Jump to:
- What's new in iOS?
- Use Software Update on your iPhone
- Use a Mac or PC to update iOS
- Install iOS update over a developer or public beta
Every year, Apple releases major software updates for your iPhone. A slew of new features is introduced, and it's always fun to try these new capabilities out on your current phone. But first, you'll need to get the new version of iOS on your device! Here's how to do just that.
What's new in iOS?
October 24, 2022: Apple launches iOS 16.1
Apple has released iOS 16.1 to all users. The update debuts a number of new features like iCloud Shared Photo Library, Live Activities, Clean Energy Charging, and more. You can see all of the new features released today in the release notes below:
This update introduces iCloud Shared Photo Library making it easy to keep your family photos up to date. This release also adds support for third party apps in Live Activities, support for Apple Fitness+ on iPhone even if you don't have an Apple Watch, and includes other features and bug fixes for your iPhone.
iCloud Shared Photo Library
- Separate library for seamlessly sharing photos and videos with up to five other people
- Setup rules allow you to easily contribute past photos based on start date or people in the photos when you set up or join a library
- Library filters for quickly switching between viewing the Shared Library, your Personal Library, or both libraries together
- Shared edits and permissions let everyone add, edit, favorite, caption, and delete photos
- Sharing toggle in Camera lets you choose to send photos you take straight to the Shared Library, or enable a setting to share automatically when other participants are detected nearby using Bluetooth
Live Activities
- Live Activities from third party apps are available in the Dynamic Island and on the Lock Screen for iPhone 14 Pro models
Fitness+
- Apple Fitness+ is supported on iPhone even if you don't have an Apple Watch
Wallet
- Key sharing enables you to securely share car, hotel room, and other keys in Wallet using messaging apps such as Messages and WhatsApp
Home
- Matter, the new smart home connectivity standard, is supported enabling a wide variety of smart home accessories to work together across ecosystems
Clean Energy Charging
- New setting that can try to reduce your carbon footprint by selectively charging when lower carbon emission electricity is available
Books
- Reader controls are automatically hidden as you start reading
This update also includes bug fixes for your iPhone:
- Deleted conversations may appear in the conversations list in Messages
- Dynamic Island content is not available when using Reachability
- CarPlay may fail to connect when using a VPN app
October 10, 2022: Apple launches iOS 16.0.3
The next version of iOS 16 is finally here, and it brings some major bug fixes along with it.
This update provides a number of bug fixes for issues affecting iPhone 14 models:
- Incoming call and app notifications may be delayed or not delivered on iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max
- Low microphone volume can occur during CarPlay phone calls on iPhone 14 models
- Camera may be slow to launch or switch between modes on iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max
- Mail crashes on launch after receiving a malformed email
September 22, 2022: Apple launches iOS 16.0.2
The next version of iOS 16 is finally here, and it brings some major bug fixes along with it.
Two big bugs quashed in this update are the camera vibration bug affecting some iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone Pro Max users, and the copy-paste bug that caused system alerts to pop up too often for pasting across apps is also gone.
Even more bug fixes are included in iOS 16.0.2 (opens in new tab), so make sure to download it as soon as you can!
September 14, 2022: Apple launches iOS 16.0.1
Apple has released iOS 16.0.1 to the public. In addition to being an immediate update needed for the new iPhone 14 models, it will also fix some issues with the Photos and enterprise apps on the new phones. This update is only for the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro.
This update is recommended for all users and provides important bug fixes for your iPhone including the following:
- Fixes an issue with activation and migration during set up of iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro
- Photos may appear soft when zooming in landscape orientation on iPhone 14 Pro Max
- Enterprise single sign-on apps may fail to authenticate
September 12, 2022: Apple launches iOS 16
Apple has just rolled out iOS 16 to everyone. This is a massive iOS update, and includes brand new features like customizable Lock Screens, edit/undo send in iMessage, multi-stop routing in Maps, improvements to Live Text and Visual Lookup, and more.
How to install the iOS update using Software Update on your iPhone
The easiest way for most people to download iOS is over-the-air, directly on their device. It's fast, it's efficient, and it's simple to do.
- Make sure you have a recent iCloud backup.
- Launch Settings from your Home screen.
- Tap on General.
- Tap on Software Update.
- Tap on Download and Install.
- Enter your Passcode, if prompted.
- Tap Agree to the Terms and Conditions.
- Tap Agree again to confirm.
The download will begin automatically. If the download does not begin right away, you may see a notice: "Preparing to download." Give it a couple of minutes and the download will begin shortly.
How to install the iOS update using your Mac
If you have limited space on your device or software update isn't working for whatever reason, you can update using your Mac.
- Make sure you have a recent backup. Make it encrypted so all of your passwords and other private data is preserved.
- Plug your iPhone or iPod touch in using your USB to Lightning or USB to 30-pin Dock cable.
- Under Finder, click on the device icon at the top left to go to the device tab.
- Click on Check for Update in the Summary pane.
- Click on Download and Update
- Agree to the Terms and Conditions.
- Enter the Passcode on your iPhone or iPod touch, if prompted.
How to install the iOS update over the developer or public beta
You can install the public version of this iOS update over a beta version if your device is still running that version. Here's a guide on how to update from an iOS beta to the official release.
Time to explore the latest and greatest that iOS has to offer
As you can see, the process for getting the new software update on your best iPhone is very easy and straightforward. The easiest way is definitely over-the-air, but it isn't always the fastest. If you want to get done sooner, then the best way is by updating with a Mac or PC through Finder/iTunes.
Regardless, now that your iPhone has the latest iOS, it's time to put it to the test and play with all of the cool new features that it has to offer. With iOS 16, you'll be able to do things like customize the Lock Screen, edit and undo send on iMessages, have multiple stops on a route in Maps, and so much more.
Updated September 2022: Updated for iOS 16.
Christine Romero-Chan was formerly a Senior Editor for iMore. She has been writing about technology, specifically Apple, for over a decade at a variety of websites. She is currently part of the Digital Trends team, and has been using Apple’s smartphone since the original iPhone back in 2007. While her main speciality is the iPhone, she also covers Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac when needed.
When she isn’t writing about Apple, Christine can often be found at Disneyland in Anaheim, California, as she is a passholder and obsessed with all things Disney, especially Star Wars. Christine also enjoys coffee, food, photography, mechanical keyboards, and spending as much time with her new daughter as possible.
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FAQs
How can I download iOS 16 on my iPhone? ›
Go to Settings > General > Software Update. Tap Install Now.
Why is iOS 16 not available on my iPhone? ›If you don't see the option to update to new software like iOS 16 or iPadOS 16 when it becomes available, your device might not support the latest release. Identify your iPhone or iPad model. Check whether your iPhone or iPad model is on the list of compatible devices for the latest version of iOS or iPadOS.
How do I manually download iOS update? ›At any time, you can check for and install software updates. Go to Settings > General > Software Update. The screen shows the currently installed version of iOS and whether an update is available. To turn off automatic updates, go to Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates.
How can I update my iPhone 5 to iOS 16? ›- Go to Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates.
- Turn on Download iOS Updates and Install iOS Updates.
Any iPhone older than the iPhone 8 will not support iOS 16, including the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. Many people on Twitter were surprised by this, because many expected at least the iPhone 7 Plus to support iOS 16.
Is Apple iOS 16 now available for download? ›iOS 16 is a free software update that is available starting today for iPhone 8 and later. In an update later this year, Apple will introduce iCloud Shared Photo Library to give families a new way to share photos seamlessly with a separate iCloud library that up to six users can collaborate on, contribute to, and enjoy.
How many GB is iOS 16? ›iOS 16 needs approximately 5 GB of free space, so you may need to delete more apps, music, or other data to make room for the update. Back up your phone to the cloud or a computer.
Can iPhone 11 get iOS 16? ›Which Apple devices can install iOS 16? Any from the past five years: anyone with an iPhone 8 or later will be able to run iOS 16. With the iPad, iOS 16 is compatible with all Pad Pro models, iPad Air (3rd generation and later), iPad (5th generation and later), iPad mini (5th generation and later).
Why can't I update my iOS? ›You might be unable to update your iPhone or iPad wirelessly — or over the air — for one of these reasons: Your device doesn't support the latest software. There isn't enough available storage space on your device. The update takes a long time to download.
How long does it take to instal iOS 16? ›iOS 16 Installation- 10 to 20 Mins
Once your device starts downloading iOS 16 from Apple's server, the installation process will begin. On the latest models of Apple devices, the iOS 16 takes 10 minutes to update. It will take exactly or less than 10 minutes to download on iPhone 13 running on iOS 15.6. 1.
How do you update iOS on Old iPhone? ›
- Back up your iPhone. Make sure your iPhone is connected to WiFi and then go to Settings > Apple ID [Your Name] > iCloud. ...
- Check for and install the latest software. To check for the latest software, go to Settings > General > Software Update. ...
- Back up your iPhone.
- Launch iTunes on PC and make the connection between iPhone and PC using the USB cord.
- Choose the device icon at the top left and hit on the 'Summary' tab.
- Click on 'Check for Update' now followed by 'Download and Update'.
- Back up your iPhone.
- Open Settings.
- Tap General.
- Tap Software Update.
- Tap Upgrade to iOS 15.
- Tap Install Now or Download and Install.
Open the Settings app and tap on the “Profile Downloaded” message below your Apple ID. Tap “Install” in the top right to install the iOS 16 beta profile. Enter your iPhone's passcode when prompted. Read the consent text and tap “Install” in the top right before tapping it one more time, this time at the bottom.
How do I get iOS 16 on my iPhone 7 Plus? ›Install iOS 16
Go to Settings > General > Software Update. Tap Install Now.
How long will the iPhone 7 be supported? The iPhone 7 will be officially supported till September 12, 2022, which is when iOS 16 gets released. After the iOS 16 release takes place, Apple may stop signing iOS 15.6.
What iphones will stop working in 2022? ›Video: Watch Everything Announced at Apple's WWDC 2022 Event
This means any phones introduced in 2016 or earlier, including the iPhone 6S, iPhone SE and iPhone 7, won't be getting Apple software updates anymore. It's not an unexpected move, given that the company regularly retires software support on older devices.
Although it's easy to download and install iOS 16.1, developer beta versions aren't intended for general use, especially because they may have unfinished features and issues that might make the iPhone difficult to use. Certain iPhone apps might not work completely with iOS 16.1 yet.
What is the latest iOS version? ›Apple announced iOS 16 and iPadOS 16 in 2022 at its yearly Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) event. At the time of writing, iOS 16 is Apple's latest version. The most recent update is iOS 16, which dropped in September 2022.
Does iOS 16 beta drain battery? ›“The problem has been hiding in plain sight. In my iOS 16 Upgrade Guide, I flagged multiple reports of battery drain, but the process of reindexing after updates makes this challenging to verify,” Kelly wrote.
What is the latest iOS for iPhone 6 Plus? ›
With iOS 15, Apple supported devices as old as the second-generation iPhone SE, including the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus.
Where can I download iOS 16 beta? ›- Click Sign Up on the Apple Beta page and register with your Apple ID.
- Log in to the Beta Software Program.
- Click Enroll your iOS device. ...
- Go to beta.apple.com/profile on your iOS device.
- Download and install the configuration profile.
Go to Settings > General, then tap Software Update. If you see more than one software update option available, choose the one that you want to install. Tap Install Now. If you see Download and Install instead, tap it to download the update, enter your passcode, then tap Install Now.
How many GB is iOS 15? ›iOS 15 will take up about 3.24 GB of storage space, but you'll need more than that to successfully install the update. In fact, you'll need a total of about 5GB of free space on your phone to download and install the update.
How do I update iOS without WiFi? ›It is not possible to update iOS over cellular data due to Apple's requirements. You must connect to a WiFi network or use USB and iTunes to update iOS over the air.
Will iPhone 6S get iOS 16? ›With iOS 16, Apple is ending software support for the following devices: the iPhone 6S, iPhone 6S Plus, iPhone SE 2016, iPhone 7, and iPhone 7 Plus. Basically, if you have an iPhone 8 (2017) or newer (including the second- and third-gen iPhone SE), you can download and run iOS 16.
What is the latest version of iPhone 6? ›| iPhone 6 Plus in Space Gray | |
|---|---|
| Operating system | Original: iOS 8.0 (16/64/128 GB versions) iOS 10.2.1 (32 GB version) Current: iOS 12.5.6, released August 31, 2022 |
| System-on-chip | Apple A8 |
| CPU | 1.4 GHz dual-core 64-bit ARMv8-A "Typhoon" |
| GPU | PowerVR Series 6 GX6450 (quad-core) |
Does it still get updates in 2022? The last version of iOS to support the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus is iOS 12. However, even though iOS 13 launched in 2019, the iPhone 6 didn't stop receiving updates. Patches have continued to be released for iOS 12, and the latest version, 12.5.
Why will my phone not update? ›If your Android device won't update, it might have to do with your Wi-Fi connection, battery, storage space, or the age of your device. Android mobile devices usually update automatically, but updates can be delayed or prevented for various reasons.
What happens if you miss an iPhone update? ›
You miss bug fixes and general performance improvements
However, if you don't update your iPhone for months, you'll start coming across a lot of bugs and performance issues. Let's browse through the latest iOS versions and check what bug fixes or improvements you might have missed.
When updating an iPhone is it better to do an Over The Air update or updating with iTunes? Both methods will get you the newest software update from Apple. If your running low on space, you might want to do an iTunes update so you don't have to delete anything on your phone.
Why is my iOS 16 update paused? ›iPhone storage that is completely or almost full will also stop you from updating to iOS 16 as there is no more space for iPhone to download package and make iOS update paused. Check iPhone storage in Settings > General > iPhone Storage, and remove the useless data or apps.
Why is my iOS update taking so long? ›Why is my iOS update taking so long? There are many reasons as to why iOS update taking so long such as unstable internet connection, a corrupt or incomplete software download, or any other software-related issue. And the time it takes to download and install the update also depends on the size of the update.
How do you cancel iOS 16 update? ›- 1 Toggle Airplane Mode. Turning on the “Airplane Mode” on your device can stop almost all background applications. ...
- 2 Toggle WiFi. ...
- 3 Turn off Automatic iOS Updates. ...
- 4 Delete the Update on Your iPhone.
Most iPhones will receive major iOS updates for about 5 years after release. Even if your iPhone can't run iOS 15 or other later versions of the software, you may still receive security updates that fix bugs and patch vulnerabilities.
Is iPhone 5 too old to update? ›Apple ended software support for the iPhone 5 and iPhone 5c in 2017. Both devices stayed on iOS 10 and neither will device will get iOS 11, iOS 12, iOS 13, iOS 14, iOS 15, or Apple's upcoming iOS 16 update.
Can a phone be too old to update? ›A good rule of thumb is that a phone will no longer be supported if it's two to three years old. This varies from company to company, however. Google's older Pixel phones typically got three years of software updates, but it upped that to five years of guaranteed updates with the latest Pixel 6 and 6 Pro.
Which devices get iOS 16? ›- iPhone 14.
- iPhone 14 Plus.
- iPhone 14 Pro.
- iPhone 14 Pro Max.
- iPhone 13.
- iPhone 13 mini.
- iPhone 13 Pro.
- iPhone 13 Pro Max.
Go to Settings > General > Software Update. Tap Automatic Updates, then turn on Download iOS Updates. Turn on Install iOS Updates. Your device will automatically update to the latest version of iOS or iPadOS.
Where can I download iOS 16 beta? ›
- Click Sign Up on the Apple Beta page and register with your Apple ID.
- Log in to the Beta Software Program.
- Click Enroll your iOS device. ...
- Go to beta.apple.com/profile on your iOS device.
- Download and install the configuration profile.
iOS 16 Installation- 10 to 20 Mins
Once your device starts downloading iOS 16 from Apple's server, the installation process will begin. On the latest models of Apple devices, the iOS 16 takes 10 minutes to update. It will take exactly or less than 10 minutes to download on iPhone 13 running on iOS 15.6. 1.
It's bad news if your iPhone is older than the iPhone 8—Apple has ended support for the iPhone 7 and older, so you won't be able to upgrade your iPhone software to iOS 16. But even if you have a newer iPhone, you still may not get the full iOS 16 experience.
Does iOS 16 beta drain battery? ›“The problem has been hiding in plain sight. In my iOS 16 Upgrade Guide, I flagged multiple reports of battery drain, but the process of reindexing after updates makes this challenging to verify,” Kelly wrote.
Is iPhone 7 still supported? ›How long will the iPhone 7 be supported? The iPhone 7 will be officially supported till September 12, 2022, which is when iOS 16 gets released. After the iOS 16 release takes place, Apple may stop signing iOS 15.6. 1 within a month of the release.
How can I update iOS 16 without Wi-Fi? ›- Launch iTunes on PC and make the connection between iPhone and PC using the USB cord.
- Choose the device icon at the top left and hit on the 'Summary' tab.
- Click on 'Check for Update' now followed by 'Download and Update'.
iOS 16.0 build 20A362 is the official RTM build of iOS 16, which was released to the public on 12 September 2022. Prior to that, it was released five days earlier as the official Release Candidate build to Apple developers and public beta testers.
How do I reinstall iOS on my iPhone? ›- Connect the iPhone to your computer using the USB cable. ...
- Click the name of your iPhone in the Devices section and then click the “Summary” tab for your device.
- Click the “Restore iPhone” button. ...
- Click “Restore.” The license agreement document may display.
October 27, 2022: Apple releases the first public beta for iOS 16.2. Apple has just dropped the first iOS 16.2 beta for those on the public beta program. As per the release notes (opens in new tab), the first beta fixes a number of issues affecting the FreeForm and TV apps as well as some issues with Stage Manager.
Is iOS 16 public beta worth it? ›If a user is comfortable with the risks associated with running a pre-release software version, the new features available in iOS 16 are definitely worth enrolling in the Apple Beta Software Program.
How can I get iOS 16 on my iPhone 13 Pro Max? ›
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Select General > Software Update.
- Your iPhone will automatically check for the update. ...
- Tap Upgrade to iOS 16.
- Select Download and install and enter your passcode if prompted.
Apple iOS 16 now ready for download. The iOS 16 update is now rolling out for all beta users. Those who were on the public or developer beta will see the update. It is around 5.02GB in size.
Why is my iOS 16 update paused? ›iPhone storage that is completely or almost full will also stop you from updating to iOS 16 as there is no more space for iPhone to download package and make iOS update paused. Check iPhone storage in Settings > General > iPhone Storage, and remove the useless data or apps.
How do I fix a stuck iPhone preparing update? ›- Why is my iPhone stuck on preparing update? It can happen due to existing software or hardware issue. ...
- Ensure Wi-Fi connectivity. Make sure that your iPhone is connected to a decent wireless network. ...
- Delete the downloaded update file and re-download it. Open the Settings app and tap on General.