What Apple’s New iOS 16 Means for High School Sports

Personalization features. Better ways to communicate. Enhanced intelligence features.

It’s all part of what you can expect in Apple’s latest version of iOS. Expected to be released sometime in the fall of 2022, iOS version 16 will continue to move mobile technology forward – and in a big way. And while the next generation of iOS will certainly play a significant role in how we as individuals communicate and stay connected, it also looks to complement the usability features of various applications. One of the things we’re most fired up about is how iOS 16 looks to enhance the functionality of the REPu app to help users stay connected with the prep sports and activities that matter most to them.

Here’s a look at some of the new iOS 16 features our team is the most excited about based on the details shared at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference in early June:

Live Activities in Lock Screen Mode

One of the features we’re most eager for is how all functionality isn’t lost when the device is in lock screen mode. While it’s common to receive push notifications and alerts while in lock screen mode, iOS 16 will allow users to stay up to date on various activities and events without having to unlock the home screen.

Users will also be able to easily see information and sports scores of any games or teams they’re following in the REPu app without even opening the app or setting push notifications. It’s a key feature that can help REPu users stay better connected with the teams they care most about without having to unlock the device.

Additionally, iOS 16 is expected to enhance lock screen widgets so users can easily and conveniently check weather conditions, calendar events, activity ring progress and more without having to unlock the phone and navigate to that specific application.

It’s really about customizing arguably the most viewed screen on the device. Imagine just glancing at your phone during a meeting to see and instantly knowing the current score of the basketball game you were not able to make?

SharePlay via Messages

Integrate streaming apps like Apple TV, Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu, HBO Max and more right into your Messages app so that you can watch your favorite shows and text chat with your friends at the same time. And while this feature will certainly come in handy for virtual watch parties with your pals during all the great fall television premiers, it’s also a great way to take in your favorite teams with your friends and family who are just as passionate about their success as you are. Just imagine watching a live stream of a game on the REPu app and cheering on your teams with family and friends from anywhere in the world.

Enhanced Dictation Benefits

Let’s face it, we live in a world where we’re always on the go and time isn’t often on our side. And while voice-to-text features are nice for our on-the-go lifestyles, it’s not always the most reliable way to communicate. Another neat feature expected to be rolled out in iOS 16 is dictation which uses voice and touch together as one. Per Apple, users can type with the device’s keyboard, tap in the text field, move cursors and add QuickType suggestions – all without having to stop dictation.

Obviously, this feature will be great for texting and typing on the go, but it’s also going to be ideal for creating content in mobile apps, such as REPu. The enhanced feature will enable account managers to easily and quickly create content, post stories or publish game recaps.

Security and Privacy

Security and privacy are as important to Apple as they are to REPu. And with any iOS update also comes security upgrades. This will help complement the security and privacy features that are built into the REPu app to make for a safer overall user experience. As REPu continues to build out the most advanced digital platform for high schools, both security and privacy are paramount. We understand that working with schools across the country comes with great responsibility and accountability. For more information on REPu and how the next iOS upgrade will help improve the user experience, please contact us.