BONN: Karaoke sessions, a whiteboard app and sleep-tracking widgets are coming to iPhones as part of an update to iOS 16.2, which brings several features announced earlier this year.

The collaborative whiteboard app Freeform, now also available on Mac computers, lets several Apple users work on drawings, texts and other media in one canvas.

Apple's new Apple Music Sing feature meanwhile lets you start karaoke sessions from your phone, provided you subscribe to Apple's music streaming service. The feature lets you choose between a duet with the original artist or singing solo and has a catalogue of tens of millions of songs, Apple says.

The update also adds support for Apple's new satellite emergency SMS for the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro. This lets you send emergency messages even if you're in a remote place with no coverage.

In addition, iOS 16.2 is adding new lock screen widgets, letting you check your sleep data and see reminders to take medication without unlocking your phone. For the iPhone 14 Pro, there is now also the option to hide wallpapers and messages even when the always-on display is active.

Last but not least, Apple says its update fixes several vulnerabilities that affect the security of iPhones and iPads.

Those who have not yet been offered the update to iOS 16.2 should connect the iPhone or iPad to the charger, activate WLAN, go to "Settings/General/Software update" and then tap on "Download and install".

 - dpa