Apple typically pushes software updates for all its eligible devices in a timely manner. Now that the iPhone 15 series has been announced, iOS 17 is ready for prime time and will start downloading to iPhones and iPads today, September 18, 2023. If you wish to opt out of the update and stick to iOS 16 for the time being, that's still an option — you will continue to get security patches. But, sooner or later, you will have to leave iOS 16 behind.
The latest update is iOS 16.6 — it patches WebKit vulnerabilities, which have been exploited, so it's a good idea to go ahead and download it if you haven't.
iOS 16 had a bit of a rocky start with some beta-looking stability bugs on launch. Apple ironed some out with iOS 16.0.2, and added some more features with subsequent updates. With iOS 16.4, we got 21 new emoji, more Crash Detection tuning so the iPhones would stop sending false alerts to authorities, and web push notifications among other small upgrades.
iOS 16.4.1 added a new Rapid Security Response system, which allows Apple to very quickly upload patches that fix vulnerabilities. It's a flexibility thing, and we appreciate it.
We are now up to iOS 16.5.1, which seems to be doing behind-the-curtain tune-ups, and security updates. Also, the users of a Lightning Camera Connector will find that the Lightning-to-USB C now does transfer charge to the connected device.
iOS 16 was released on the 12th of September, just 5 days after the 2022 iPhone 14 event that Apple held on the 7th.
Operating System
Release date
iOS 12
2018, September 17
iOS 13
2019, September 19
iOS 14
2020, September 16
iOS 15
2021, September 20
iOS 16
2022, September 12
How to install iOS 16?
Typically, your iPhone will silently download iOS 16 in the off-hours, if it has enough battery (or is plugged in to charge). Then, you should receive a prompt to install it. However, if you are impatient, or if your iPhone doesn't do so for one reason or another, you can manually look for the iOS 16 update and force an install.
It's a matter of hitting up Settings, going to the General tab, and looking for Software Update. If you want a step-by-step, here's our guide on how to install iOS 16.
How to remove iOS 16 Beta:
If you've been using the iOS 16 Beta throughout summer, you should know that your iPhone will not automatically just switch to the official public version. You need to get rid of that Beta Profile you had to install in the first place.
Go into Settings
General
VPN & Device Management
iOS 16 Beta profile
Remove profile
Note: this will not remove the iOS 16 beta from your iPhone! However, as soon as there is an official iOS 16 download available, your phone will get that one and hop off the beta train. So, if you do this right now, you will instantly download iOS 16. If you keep the beta profile on and download (for example) iOS 16.1 Beta, and only then download the profile — you will have to wait for iOS 16.1 official to be out before you can download it.
Which iPhones support iOS 16?
All iPhones from iPhone 8 and up (2017 and later). Here's a full list of devices that will get it:
Apple is well-known for supporting its devices long, long after release. iOS 15 was available to iPhones all the way back to the iPhone 6s — it was 6 years old at the time of the latest update.
iOS 16 axed two old iPhones and declared their end-of-life status. Both the iPhone 6s and iPhone 7 are falling off the support list — iOS 16 can be installed on all iPhones from the iPhone 8 and up.
Which iPads support iPadOS 16?
iPad 9.7 (2017) and any model newer than that. The list consists of:
To get a full view of all the new features in action, be sure to check out our in-depth iOS 16 tips and tricks article. That said, here are all the new features in a nutshell:
Web Push notifications (iOS 16.4)
Website notifications that come through Safari will now appear like normal app notifications on your lock screen for better congruency across your iOS interface.
21 new emoji (iOS 16.4)
Unicode 15.0 included new emoji and Apple quickly moved in to add support for them. These include a new "shaking face", a "talk to the hand" style gesture, donkey, moose, goose, several colors for the heart emoji, ginger, pea pod, a Wi-Fi symbol, and a few more.
Podcasts app update (iOS 16.4)
Slight improvements to the Podcasts app include a Channels section and an Up Next playlist for all your saved podcasts.
Beta Updates sub-menu (iOS 16.4)
Developers who are part of the Beta Program now have access to a Beta Updates menu in Settings, where they can easily pick whether they want to install the newest Dev Beta or Public Beta to test their apps with.
Home App architecture improvements (iOS 16.4)
A behind-the-curtains update, which improves the performance and reliability of the Home app (no interface changes).
Security Keys for Apple ID (iOS 16.3)
You can now lock your Apple ID with a physical key device, strengthening Two Factor Authentication even further.
New app - Freeflow (iOS 16.2)
Made for team meetings where everyone can get together and brainstorm on a huge digital whiteboard.
Always On screen fix (iOS 16.2)
Some users disliked the fact that Always On kept a dim version of your wallpaper on, making the phone appear like it's not in standby. A new option allows you to blacken the screen, only keeping the clock and notifications active.
When you take a picture of some text, iOS will offer contextual actions — translate, convert, navigate to, et cetera
Photos - lift subject from background
Tap and hold on an object and it will be cropped out of the picture. You can drag it to other apps to paste it there — as a sticker or a new image
Share digital keys in Wallet
Share the keys to your smartlock with a friend or family member, so they can come in and water your plants
Tap to Pay on iPhone
Accept payments through Apple Pay with just your iPhone, no extra bells and whistles required
Apple Pay Later
Split a purchase into 4 payments over the next 6 weeks, no extra fees or interest applied
Apple Maps redesign to more areas
Big, detailed 3D models of popular locations around the world, fully explorable in Apple Maps
Sports scoring integration on lock screen and with Apple News
Lock screen can have a real-time scores widget, Apple News will show you the scores that matter to you on the front page
Much improved Family Sharing
Set up a child's device easy, get suggestions for content limits, get reminders when child filters might need updating as the kid grows older
iCloud Shared Photo Library
Automatically share photos from gatherings and events, as soon as you press the shutter button. Photo edits are shared as well
Safety Check
For people escaping an abusive relationship, an easy way to check and remove shared location data and shared accounts with a former partner
HomeKit opens up to more partners with a new platform — Matter
Matter is a new platform for smart home accessories, created in partnership with multiple market leaders
Personalized Spatial Audio — use the iPhone camera to create a custom profile from your ear shape
The iPhone camera will be able to scan your unique ear shape and fine-tune Spatial Audio further
Quick Note - the fast note-creating feature from iPadOS
Quick Note puts a floating note on top of your screen. It is contextual, so you can pull up the same Quick Note every time you are on a specific website and continue taking notes for the same content
Preslav, a member of the PhoneArena team since 2014, is a mobile technology enthusiast with a penchant for integrating tech into his hobbies and work. Whether it's writing articles on an iPad Pro, recording band rehearsals with multiple phones, or exploring the potential of mobile gaming through services like GeForce Now and Steam Link, Preslav's approach is hands-on and innovative. His balanced perspective allows him to appreciate both Android and iOS ecosystems, focusing on performance, camera quality, and user experience over brand loyalty.
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