SWEET 16
iOS 16 release date – huge FREE iPhone upgrade available today
APPLE is about to drop a huge free iPhone upgrade: iOS 16.
The long-awaited iOS 16 update will add loads of clever changes to your existing iPhone – including a new Lock Screen.
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What is iOS 16 for iPhone?
Each year, Apple releases a major new update for models.
They introduce brand new features – and fix longstanding problems – at no cost.
We first heard about iOS 16 back in June at Apple's WWDC event, but it's finally here.
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It changes the Lock Screen in a big way, lets you unsend iMessages for the first time ever and much more.
iOS 16 release date and time – when is iPhone update out?
Apple confirmed the iOS 16 release date at last week's special Far Out event for the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro, Apple Watch Ultra and new AirPods Pro.
It's coming out on Monday, September 12.
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Sadly Apple hasn't confirmed the exact time, but we have some idea based on previous rollouts.
Normally we'd expect an iOS update to go live at some time around 10am in California, 1pm in New York and 6pm in the UK.
But as with all rollouts, it might take an hour or two (or more!) for it to arrive on your iPhone.
So keep an eye out, but at the very least it should definitely be available by Tuesday, September 13.
To check, go to Settings > General > Software Update on your iPhone.
iOS 16 update features – new iPhone tricks revealed
Change #1 – Lock Screen
Apple is completely changing the Lock Screen, letting you customise presets or create your own one entirely.
You'll also be able to take advantage of Live Activities, a new feature that tracks real-time events.
This could include a workout, sports scores, your taxi journey or a food delivery order – all from the Lock Screen.
Finally there's a new design that sees notifications rolling up from the bottom of the display, so you have the best possible view of the Lock Screen.
Change #2 – Locking photo albums
If you didn't realise, you can hide iPhone photos – placing them in a Hidden folder.
But this Hidden folder is easy to find (or recover, if you've hidden the folder itself).
Thankfully iOS 16 password-protects your Hidden and Recently Deleted folders on iPhone.
That means you'll need to use Face ID to gain access to them, protecting them from snoopers who might be using your iPhone.
Change #3 – Unsending and editing iMessages
Your Messages app will finally let you "unsend" iMessages.
This means they'll be recalled from the recipient's phone if you regret sending the text.
And you can even edit texts too, so you can quickly and easily correct typos or other errors.
Importantly, this feature will only work properly if the recipient is also on iOS 16 – so be wary in the first few weeks.
Change #4 – Pin Safari tabs
If you're an iPhone power user, you've probably got hundreds of Safaritabs open.
This can make it difficult to find the tabs that you use most frequently.
Thankfully iOS 16 will let you pin your favourite tabs in Safari, so you'll never lose track of the key ones again.
Can I install iOS 16?
The sad reality is that not all iPhone models can upgrade to iOS 16.
You'll need an iPhone 8 or later to get the new iOS 16.
That means two generations of iPhone have been cut off: the iPhone 6S and iPhone 7.
The 1st-generation iPhone SE also won't be compatible with iOS 16, but was with iOS 15.5.
Here's the full list of iOS 16 supported devices:
- 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)
If you're using an older iPhone, you'll simply need to upgrade to access iOS 16.
Otherwise you'll miss out on the new features.
But more worryingly, 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.
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So using a very old iPhone that can't be updated could put you at risk.
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If you can't update to iOS 16, consider upgrading your iPhone sooner rather than later.
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