Howdy folks! I'm new here, and I realize it might be presumptutous to start a thread like this one as my first, but I wanted to both establish a place to continue related, ongoing updates as well as give a general heads up.
Using external keyboards with iPhone has sortof become "my thing" over the past two years or so, but I've actively done so since support was first introduced. Having played a bit with the first two Developer Betas of iOS 16, I felt more comepelled to speak up regarding its potential impact for iPhone Keyboarders than I have for any other numbered release in memory.
Here's what I've documented initially:
- First, a single positive! It appears the Mission Control (Function-3) key will trigger the App Switching view, going forward.
- Unforunately, it appears that searching in the Files app will be exclusively relegated to the search view (triggered by Command + F.) As in, jumping to a file/directory alphabetically from the initial landing view by typing a few characters will no longer function.
- Spotlight is going to be a bit clunkier because of its new view (with the search bar pinned to the bottom of the screen.)
- Alterations to the context (two-finger-tap-summoned) menu have led to some generally unexpected cursor behavior in some apps when typing text.
If it's appropriate, I'd like to continue updating this thread (at a reasonably limited pace, of course,) as I find new developments. Of course, all feedback as to how I could make this thread/documentation elsewhere as helpful as possible as well as any additions are more than welcome.
Thanks for your time!
Comments
A polite reminder of posting guidelines
Hi David and welcome to our community.
This should be an interesting thread, as there are ways in which an external keyboard can offer added value to blind and low vision iPhone users.
However, before this thread goes too far, we need to remind you and others of our posting guidelines relating to discussion of pre-release Apple software. Specifically, these prohibit the following types of post:
The complete guidelines can be found at: Can I post information or ask questions about beta or preview versions of Apple software?
We ask that people respect these guidelines if posting to this thread.
The AppleVis Editorial Team
Thank you for this post
Thank you for this post. I would encourage you to submit any feedback you think could improve things. I would also encourage Applevis to have a beta section to discuss the Beta's.
I agree we should be allowed to talk about it
Macrumors and other sites are talking about it. It is time for Applevis to get on board. A clear disclaimer that you install and run betas and do any work arounds at your own risk is enough. There needs to be a beta section of Applevis.
my thoughts about a beta section
just because other sites and Youtube videos are talking about betas of Apple platforms, doesn't nessessarly mean AppleVis should. remember, Apple has an NDA, that now, is respected by AppleVis. If you want open beta discussion, Android has lots of that, Apple has an NDA for a reason. the limited exception to discuss new voices in iOS Sixteen, because of the edition of Eloquence, is in itself a violation of this NDA, if I am not mistaken. the AppleVis editorial team probably have their reasons beyond excitement of Eloquence to allow two threads on new voices and not end them. remember when we had to wait for podcasts and blog posts about new iOS versions to be released? remember, Apple gave AppleVis an exception so the podcasts and blog posts can be published to the site when the release candidate is released? ? for Apple to do this is amazing. now, to the people who want a datacated beta section, be happy Apple regards AppleVis so highly. don't be greedy , , Apple can take it all away!.
interesting view
though your points are well founded, Apple makes their systems, and there is a beta list on groups.io when any discussion of betas is paramount. AppleVis is created by the editorial team, and we all enhance its use by contributing on the site. Apple reads forum posts on the site, that's why we have things now, if people beta test, that most of us wanted for years. Zolotech and Brandon Butch, YouTubers who make videos on the new platforms by Apple, reference VoiceOver. so it's becoming mainstream news. so I'm sure Apple knows about violators, like beta profiles.com for one, and various YouTubers who make videos on the latest versions of software this time of year. by all rights, they're developer memberships should be revoked. AppleVis is doing right by Apple, and if we disrespect Apple by violating the NDA, which applies to public betas, developer betas have a secret one, and Safari seed program participants. we're fortunate that Apple cares about accessibility at all. they provide tools for us, on parallel of no-one else. respect Apple, 'cause if not, they might take it all away.
Why so upset?
Why are people so upset over not talking about betas on the main forum? Most mainstream communities relating to tech already have this rule in place.
Reddit as one quick example.
There is no exception for blog posts and podcasts
Beta people should have a place to talk considering they willingly put a nonstandard version of IOS on their devices. Why do you say that Applevis has an exception when they release blog posts and podcasts? Besides the voices in IOS sixteen, most podcasts are done when the full release candidate is out. apple knows people are using mainstream forums and videos to talk about their software. they aren't stupid. but how do you stop everyone from not disclosing things you don't want as a multibillion dollar company? they have little time for that. Do you have a problem with jailbreaking? Because in your own concept, the people who jailbreak are also disrespecting and violating apple internal components. Now I don't jailbreak, I just have no need but I'm not coming down on those who choose that way of life. For now, if betas aren't allowed to be discussed, I don't where not permitted. If I do install the Mac beta, I am running it, I will use other appropriate places to ask questions and solve issues. Do you remember when it was IOS8 I think, that voice over was completely broken in the first one or two beta cycles? How else was anyone to be notified, beta or not, if there wasn't a space to tell people to wait until the third cycle? This is the internet, people will do what they want, I really don't think large companies don't have some idea of their things being leaked. Now morally if that's an issue, the answer is simple. Don't install the beta and wait another two months and install the release candidate.