More iOS 16 Tidbits: New FaceTime Video Call UI, Redesigned Video Player, and More

Apple this week announced iOS 16, a major release filled with significant customization features for the Lock Screen, new features for Focus mode, the ability to edit and retract iMessages, and so much more.

ios 16 lock screen
While Apple showcased some of iOS 16's major features during its jam-packed WWDC keynote, there are dozens, if not hundreds, of smaller features and changes left for users to discover. Below, we've compiled a list of six changes and new features you may not have known about.

Transparent FaceTime Video Call UI

ios 16 transparent video call ui
During a FaceTime video call, Apple has updated the UI in iOS 16 to be fully transparent, with buttons for camera, microphone, message, speaker, and SharePlay now larger and easier to tap.

iMessage Mention Suggestions Now Include Contact Images

ios 16 imessage mentions
When mentioning a contact on iMessage, mention suggestions now include a contact image in the Quick Tap bar. This can be particularly helpful in group chats where multiple people may share a first name.

Entirely Redesigned Video Player UI

ios 16 updated vidoe player ui
Apple has redesigned the stock video player UI in iOS 16, making it cleaner by getting rid of unnecessary clutter while highlighting basic controls such as volume, play/pause, and Picture in Picture.

Redesigned Voice Messaging Experience in iMessage

ios 16 new audio recording imessage
Apple has redesigned the voice messaging experience on iMessage with iOS 16, making it its own separate iMessage app that lives in the app bar.

The app lets users tap, hold, and record messages more quickly. Apple has replaced the previous hold and swipe-up gesture to record voice messages with a new Dictation button. On a related note, users can now skim through voice messages on iOS 16.

Privacy Access History

ios 16 privacy access history
On iOS 16 Apple is adding a neat trick that lets users check which apps have recently accessed their camera, microphone, location, and other sensitive sensors on their iPhone. The new view can be accessed by tapping on the top of Control Center shortly after an app has used access.

Related Forum: iOS 16

Top Rated Comments

a104375 Avatar
20 months ago
I hate that the new video controls dim the screen and are needlessly in the middle. What was wrong with having them off to the side out of the main content area?
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Reeneman Avatar
20 months ago
These are some very welcome small features :)
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Kylo83 Avatar
20 months ago

These are some very welcome small features :)
None will really change anything, we need the batt % number back at the top and the home bar gone that would make a big change
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
BJMRamage Avatar
20 months ago

None will really change anything, we need the batt % number back at the top and the home bar gone that would make a big change
I'd even go as far as the Battery is shown but once it hits 20% you instead get a Percentage to better track things.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Mousse Avatar
20 months ago

The native iOS video player STILL does not have a rotation button, or play videos in landscape by default. I had a jailbreak tweak for this literally over a decade ago. What gives?
That's because the average person records video in the vertical orientation. It's one of the few things that triggers me when I see the way most people record videos on their smartphones. Record in landscape orientation ya Philistines.?

Anyhow, I only use my iPhone for games. I used my android phone for watching videos because it's ten billion percent ('//www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlUBIM_6oUI') easier to get movies on and off via microSD. And the video players on Android are superior to those on iOS.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
trost Avatar
20 months ago

I hate that the new video controls dim the screen and are needlessly in the middle. What was wrong with having them off to the side out of the main content area?
I thought I was the only one! The new video controls would be fine if they didn’t have to dim the entire video to change volume or scrub video track..
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

iPhone 15 General Feature Black

New iOS Features Coming in 2024 for Messages, Apple Music, and More

Thursday December 28, 2023 7:30 am PST by
2024 is just a few days away, and there are many iOS 17 and iOS 18 features that are expected to launch throughout the year. Below, we have recapped new iOS features expected in 2024, including Stolen Device Protection, collaborative Apple Music playlists, AirPlay on hotel room TVs, app sideloading in the EU, next-generation CarPlay, roadside assistance via satellite outside of the U.S., RCS ...
iOS 17

iOS 17.3 Will Add These Two Useful Features to Your iPhone

Sunday December 24, 2023 8:59 am PST by
Apple released the first beta of iOS 17.3 earlier this month, and the upcoming software update includes two new features so far. iOS 17.3 will likely be released in January like iOS 16.3 and iOS 15.3 were, but February is also a possibility if testing is prolonged. Below, we provide additional details about the new features in iOS 17.3 so far. Stolen Device Protection Earlier this...
iPhone 17 Five Features Header

iPhone 17: Five Features Apple Plans to Save for 2025

Thursday December 28, 2023 2:00 am PST by
Apple's iPhone development roadmap runs several years into the future and the company is continually working with suppliers on several successive iPhone models concurrently, which is why we sometimes get rumored feature leaks so far ahead of launch. The iPhone 17 series is no different, and already we have some idea of what to expect from Apple's 2025 smartphone lineup. If you plan to skip...
Mac Gaming

Apple Discusses Push Towards High-End Mac Gaming in New Interview

Thursday December 28, 2023 6:19 am PST by
Inverse's Raymond Wong today published an in-depth overview of Apple's increasing push towards high-end gaming on the Mac. The story includes commentary from Apple marketing managers Gordon Keppel and Leland Martin. One of the biggest reasons that gaming has improved on the Mac in recent years is the switch from Intel processors to Apple silicon, resulting in MacBooks providing...
Apple Watch Series 9

Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 Available in Apple Stores Starting Today, Online Sales to Resume Tomorrow

Wednesday December 27, 2023 2:28 pm PST by
Apple Watch Series 9 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 are back in some of Apple's retail stores in the United States today, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Select stores will have availability today, while all stores will have the Apple Watch models back in stock by December 30. Online sales of the devices are set to resume tomorrow by 12:00 p.m. Pacific Time. Apple is able to begin selling ...
iPhone 15 Blue Three Quarters Perspective Camera Closeup Feature

6 Essential iPhone Camera Tips for Taking Great Photos

Tuesday December 26, 2023 3:00 am PST by
Apple's iPhones include several headline camera features that are worth using, such as Portrait Mode and Photographic Styles. But if all you want to use is the standard photo mode, there are still several tools and settings that can improve the composition of your pictures and help you capture the perfect shot using more traditional techniques. Whether you are the owner of a new iPhone or a...
Apple Watch Series 9

Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 Sales Ban Paused by US Appeals Court

Wednesday December 27, 2023 8:49 am PST by
The ban on imports of Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 models has today been temporarily paused, meaning that the devices can now go back on sale for a short while longer in the United States. Apple filed an emergency request to the United States Court of Appeals following President Biden's decision to decline a veto on the sales ban, allowing it to take effect earlier this week. ...