iOS 16 final version will start rolling out to compatible devices later this year
Apple has announed the iOS 16 release date in India for all compatible iPhones. This will be the final release of the software, which was introduced back in WWDC 2022. The software is counted as one of the biggest iOS updates in years, owing to the array of features it tags along. The iOS 16 features list includes a new Lock Screen customization, better notification organizing, and many others. Other than that, the update also focuses on deeper intelligence and new and improved ways to share things with your families and friends. Since there's a lot to check out, here's a roundup of everything you need to know about iOS 16 (first look), including its release date, features, supported devices, and more.
iOS 16 will start rolling to supported devices starting September 12th, Apple confirmed the release date during the iPhone 14 launch event. The company will roll out the software via an OTA update, which you can download and install on your iPhone. Scroll down to check out the iOS 16 features.
Here is the list of iPhones eligible for the iOS 16 update:
Apple dropped support for both iPhone 6s and 7 series and hence you won't be seeing the iOS 16 update in these devices as well as the iPhones released before them.
Now that you know which iPhones are compatible with iOS 16, here's how you can prepare your device for the update if it is compatible:
If you got a compatible iPhone, you would be notified as soon as the iOS 16 update hits your device. After that, you can tap on the notification and install the update on your device. In case, you didn't get the notification, here's what you can do:
The process will take some time. So, we would advise you to not download the iOS 16 whilst you are using the device. You can also schedule the update. Furthermore, choose Wi-Fi to download iOS 16 to save your mobile. The software download size is expected to be around 5GB.
The iOS 16 comes with a long list of features, which includes a revamped lock screen, message editing, improved Safari and Mail app, among other things. Here's a quick look at some of the notable features of the new OS:
iOS 16 brings better support for Indian users. Now with Siri, you can set alarms, and timers, launch apps, get directions, play music, and check the weather in English or local languages.
With iOS 16, Apple has brought major customisation options to the lock screen. You can now create multiple lock screens on your iPhone, each with different wallpaper, time font, focus mode, and widgets. Not only that, you can switch between these lock screens according to your preference. Other than the option to customise the lock screen clock style and font, the clock detects the depths of the subjects on the wallpaper image and displays the time overlapping dynamically over some of these depths. Additionally, iOS 16 lock screen supports Photos Shuffle, Widgets, and notification stacking.
Other than the ability to lock hidden albums and recently deleted albums. It also detects duplicate photos so that you can clear out the unwanted photos and free up iCloud storage. What's more, the Photos app can now copy the edits you've made previously to a photo and paste them onto another one. It can also Lift subjects from the background on portrait images or in images where subjects can be detected easily. Other than in Photos, this feature is also available in Screenshot, Quick Look, Safari, and many other supported apps. This feature not only works on people but on various other subjects.
Apple's default messaging app now supports message editing, undo send, and mark as read option. The iOS 16 beta 4 update limits editing to five times for a given message with the available 15 minutes, and has shrunk the unsend window from 15 minutes to just two. Additionally, the deleted messages can be retrieved within 30 days after removing them. Other than that, the Message app also gets features such as SharePlay, Collaboration, and SIM filter. The latter can be used to view SMS of a particular SIM if your iPhone has two numbers. As for Collaboration, it allows you to send an invitation to collaborate on a project to people, and everyone on the thread can add their contributions such as documents, spreadsheets, or projects.
Another great feature that you will get with Messages in iOS 16 is the support for event reminders. Based on your messages, if there are any events, Siri will remind you about them through Siri Suggestions.
Passkeys is another great feature available in iOS 16. It is a private virtual key that offers an easy sign-in to different websites. With Passkeys, you can be safe from Phishing since Passkeys won't allow storing the passwords on websites, preventing any chances of your password being leaked. The feature isn't limited to Apple devices and can be accessed on even non-Apple devices.
With iOS 16, it's evident Apple wants its mail app to be as good or even better than its competitors. We now get features such as smart corrections that correct typos while you search for something in the app, better search results, and many others. Other than that, if you have mentioned any attachments or recipients in the mail, and if you miss adding them, the app will inform you about that before sending the mail.
Another great feature is the ability to undo, schedule, and set reminders for emails. The mail app now also supports rich links, so that you don't waste time wondering what's on the other side of the link you received in a mail.
Safari in iOS 16 supports Tab groups where the tabs can be grouped, according to preference. You can also share these tab groups with others and can let others work on them. Additionally, the tab group now has a dedicated start page, with customisable options. Apart from that, tabs in the tab groups can be pinned.
Other features added to Safari
Other than the features such as easy shortcut set up, and the ability to automatically send messages and add emojis in texts, when you ask Siri "Hey Siri, what can I do here" after opening any app, it will tell the things it can do related to that app. Oh, and you can now hang up your Phone and FaceTime calls with Siri. All you have to say is "Hey Siri, hang up". That said, other participants of the call will be able to hear you.
One big feature that Apple added with iOS 16 is the ability to track medications. You can keep track of your medications, vitamins and supplements and can also add custom visuals and schedules to remember them.
You can also share your medication data with anyone, but only you can control the data. Apart from the health app, Apple is also bringing the Fitness app to all iPhones compatible with iOS 16, where you can track your fitness data even if you don't have an Apple Watch.
This time Apple brings Safety check, a new section in Settings where you can revoke access you have given to others to your apps. There is also the Pasteboard permission, where apps need to get permission from you before accessing your pasteboard. You can also lock the Hidden and Recently Deleted albums, which can only be unlocked using Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode.
Speaking of FaceID, it works in landscape mode as well with iOS 16. A huge relief for many who use their iPhone while in bed.
Facetime also gets many features including Handoff where you can seamlessly continue your calls between your iPhone to your Mac or iPad and vice versa. Even your connected Bluetooth headset switches to the new device along with you.
There is also now support for SharePlay app discovery within the app where you can see all the apps that supports SharePlay. Apple also added a collaboration feature to the app where you can start collaborating with others through Files, Keynote, Numbers, Pages, Notes, Reminders, Safari, and supported third‑party apps while in a call.
Spotlight now can be accessed directly from the home screen. It has also got improved search capabilities where it will show data from apps, contacts, or even from the web. What's best is that it can even search for images from apps such as Messages, Notes, and Files.
The main features brought to iCloud with iOS 16 include the ability to share your photo libraries with any of your friends and families. You can also share photos based on the date, people, and many other options. The library also has the option to share the images automatically.
iOS 16 is available to download on all supported iPhone models. However, Apple often releases new updates in the beta form to iron out bugs and issues, if any, before rolling them out to all users. If you wish to try iOS 16 beta updates, here's what you need to do:
Apple has started rolling the third major update to the iOS 16 OS to all compatible devices globally. The firmware brings along a set of Unity wallpapers, Security Keys for Apple ID, HomePod support, an improved emergency SOS functionality, and several bug fixes throughout the UI.
Apple will make the latest iOS 16.3 update available to compatible smartphones starting next week. The update will include a major upgrade in security, end-to-end encryption for many other iCloud data categories, support for new second-gen HomePod, Apple ID security keys, and unity wallpaper.
Apple has started rolling out iOS 16.2 for eligible iPhones. The update brings along the long-awaited 5G support for iPhone 12 and above. Apart from that, a new app called Freeform is also in tow which allows users to collaborate with others for jotting down notes, drawing, sketching, and more. Coming to Apple Music Sing, it is a karaoke-like feature for Apple Music subscribers to sing along by looking at the lyrics. In addition to that, the update includes several stability improvements and bug fixes.
Apple is seeding the stable iOS 16.0.3 update for all the supported iPhones. This release brings several bug fixes and improvements, especially for the iPhone 14 series.
The latest iOS 16.1 release brings a host of new features to iPhones such as iCloud Share Photo Library, Clean Energy Charging, Fitness+, and tons of bug fixes. The update also adds support for Live Activities which will enable third-party apps to show real-time information from a sports game, ride-sharing apps, or food delivery order tracking. To download the update, users can go to the ‘General' section within the settings app. The iOS 16.1 update will be available for iPhone 8 and above models.
Users of iPhone 12 and above can finally experience 5G services from Airtel and Jio by enrolling in the iOS 16.2 beta program. This can be done by heading over to Apple's Beta Software Program page on a browser and signing up for future beta updates using a valid Apple ID. That said, 5G support for all iPhone users may arrive in December.
With the iOS 16.1.2 stable update, Apple improves compatibility with wireless carriers and further enhances the Crash Detection feature on iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro models.
Apple has officially announced that iOS 16 will be released to the general public starting Septmber 12th. This new iteration of iOS is compatible with iPhone 8 or later devices.
Apple has rolled out the eighth, and probably the last, beta update of iOS 16 for the supported iPhones. Beta testers can head to General --> Software Update menu to download the update on their devices. In case, you aren't an iOS 16 beta tester yet, enrol yourself on the program first.