used in the Translate app.
Wallet Update
You can now securely share your ID with apps that require identity and age verification using Wallets. The good thing is Apple will not share your exact date of birth with these apps. They’ll just let them know if you’re “over 21” or not. This takes the privacy discussions even further. You can access your home, car, hotel, and office with your iPhone wallet.
Sharing keys via wallet has become even easier. You can share keys over other apps like Messages, WhatsApp, Mail, and the recipient just needs to add the keys to their own wallet with a single tap and they’ll gain access. Amazing, isn’t it?
Apple Pay & Pay Later
You can now tap to pay on your iPhone as businesses can now accept contactless payments on their device. With this, businesses do not need any additional hardware or POS terminal to accept payments. Apple Pay now has a pay later feature that lets you split the cost of payment into 4 installments at no interest rate.
Apple Maps
Apple has redesigned the Maps experience. This is already available in 10 regions. There are new, great features like cycling, look around, and more. Apple pushed it even further with the new city experience with details for roads, land cover, and elevation. There’s also improved driving and transit navigation.
With the Apple Maps in iOS 16, you can now plan 15 stops in advance. This is made possible with the new feature called multistop routing. Maps will store previous routes so they’re easy to get back to. You can also use this feature by asking Siri to add routes while you drive.
With Transit, riders can see fares for how much their journeys will cost. This comes with the ability to add transit cards to Wallet. You can reload your cards without leaving Maps.
Sport News
With sports news, you can ask Siri for live game updates and information about players or teams. The Apple TV app , via live activity, brings you scores of games right on your lock screen. Also, follow your favorite teams and leagues to get up-to-date news in a new section called My Sports.
Family Sharing
With family sharing, you can share your favorite updates and subscriptions with up to 5 family members. These include Apple Music, iCloud+, and so on. If you have kids, It’s become easier to create accounts for them. And this comes with built-in parental controls. You can set age restrictions for apps, books, shows, and movies.
You can also share photos in one place with other people in your family. This is useful when experiences are captured by different people. iCloud Shared photo library lets all the photos be in one place where everyone can contribute to. Families that create experiences often and take pictures will love this one.
Safety Checks
Safety Check helps people quickly turn off others’ access to their devices. An example is someone escaping an abusive relationship and turning off access to their location. If you share passwords and access to your device with your partner, Safety Check can help you review and reset the access whenever you need to.
These are all mind-blowing updates that came to the iOS 16. If you want a summary of everything Apple announced at the WWDC 2022, check this post . Let us know what your thoughts are around these new updates that came to iOS 16 and which one stood out. For us, we think they’re superb!
Daniel Moses Oluwadanie is a tech writer based in Nigeria with extensive experience in mobile apps, social media, and fintech. At Dignited.com, he specializes in writing practical how-tos, smartphone reviews, and consumer tech news—helping readers make sense of the digital tools they use every day. With a finger on the pulse of Nigeria’s tech scene, Daniel delivers insights that are both timely and relatable.
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Talkio Mobile , Uganda’s newest telecommunications service provider, is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Banana Life Investments, a leading chain of mobile phone and retail shops. This strategic alliance aims to bring Talkio’s innovative telecom services closer to Ugandans.
This collaboration will leverage Banana Life Investments’ extensive retail network of 26 stores strategically located across Uganda in major malls, towns, and cities to provide customers with unparalleled convenience. Through this partnership, Talkio Mobile will offer its full suite of services, including SIM cards, airtime, and exclusive product offerings at any Banana Life Investment location.
This partnership is more than a business initiative—it’s a shared commitment to transforming lives. By integrating Talkio Mobile’s forward-thinking services & nationwide reach with Banana Life Investments’ retail footprint, the two brands are setting a new standard for customer convenience and inclusivity.
READ ALSO: 5 Things You Need to Know About Talkio Mobile: New Telecom Company in Uganda
“This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission of connecting Ugandans to innovative and transformative telecom solutions,” said Vianne Allan Ahura, CEO of Talkio Mobile. “By leveraging Banana Life Investments’ trusted presence and nationwide footprint, we are not only expanding our agent network but also bringing our services closer to the communities we serve. This collaboration ensures that our online customers can now enjoy a seamless offline experience right at their doorstep. Together, we are empowering Ugandans with the tools they need to stay connected, grow their businesses, and unlock new opportunities.”
Solomon Ssemuyaba, the assistant general manager at Banana Life Investments, echoed this sentiment: “We are proud to join hands with Talkio Mobile to deliver innovative, customer-centric solutions. This partnership represents our shared vision of fostering a connected future for Uganda. Together, we are redefining what convenience and accessibility mean for our customers.”
The partnership goes beyond retail distribution, introducing joint initiatives aimed at value addition and personalized service. Customers can expect seamless access to:
- SIM Card Sales : Available at all Banana Life Investments locations.
- Talkio phone number bookings : Book your preferred Talkio number at any Banana Life Investments location.
- Airtime Services : Recharge easily through in-store purchases.
- Customer Support : Friendly and knowledgeable staff trained to assist with Talkio Mobile products and services.
Additionally, the two companies plan to launch promotional campaigns and expand services to even more locations, ensuring no Ugandan is left behind in the digital transformation.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
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The Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona , the world’s largest exhibition for the mobile industry, has just concluded. This annual event gathers leading technology brands to unveil groundbreaking mobile, AI, and digital solutions innovations. At MWC 2025, TECNO showcased a range of AI-driven products, reinforcing its commitment to cutting-edge technology.
The key launches included:
- CAMON 40 Series – AI-powered smartphones with One-Tap FlashSnap and advanced mobile imaging features.
- MEGABOOK S14 – The world’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring AI-enhanced multitasking and Snapdragon® X Elite.
- MEGABOOK T14 Air & K15S – Lightweight ultrabooks with AI capabilities and extended battery life.
- TECNO AI Glasses Series – Smart eyewear integrating AI imaging, translation, and AR display.
Jan Stryjak, Associate Director at Counterpoint Research, shared, “In the past year, we have observed significant advancements in the field of AI. AI will continue to drive transformative changes in our daily lives. In this critical period for the economic development of emerging markets, TECNO’s AI technologies are unlocking potential for diverse needs.”
“The application of AI technologies is crucial and urgent in emerging markets. We’re committed to bridging the digital gap between emerging and mature markets,” said TECNO CMO, Laury Bai. “TECNO is taking a practical approach to make AI more accessible, ensuring users in emerging markets can access AI and cutting-edge technologies.”
Laury Bai, TECNO CMO
Driven by its commitment, TECNO has forged a robust partnership with MediaTek, establishing a joint AI laboratory dedicated to accelerating advancements in AI. At the event, James Chen, Vice President of Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek, emphasized, “The synergistic R&D efforts between TECNO and MediaTek are set to democratize AI technology. Our collaboration powers a seamless, interconnected AI experience, bringing users a future of truly connected intelligence.”
James Chen, Vice President, Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek
CAMON 40 Series Powered by AI One-Tap FlashSnap Revolutionizes Smartphone Snapshot Photography
TECNO’s Global Product Launch Officer, Olivier Mas, officially unveiled TECNO’s next-generation AI-driven products. Attendees at TECNO’s launch event witnessed the highly anticipated debut of TECNO’s new CAMON 40 Series, a device that embodies TECNO’s legacy of excellence in mobile imaging. Featuring One-Tap FlashSnap Mode and TECNO AI, the series sets a new benchmark in smartphone photography, delivering exceptional snapshot capabilities and AI-enhanced user experiences.
Olivier Mas, TECNO Global Product Launch Officer
The CAMON 40 Series exemplifies a commitment to innovation that transcends hardware and software, extending into strategic partnerships that deliver cutting-edge AI solutions to emerging markets. Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud, remarked, “Our collaboration with TECNO on the CAMON 40 Series is a standout example. Leveraging Google Cloud’s capabilities, we’ve introduced groundbreaking features such as Ask Ella, AI Image Generator, AI Writing, and AI Translate. I am particularly impressed by the industry-leading and competitive edge of some of these innovations. For instance, TECNO’s AI supports text translation in 136 languages, voice translation in 44 languages, and photo translation in 51 languages. We are excited to further strengthen our partnership with TECNO, unlocking limitless potential to bring advanced yet practical AI capabilities to emerging markets in a convenient and secure manner.”
Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud
The CAMON 40 Series’ innovative One-Tap FlashSnap leverages AI to enhance imaging capabilities, revolutionizing mobile photography. AI optimizes camera startup and continuous shooting for instant captures, while AI-powered multi-frame processing intelligently reduces noise and enhances details, delivering sharper, more refined images. Additionally, the BestMoment algorithm analyzes motion patterns, automatically selecting the optimal frames for precise, high-quality shots in dynamic scenarios, ensuring users an unparalleled mobile imaging experience.
TECNO CAMON 40 Demonstrates the Cutting-Edge FlashSnap Capability
To delve deeper into the imaging prowess of the CAMON 40 Series, TECNO invited Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK, to share the image performance of CAMON 40 Pro. Frédéric highlighted, “The CAMON 40 Pro 5G has demonstrated exceptional imaging and performance capabilities in our rigorous evaluations. We’ve been particularly impressed with photo performance being the best for devices under 600$, and the 1st eligible device to our Smart Choice Label.”
Onsite photo of Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK
Beyond its advanced rapid-capture functionality, the integration of TECNO AI further enhances the device’s capabilities. Intelligent imaging, a 360° AI Call Assistant, and productivity tools elevate creativity and efficiency. Powered by MediaTek’s latest chipsets, the series ensures smooth performance, fast processing, and extended battery life. With a sleek, durable, and water-resistant design, it seamlessly blends style with practicality for modern users.
MEGABOOK S14, the World’s Lightest 14-inch OLED Laptop, Inspires Creators and Game Lovers
The MEGABOOK S14 is TECNO’s first OLED laptop and the industry’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring a 2.8K OLED display and incredibly weighing only 899g (31.7oz). The laptop is equipped with the outstanding power of the Snapdragon® X Elite compute platform, the flagship chipset for AI PCs from Qualcomm Technologies, and integrates TECNO’s world’s first self-developed edge-side large-scale AI model, to achieve AI-enhanced multitasking.
World’s Lightest 14-inch Laptop MEGABOOK S14
Specifically designed for next-gen AI productivity, TECNO AI enhances the Ella AI Assistant, AI-powered PPT generation, AI-driven image search, smart albums, and offline meeting transcription with multilingual support. The External Graphics Dock, equipped with a powerful NVIDIA graphic card, delivers scalable, high-performance capabilities for design, gaming, and content creation. The laptop’s 2.8K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures exceptional visuals, while DTS:X Ultra dual 2W speakers, Wi-Fi 6E, fingerprint login, and PC Manager optimize connectivity and user experience.
TECNO’s strategic partnership with Qualcomm Technologies was a highlight of the TECNO AI Ecosystem Product Launch event, demonstrating a shared vision for the future of AI PCs. Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm, took the stage to discuss the integration of Qualcomm’s cutting-edge PC chipset into the new MEGABOOK S14 laptop, underscoring TECNO’s commitment to delivering high-performance computing solutions.
Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm
In addition, TECNO also introduced several standout new products. The featherlight 999g (35.2oz) ultrabook MEGABOOK T14 Air, features high-speed storage and LPDDR5 memory, while the ultra-thin, all-metal MEGABOOK K15S, equipped with a powerful 70Wh battery and supported by a 65W PD GaN charger, offers a smarter and more long-lasting user experience. Both devices are empowered by TECNO AI with advanced AI capabilities such as AI Album and AI Voice Assistant, making them perfect companions for all aspects of life.
The Next Game-Changing Tech Innovation: See the World with the TECNO AI Glasses Series
TECNO’s new AI Glasses Series also took center stage with the introduction of TECNO AI Glasses Pro and TECNO AI Glasses, reimagining eyewear with cutting-edge imaging, intelligent interactions, and a sleek aesthetic. The TECNO AI Glasses feature an aviator design, while the Pro model showcases a browline style, both embodying timeless elegance and modern fashion.
TECNO AI Glasses Redefine the Way People See the Future
Equipped with a 50MP high-definition camera, the series integrates an OV50D sensor, a 100° ultra-wide-angle custom lens, and an AI ISP imaging chip, forming a mobile-grade imaging system. This system lets users capture stunning, high-resolution photos with advanced AI noise reduction and HDR capabilities. With real-time translation supporting over 100 languages, TECNO AI’s Ella empowers accurate translation even for less common languages, as well as voice control, AI-powered object recognition, and intelligent information summaries for ultimate convenience.
Additionally, the AI Glasses Pro features a MicroLED display with 7th-gen resin waveguide technology, offering a 30° field of view, over 1,500 nits of brightness AR display, and a lightweight, ultra-thin design. The AR display allows users to effortlessly enjoy features like translation display, navigation, information prompts, and teleprompting.
Equipped with a 250mAh battery, these glasses offer over 11 hours of music playback and 8 hours of mixed use with just 30 minutes of charging. An advanced ultra-linear speaker, bass enhancement, and spatial sound deliver an immersive audio experience, while Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 ensure seamless connectivity.
With these innovative launches, TECNO is setting new standards in mobile imaging and AI-enhanced technology, shaping a more connected and empowered future for consumers in emerging markets. Once again, TECNO has showcased its cutting-edge innovation on the global stage at MWC. With the brand essence of “Stop at Nothing”, TECNO’s relentless pursuit of innovation is making AI-powered technology more accessible, allowing consumers to experience the future ahead of time.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
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