Summary
Overview of iOS 16.1
Recently, Apple unveiled its latest operating system update — and lucky for us, its travel features are new and improved.
The new software, iOS 16.1, is compatible with iPhones newer than the iPhone 6S, iPhone 6S Plus, or iPhone SE 2016. The update comes just one month after Apple launched iOS 16 and also about one month after it unveiled the iPhone 14 series.
Here’s everything to know about the latest software and why you should ensure your phone is updated before your next trip.
Translate App Improvements
Traveling to a destination where you don’t speak the language? The Translate app has received several enhancements, particularly regarding its camera capabilities. Now, after taking a video, users can pause it to get live translations overlaid on the snapped text and even zoom in for a closer view of fine print. Additionally, users can translate the text in photos within their library. Moreover, the system now supports Turkish, Thai, Vietnamese, Polish, Indonesian, and Dutch languages.
Apple has also improved Live Text functionality to recognize any text embedded in images and videos. As explained by Apple, users can pause a video at any frame and effectively interact with the text, allowing for actions such as currency conversion and text translation on the fly.
Multi-stop Maps Feature
Apple has updated several key features in its maps, including the ability to add multiple stops on a single trip. This feature is particularly beneficial for long road trips where travelers may need to plan for gas stations, hotels, rest stops, and more. Furthermore, Apple has noted that Maps will sync across your devices, allowing you to look up directions on your Mac and see them seamlessly on your iPhone.
Transit Cards Integration
For those using Maps, you can now view your transit cards directly within the app. Travelers can easily check how much their journey will cost in fares and add their transit cards to Apple Wallet, making it possible to view balances and replenish their cards when necessary.
Multi-stay Room Keys
With the new iOS 16 and iOS 16.1 updates, Apple has enabled travelers to use a single digital key that allows them to check in and unlock their room for each subsequent stay at hotels within the same brand. This improvement builds upon Apple’s existing partnerships with hotel chains, like Hyatt, which was the first to collaborate with Apple to integrate room keys into the Apple Wallet in 2021.
Additionally, users can now share their keys through messaging apps, including Messages, Mail, and WhatsApp, making the process more convenient.
Access to Apple Fitness
Now, you can maintain your workout routine regardless of your location, as Apple provides access to the Fitness app for all iPhone users—no Apple Watch required. Through this app, users can track goals, monitor steps, engage with third-party fitness applications, and much more. Importantly, the Health app has also been upgraded to include a Medications feature, assisting users in managing and tracking their medications, a task that can become complex while traveling.
Discover all the updates and how to download the new operating systems here.
