iOS 16.2, iPadOS 16.2, and macOS Ventura 13.1 Betas Introduce Freeform App

With the macOS Ventura 13.1, iOS 16.2, and iPadOS 16.2 betas provided to developers today, Apple has introduced the first version of the Freeform app that was first introduced at the Worldwide Developers Conference.

freeform 1
Freeform is a digital canvas app that is designed to let iPhone, iPad, and Mac users work together collaboratively in realtime. Multiple people can contribute images, notes, scribbles, documents, web links, PDFs, and more, with content added visible to everyone.

Apple's Freeform app is designed to work with the Apple Pencil on ‌iPad‌, and it can be used with FaceTime for visual feedback between Freeform participants.

Related Forum: iOS 16

Popular Stories

Aston Martin CarPlay Ultra Screen

Apple's CarPlay Ultra to Expand to These Vehicle Brands Later This Year

Sunday February 1, 2026 10:08 am PST by
Last year, Apple launched CarPlay Ultra, the long-awaited next-generation version of its CarPlay software system for vehicles. Nearly nine months later, CarPlay Ultra is still limited to Aston Martin's latest luxury vehicles, but that should change fairly soon. In May 2025, Apple said many other vehicle brands planned to offer CarPlay Ultra, including Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis. In his Powe...
iOS 26

iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 Will Add These New Features to Your iPhone

Tuesday February 3, 2026 7:47 am PST by
We are still waiting for the iOS 26.3 Release Candidate to come out, so the first iOS 26.4 beta is likely still at least a week or two away. Following beta testing, iOS 26.4 will likely be released to the general public in March or April. Below, we have recapped known or rumored iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 features so far. iOS 26.3 iPhone to Android Transfer Tool iOS 26.3 makes it easier...
Apple Logo Black

Apple's Next Launch is 'Imminent'

Sunday February 1, 2026 12:31 pm PST by
The calendar has turned to February, and a new report indicates that Apple's next product launch is "imminent," in the form of new MacBook Pro models. "All signs point to an imminent launch of next-generation MacBook Pros that retain the current form factor but deliver faster chips," Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said on Sunday. "I'm told the new models — code-named J714 and J716 — are slated...
Apple MacBook Pro M4 hero

New MacBook Pros Reportedly Launching Alongside macOS 26.3

Sunday February 1, 2026 5:42 am PST by
Apple is planning to launch new MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips alongside macOS 26.3, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. "Apple's faster MacBook Pros are planned for the macOS 26.3 release cycle," wrote Gurman, in his Power On newsletter today. "I'm told the new models — code-named J714 and J716 — are slated for the macOS 26.3 software cycle, which runs from...
iOS 26 Home Feature

Apple Gives Final Warning to Home App Users

Tuesday February 3, 2026 8:55 am PST by
In 2022, Apple introduced a new Apple Home architecture that is "more reliable and efficient," and the deadline to upgrade and avoid issues is fast approaching. In an email this week, Apple gave customers a final reminder to upgrade their Home app by February 10, 2026. Apple says users who do not upgrade may experience issues with accessories and automations, or lose access to their smart...

Top Rated Comments

dantracht Avatar
43 months ago
More interested in giving this a try than stage manager.
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
sorgo † Avatar
43 months ago
Who needs the Metaverse when we get a virtual bathroom stall, for free?! ?
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
lazyrighteye Avatar
43 months ago
Of all the features of iOS 16, this, for me, holds the most interest.
I leverage Notes, daily, on my iPad mini 6 (with Pencil 2). It's proven a really powerful aspect of my current workflow. I'm curious to see how/if Freeform might fit within, or replace, that Notes-based workflow.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
CarAnalogy Avatar
43 months ago
It’s always interesting to see the sample data Apple puts in their promotional images. Apparently everyone that uses an iPad for work is a community organizer or other nonprofit.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
antiprotest Avatar
43 months ago
I wonder if it keeps track of who contributed what to the board, because I might want to prank people with ding dongs and such.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Chrjy Avatar
43 months ago
Freeform - essentially Apple’s answer to Miro or similar. They have probably seen all their UXers using Miro and thought they should develop their own version.

Miro is awesome for fast collaboration and I don’t know of any UXers who don’t use it. Probably be a few iterations before Apple can compete with Miro though. Our design team uses Miro everyday…be lost without it.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)