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ANYONE with an iPhone can now claim a free Google upgrade for their Lock Screens.
A new feature that offers up special Google widgets has now finished rolling out.
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Google began the roll-out earlier this month, handing out free widgets for the iPhone Lock Screen.
The new iOS 16 update added a fully customisable Lock Screen to the iPhone for the first time.
And now Google has created a set of iOS 16 Lock Screen widgets for you to enjoy – totally free of charge.
There are four new Google widgets for some of the company’s best features, including a beloved game.
But first, make sure you’re using the most recent iPhone update.
To check, go into Settings > General > Software Update.
The new widgets include:
- Search – using search engine via Google Chrome
- Incognito Search – the same as above, but in the private Incognito Mode
- Voice Search – a similar search function, but using your voice
- Chrome Dino Game – quick access to the dinosaur game hidden inside Google Chrome
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To get these widgets, you’ll need to have the latest version of Google Chrome installed on your iPhone from the App Store.
You can also unlock a further three widgets by installing the Google Drive app.
This will give you access to Suggested Files, Search and Starred from the Lock Screen.
Below is a general guide to editing your Lock Screen on iPhone in iOS 16.
How to add Widgets to iPhone Lock Screen
- Touch and hold the Lock Screen until the Customise button appears, then tap Customise.
- Tap the box above or below the time to see the widgets you can add to your Lock Screen.
- Tap or drag the widgets you want to add.
- Tap Done.
Sadly not all iPhone models can get the new Lock Screen.
Not all iPhones are made equal
Apple can’t support all iPhones forever – so very old iPhone models often lose access to updates.
Sometimes these old iPhones don’t have the power to support new features, or not enough people are using them to warrant providing an update.
Now the iPhone 6S, iPhone 7 and 1st-generation iPhone SE will be cut off by Apple.
These handsets were compatible with 15.6.1, but won’t get iOS 16.
If you’re using older iPhones than that, you’re already cut off, so you should upgrade to a newer model immediately.
Here’s the full list of iOS 16 supported devices:
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 mini
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone Xs
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone XR
- iPhone X
- iPhone 8
- iPhone 8 Plus
- iPhone SE (2nd generation or later)
Not being able to get the latest iOS means you’ll lose access to the most up-to-date security fixes.
These are vital patches that close holes used by hackers to access your systems.
So using a very old iPhone that can’t be updated could put you at risk.
If you can’t update to iOS 16, consider upgrading your iPhone sooner rather than later.
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This post first appeared on Thesun.co.uk
