Apple iOS 16 release date, new features on iPhone

Apple is set to release iOS 16 for specific iPhone users worldwide in a massive upgrade to its software in 2022 in line with iPhone 14 launch. This update will add new features to the iPhone, enabling users to access the most up-to-date security fixes and some new cool features.

Apple announced the update last June, but we’re a few days away from it arriving on iPhones worldwide.

When is Apple iOS 16 release date?

It’s confirmed that Apple will release iOS 16 on Monday, September 12, 2022, to all supported iPhone models worldwide. The company announced the release date at Apple Event on September 7.

iOS 16 download size

The iOS 16 file size is around 2.5GB, and it takes about 10 minutes to download it on a high-speed Wi-Fi network and another 20 minutes to install the software on your iPhone.

iOS 16 update features – new iPhone tricks revealed

#1 – Lock Screen

Apple is completely changing the Lock Screen, letting you customize presets or create your 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, a new design sees notifications rolling up from the bottom of the display, giving you the best possible view of the Lock Screen.

#2 – Locking photo albums

If you didn’t realize, you could hide iPhone photos – by 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 your 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.

#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 correctly if the recipient is also on iOS 16 – so be wary in the first few weeks.

#4 – Pin Safari tabs

If you’re an iPhone power user, you’ve probably got hundreds of Safari tabs open.

This can make it challenging to find the tabs that you use most frequently.

Thankfully iOS 16 will let you pin your favorite tabs in Safari, so you’ll never lose track of the key ones again.

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 won’t be compatible with iOS 16 but was with iOS 15.5.

Here’s the complete 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 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 vital patches close hackers’ holes to accessing your systems; hackers are becoming more creative as technology continuously evolves.