iOS 16 is Apple’s next iPhone operating system. This fall, it will introduce a customizable lock screen, improved photo library sharing, the ability to edit and unsend texts, and more.
When will iOS 16 be released?
A long history of iOS updates makes it clear that a new version arrives every year. That trend continued this year when iOS 16 appeared in June at WWDC 2022.
While the update isn’t yet available for the public to download, we know it’s almost here. For several years now, Apple has provided a new major software update for the iPhone in September, and that timeline will continue this year.
If your phone supports iOS 16 (the list of supported devices is below), you’ll have the chance to install it when it’s available. The easiest way is to get the iOS update over the air.
Estimated release date
After the September 20 drop of iOS 15 in 2021, we expect iOS 16 (and iPadOS 16) to arrive again in late September 2022.
Features of iOS 16
Here are some of the most notable changes coming to iOS 16:
- Focus programs and filters: A focus can be activated automatically based on the situation, such as when you are in a specific location or app. For example, some Safari tabs may open when you’re in work mode.
- Lock screen customization: Not only can you customize the iOS 16 lock screen to do things like adjust the font and position of elements, you can also include widgets and live activities and link the lock screen to a focus If you create more than one lock screen, you can switch between them at any time.
- Shared iCloud Photo Library: Sharing and viewing iCloud photos is updated with smart settings rules and suggestions, collaboration, and home screen widgets.
- Edit and Unsend Texts: Many other messaging apps support unsending, and now it’s coming to iMessage. You can even edit a message after sending it. You will have 15 minutes to do either (or 10 seconds if you want an email sent).
- Shared tab groups: Share groups of Safari tabs with friends, and even collaborate with them in real-time as people close and open tabs.
- Live Text: Easily capture text from paused videos or images and instantly interact with it, such as tracking shipments or translating text.
- Siri changes: In iOS 16, Siri can process more offline requests, hang you up on FaceTime calls, and send messages without confirmation.
- Accessibility improvements: Magnifier mode can identify people and doors to read signs or labels; you can fully control Apple Watch from iPhone; and automatic live captions are available for audio, video and conversations, including FaceTime video calls.
- Health app tracking: List all the medications you take to track them on your phone and log when you take them to get a complete picture of your consistency. You will also see if there are any concerns about drug interactions.
- Security Check: The Settings app introduces this new feature to help you in very specific situations where you need to quickly restore access you’ve given others.
- SharePlay via Messages: Share music, games, movies and more with contacts directly in Messages.
Check out Apple’s iOS 16 preview page to learn more about how Mail, Safari, Maps, Home, FaceTime, Apple Pay, Apple Watch, iCloud and more are changing.
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iOS 16 compatible devices
If your phone can run iOS 15, it will also run iOS 16, with the exception of the first-generation iPhone SE, iPhone 6S, and iPhone 7.
In addition to the soon-to-be-launched iPhone 14, the following devices are compatible with iOS 16:
- iPhone Pro Max (11 and later)
- iPhone Pro (11 and later)
- iPhone (11 and later)
- iPhone mini (12 and later)
- iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)
- iPhone X and XR
- iPhone XS and XS Max
- iPhone 8 and 8 Plus
The latest news about iOS 16
You can get more smartphone news from Lifewire. Here are some of the latest stories and rumors about iOS 16:
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