If you haven’t yet updated to iOS 16 or iPadOS 16, or you’re just curious about the new features introduced in these updates, you’ve come to the right place. These updates build upon many of the features introduced in iOS 15, such as SharePlay and Focus, and offer greater customization options. In this article, we’ll go over all the major capabilities now available on your iPhone and iPad, as well as how to download the updates. Additionally, be sure to check out our MacOS Ventura feature roundup to learn about all the new features available for Macs.
Note: This article was updated in December 2022 to include details on the new features in iOS 16.2 and iPadOS 16.2, including Freeform, Emergency SOS via Satellite, Advanced-Data Protection for iCloud, and more.
Is your iPhone or iPad Compatible with iOS 16?
Apple is ending software support for certain devices with the release of iOS 16. These devices include the iPhone 6S, iPhone 6S Plus, iPhone SE 2016, iPhone 7, and iPhone 7 Plus. If you have an iPhone 8 (2017) or newer (including the second- and third-gen iPhone SE), you will be able to download and run iOS 16. However, keep in mind that not all features in the update will be available on all devices. Some features, such as Live Text, are only available on iPhones with an A12 Bionic chip or newer.
Determining compatibility with iPadOS 16 is a bit more complicated, as iPads do not have consistent naming conventions. The following iPad models will be compatible with iPadOS 16:
- Fifth-gen and later iPads
- Fifth-gen and later iPad Minis
- Third-gen and later iPad Airs
- 9.7-inch and 10.5-inch iPad Pros
- First-gen and later 11-inch iPad Pros
- First-gen and later 12.9-inch iPad Pros
To determine which model you have, you can follow the instructions [in this article].
How to Install iOS 16 Download
Before downloading iOS 16, it is highly recommended to back up your iPhone and iPad. This can easily be done through iCloud by going to Settings, selecting your name at the top, and selecting iCloud. From there, tap on iCloud Backup and toggle it on, then tap Back Up Now to initiate a new backup. If you don’t have enough iCloud storage or prefer a different method, you can refer to [this guide] for alternative options.
Once you have backed up your device, you can proceed with the installation of iOS 16 and iPadOS 16. These updates are quite large, so make sure your iPhone or iPad is plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi. To start the update process, go to Settings > General > Software Update. You should see an option to download the update. Tap on Download and Install, and then tap Install Now when the download is complete. Your device will restart when the update is finished. The process can take some time, so it is best to run the update when you won’t need to use your device for a while.
New iOS 16 Version Updates
Below are some of the top features of iOS and iPadOS 16, but Apple has also released several smaller updates since the initial launch. These updates typically include bug fixes, security patches, and new features that were not included in the initial release. To update your iPhone, go to Settings > General > Software Update and follow the instructions in the section above.
iOS 16.2: This update includes the FreeForm app (available on all devices including iPhone, iPad, and Mac), Advanced Data Protection for iCloud, Apple Music Sing, SharePlay support in Game Center, and the ability to hide your wallpaper or notifications when Always-On Display is turned on (only on the iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max). There is also now an option to add a sleep widget and medication widget to the lock screen.
iOS 16.1: This update added the Fitness app to the iPhone (without the need for an Apple Watch), a battery percentage icon that accurately shows the phone’s battery level, and the option to toggle off the volume touch control feature on the second-generation AirPods Pro. Live Activities are also now available, allowing you to follow scores during sports games, Uber rides, workout activities, and more via a pinned notification at the bottom of your lock screen.
IOS 16 Features
Apple previewed the new version of the iPhone’s operating system, iOS 16, in June 2022. iOS 16 brings a range of new features, including redesigned and customizable lock screens with widgets, the ability to edit and delete messages, improved Focus modes, an iCloud Shared Photos Library for families, and major updates to apps such as Mail, Home, and Wallet.
The lock screen has been fully redesigned in iOS 16. It is highly customizable, with a wide range of options for widgets, typefaces, a multilayered effect for images, and animated wallpapers. Users can create multiple lock screens linked to Focus modes. Notifications now roll up from the bottom of the screen to be less intrusive.
Live Activities help users keep track of current events, such as workouts or sports games, in real-time directly from the lock screen. Focus modes have been improved with easier setup, Focus filters, linking to individual lock screens and Apple Watch faces, and more configuration options.
There are significant updates to the Messages app, including the ability to edit or delete messages, mark messages as unread, and start a SharePlay session. Users can now seamlessly hand off FaceTime calls to other devices, and a new Freeform app provides a platform for collaboration on a digital whiteboard. The Mail app has received a complete overhaul of its Search feature, and there are new options for scheduling emails, canceling delivery, and receiving follow-up reminders.
The Health app has added new features for medications, and the Fitness app is now available to users without an Apple Watch. The Home app has been fully redesigned and re-engineered, and Safari now includes passkeys and Shared Tab Groups.
Notes and Reminders offer new sorting options, the Maps app has gained multi-stop routing and enhanced integration with transit cards, and the News app includes dedicated sports features. The iCloud Shared Photo Library provides a convenient way to share a collection of photos with family members, and there have been improvements to photo editing, albums, and Memories.
This Post Has One Comment