Should You Upgrade to iOS 16?
The Latest iPhone New & Shiny
Apple today released the latest version of their software to run on iOS devices, called iOS 16. It includes a ton of new features, some of which are only available on their newest phones. But most of the refinements and new apps are available on all models, and it’s well worth considering the upgrade. (iPadOS 15.7 is available while we wait for the launch of iPadOS 16 in October.)
Here’s a list of supported devices for iOS 16:
- iPhone 14
- iPhone SE (2022 & 2020)
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 11
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XR
- iPhone X
- iPhone 8
iPhone 7 models and older are not supported – iOS 15 will be the last version those phones can run.
Joanna Stern at WSJ made a handy video highlighting some of the new features.
What’s new in iOS 16?
New Lock Screen
The big feature for most iPhone users will be the new lock screen experience – arguably the biggest change in its history. It introduces new layouts, color schemes and quick-glance information.
The big focus is on customization. You can not only adjust the layout of the lock screen with different fonts and color options available for the time and date, but you can add fun effects with a swipe.
New notification system
Apple announced a new notification system that displays incoming notifications at the bottom of the lock screen menu for a less cluttered experience.
Messages
There are updates to the Messages app in iOS 16, including the ability to edit messages just after they’ve been sent. Yep, Apple will let you edit your messages before Twitter lets you edit your tweets!
There’s also a new Undo Send option available for recently sent messages, great for last-minute changes. There’s also the option to mark threads as unread if you want to reply later without forgetting.
Live Text coming to video
Live Text was a big addition in iOS 15,. It adds the ability to interact with text within images saved on your iPhone. It also allows you to directly make calls, copy and paste text and more, including the ability to convert currency and translate text.
New Maps features
Apple Maps is has more revamped cities coming to the service with additional information like lane layouts, local points of interest and other helpful data to navigate big cities.
Apple’s also bringing multi-step trips to the Maps experience. This is a feature that has been available on most rivals for years – with the ability to plan trips on a Mac beforehand and get Siri to add additional stops on route.
There’s also new data available in the Transit directions mode, with rough travel costs for various forms of transport.
Apple Pay Later
Apple Pay Later is a new feature coming to Apple Pay within iOS 16 that does what it says – it allows you to pay later for purchases made with Apple Pay.
What’s more, Apple will provide the ability to spread payments with no interest and no fees, though the six-week window is an interesting one considering most people get paid on a monthly basis.
Other new features coming to iOS 16
Of course, there’s much more to iOS 16:
- A new on-device dictation feature that lets you use voice dictation and text input simultaneously, with punctuation added automatically.
- In-app ID verification for apps like Uber coming to the Wallet app.
- Apple News is getting better integration with sports.
- Family Sharing will introduce an easier way to set up an Apple device for children with the ideal parental controls in place from the beginning, with age-appropriate blocks on apps, movies, and more.
- The Fitness app is also set to become available to all iPhone owners. You’ll be able to set and track your move, standing and exercise goals and the iPhone will track your movement throughout the day.
- A redesigned video player UI with a much cleaner, simple-to-use interface.
- Redesigned Voice Message experience in iOS 16. No longer a shortcut, but its own app in the app bar.
- Android-esque Privacy Access History will tell you which apps have been using your camera, microphone and location recently.
- A new Lockdown Mode designed for high-ranking government ministers and CEOs, restricting activity allowed on the device to avoid potential hacks.
Steps to upgrading to iOS 16
As usual, the first thing you should do is to make sure that your iPhone is fully backed up. You can do this either to your computer or to the cloud. You can check that under Settings:(Your Name):iCloud:iCloud Backup and choose “Backup now.” Alternatively, you can connect your iOS device to your computer and let it back up there.
How to Download and Install iOS 16
On your iPhone, go to Settings:General:Software Update. From September 12th on, you will see an option to upgrade to iOS 16.
Where can I learn more:
Apple has their own page that outlines in-depth all the new features contained in this upgrade.
What if I’m unsure and want some help to do this upgrade?
Excellent! Contact Us and we’ll get you taken care of!
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