Apple insider says iOS 16 will have ‘major enhancements’ including new lock screen and hints about VR

THE NEXT version of Apple's iOS interface for iPhone and iPad is rumored to have glitzy new features and a sneak peak at the company's plans for virtual reality.

The hype machine is pumping Silicon Valley full of big dreams about iOS 16 and iPhone users everywhere are hoping its legit.

iOS 15 was met with golf course applause - solid new mods like SharePlay and Focus were added and Apple didn't break any good features.

Speculation about iOS 16 says the new software could be the start of something bigger.

"Apple is planning major enhancements for the Lock Screen, including wallpapers that have widget-like capabilities," Apple insider Mark Gurman wrote for .

iOS is behind the curve on lock screen usability - Android phones have a fluid interface on the lock screen with apps and custom skins built for using your phone without sacrificing your full attention.

Apple could come forward with insights about iOS 16 at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on June 6.

Gurman noted that Apple had originally pegged this conference as the launch point for their "long-in-the-works mixed-reality headset".

Apple will probably miss that lofty goal but the conference can still be a success if their other products land.

"In Messages, I’d expect more social network-like functionality, particularly around audio messages," Gurman wrote. "The Apple TV operating system, tvOS, will get more smart-home tie-ins."

The delay on the physical headset may be frustrating for Apple employees and fans, but some bits of code for the headset might be written into in iOS 16.

"Beta versions of iOS 16—codenamed Sydney—are chock-full of references to the headset and its interactions with the iPhone."

To Gurman, this says the headset will launch during the iOS 16's yearlong lifecycle - hinting that the gear will be available between June 2022 and June 2023.

Apple has strong financial vitals as the second largest company in the world, but they have not been fully resistant to 2022's economic downturn and supply chain problems.

The future of the company is not hinging on iOS 16, but a warm reception never hurts.