iOS 16 is the sixteenth major release of Apple’s iOS mobile operating system for the iPhone and was released on September 12, 2022.
It is the first iOS release to be exclusive to iPhones since the first version release of iPhone OS 1, as it drops support for the last iPod Touch. It is also the last iOS release to support iPhone models with a 5.5-inch display, specifically the iPhone 8 Plus.
Icon & screen shot
System features
iOS 16 introduced several major new features to the operating system, such as a comprehensive overhaul of the lock screen, which added support for widgets and various customization features such as changing the font and color of the time and date display, more customization options for wallpapers, the ability to have multiple lock screens, the ability to edit and unsend messages sent via iMessage, and support for live activities via ActivityKit (added in iOS 16.1), among other features. iOS 16 also introduced support for a new update type entitled Rapid Security Response, a type of update that focuses only on fixes for security vulnerabilities; however, this feature was not used until after the release of iOS 16.4.1.
Other significant feature enhancements include the following:
- To remove distractions, a new setup for Focus lets users select which apps and people to receive notifications from. Users can also select Personal Focus and Work Focus widgets that show to-do lists and meetings.
- SharePlay allows users to share music, videos, and TV shows via messages. Users can also share Safari tab groups, notes, presentations, and reminders through Messages for more collaboration.
- Users can unsend schedules and follow up on previous emails with the Mail app. A new search function lets users add links and provides suggestions as they type.
- Security is enhanced with Passkeys, a new sign-on method with end-to-end encryption. Passkeys will also work on non-Apple devices.
- Apple Wallet enhancements feature Apple Pay Later to schedule payments, track orders, and share keys—such as hotel rooms—through messages. It also lets users present IDs in other apps, such as Uber Eats, to verify identity.
- iOS 16 is compatible with the iPhone 8 or newer. iPad OS 16 is compatible with the iPad 5th generation or later; the iPad Mini 5th generation or later; the iPad Air 3rd generation or later; and all iPad Pro models.
Supported devices
- iPhone 8 & 8 Plus
- iPhone X
- iPhone XS & XS Max
- iPhone XR
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro & 11 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (2nd generation)
- iPhone 12 & 12 Mini
- iPhone 12 Pro & 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 13 & 13 Mini
- iPhone 13 Pro & 13 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (3rd generation)
- iPhone 14 & 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro & 14 Pro Max