Custom Accessibility Mode, a new feature in iOS 16.2, may bring a fully revamped option for your iPhone's home screen, menus, and apps.
Even if you download the most recent version of iOS 16 beta software, it is not yet accessible to consumers. However, 9to5Mac(opens in a new tab) was able to dig into the code for this most recent version of iOS and uncover the crucial information.
The familiar grid of app icons is replaced with a much bigger two-column grid or list of alternatives when Custom Accessibility Mode is engaged (by utilizing the iOS accessibility shortcut of three side or home button taps). There is no bottom app dock to distract from or confuse things. Additionally, there is a noticeable persistent back button at the bottom of the screen, above which programs are displayed in a smaller active window. The road home is always evident, so there is no need to swipe or search for a back button.
A small bubble with the words "Hold Down to Enter" appears on the lock screen to make it clear how to unlock the device. However, it's unclear how this would function with Touch ID or Face ID.
Along with these significant adjustments, users can further modify text and icon size, enable shortcuts to Emergency SOS functions, and restrict features like volume button controls and app access on the Settings page for Custom Accessibility Mode.
This appears to be a logical addition to iOS' already comprehensive library of accessibility capabilities, and it resembles Samsung's Easy Mode setting in several ways (opens in a new tab). For iPhone users who have specific physical or visual limitations, as well as novice or elderly smartphone users who would value a simplified iPhone experience, Custom Accessibility Mode may prove to be quite helpful.
As a beta feature, it's uncertain whether Custom Accessibility Mode will be included in iOS 16.2's final stable version. However, it sounds like a valuable feature that should be a new weapon in the iPhone accessibility toolbox. So let's hope it makes an appearance in the final edition, which is anticipated to be released by the end of the year and includes other new features like Free form, enhanced Dynamic Island interactions, and new home-screen widgets for Sleep and Medications.
Free form in iOS 16.2
Free form, an app that Apple first showed off at its Worldwide Developer Conference in June, may have slipped your mind. Free form is marketed by Apple as a tool for brainstorming and teamwork, acting as a sort of mobile whiteboard where users can collaborate in real-time.
Free form appears to be primarily designed for the iPad, making use of the bigger screen on that device. In fact, Free form makes its debut on iPadOS 16.2 Beta 1, which was released concurrently with the iOS 16.2 update. Free form, however, is included in both iOS 16.2 and the newest macOS Ventura beta because it is made to function across a variety of Apple products.
Alert users of various Free form difficulties that need workarounds, such as the ability to delete boards while they are offline or add or remove collaborators when changing sharing settings. It serves as a reminder that this is still very much a beta version and that there will be a lot of fine-tuning before iOS 16.2 is made generally available.
Free form (opens in a new tab) was tested out by our Alex Waldo, and he believes it will be a useful whiteboard app.
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