Apple announced during its "Far Out" event on September 7 that iOS 16 is rolling out to the public on September 12. Find out when you can update to iOS 16, which iPhones work with the new software, and which iOS features will be immediately available and which will be delayed.
Related Article: How to Find Your iPhone Model Number & Generation
iOS 16 Release Date
Availability: September 12
Don't worry if September 12 comes along and the update hasn't shown up on your iPhone. iOS updates are almost always staggered, resulting in waves of availability, so if you don't see an update available for your iPhone right away, check back in a few hours or a day and you should be able to install iOS 16 on your iPhone.
Which iPhones Are Compatible with iOS 16?
All the new iPhones announced on September 7 at Apple's "Far Out" event will come with iOS 16 already installed. Anyone with an iPhone 8 or newer iPhone model will be able to install iOS 16. Unfortunately, Apple has ended support for the iPhone 7 and older models, as well as the iPod Touch. Here's the full list of iOS 16 compatible iPhones:
- iPhone 8
- iPhone 8 Plus
- iPhone X
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone XR
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 Mini
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 Mini
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation)
New iOS 16 Features Available Now
When you do update your iPhone, there will be a number of things you'll notice right away. Here are some of the most talked-about new iOS 16 features that will be available as soon as you've installed the update:
- The Lock Screen can now be personalized in new and various ways.
- The Messages app now has an option to edit or unsend a text message. You'll also be able to unsend emails sent from the Mail app.
- The Fitness app on the iPhone can track your steps and third-party workouts even without an Apple Watch.
We introduced readers to these new iOS 16 features when they were initially announced at the June 2022 WWDC event, but if you're interested in learning how to use these and other new Apple device functions, sign up for our free Tip of the Day newsletter to receive a one-minute how-to each day, delivered straight to your inbox!
Which iOS 16 Features Are Delayed?
Unfortunately, six features won't be released on the day of iOS 16's release. While we don't yet know exactly when these features will be released, it's a safe bet that we'll see them before the end of the year. Keep an eye out for further iOS updates!
- Live Activities will allow you to watch live updates on your Lock Screen, such as your food delivery order's progress or the score of an ongoing sports game.
- Freeform is a cross-platform app that will allow users to collaborate in a shared digital space, whether using an iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
- SharePlay integration in Game Center allows you to play games with friends or family members while on a FaceTime call.
- Matter will allow compatible smart home accessories to work together across platforms.
- Next-gen CarPlay will display speed, distance, engine RPM, and temperature on your car's instrument cluster. You will also be able to adjust your car's interior climate.
- Web push notifications will allow web apps to send notifications in mobile Safari the same way regular apps do.
Hopefully, we'll see these delayed iOS 16 features in the near future! Which new iPhone features are you most excited about?
