iOS 16 and watchOS 9 will be released by Apple today globally including India. Like every year, the latest iteration of iOS will be released for the recently launched iPhone 14 series along with some select older iPhone models. iOS 16 brings some new options for enhancement and customization. With iOS 16, you get features like focus mode in hidden and recently deleted albums, a new lock screen, and more privacy layers. Other features in iOS 16 include updates to iMessages, SharePlay, Notifications, Maps, Safari, Wallet and more.
Meanwhile, watchOS 9 brings the featured Workout app, a new Medicine app that offers more insights into sleep and heart health, and support for more watch faces and personalization options. Apple announced iOS 16 and also unveiled watchOS 9 at its Worldwide Developers Conference 2022 in June.
Which iPhone models support iOS 16?
iOS 16 will be available for the recently launched iPhone 14 series, which includes iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max.
The iPhone 13 series, which includes the iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max.
Apple’s iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max as well as iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max will also get the new operating system.
Those still using iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, iPhone X, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone SE (2020), and iPhone SE (2022) will also be able to run the stable iOS 16 software.
When will iOS 16 be released?
The iOS 16 release should be around 10am PST, which means for users in India, the update should be released around 10.30pm. iPhone users should start getting the option soon after iOS 16 is released. To check, you can go here Settings > General > Software Updates To know if you got the option to upgrade to iOS 16 or not.
It’s worth noting that those that are on public beta are apparently getting more stable updates than others. One of the team members at Gadgets 360 has already installed the iOS 16 update on his iPhone 12.
How to install iOS 16
Installing iOS 16 shouldn’t be a difficult task. In fact, the decision to install it will be a big question. Some are early adopters and install updates right away, while others prefer to wait 2-3 days to play it safe and check for reported bugs and issues. Apple is usually on their toes to mitigate reported issues and they are quickly resolved with hotfixes.
- The first thing you should do is to back up your data. It remains to be seen if there are bugs in iOS 16, but the best way to protect your data and not risk losing it is to install any update.
- Make sure you have enough space for the update. Older models come with fewer storage options. Those whose storage is full to the brim should free up some space for the update.
- Charge your iPhone model to 80 percent and make sure to connect to a fast Wi-Fi connection before you start the installation process.
- You can quickly ‘Download and Install’ iOS 16 update or you can also schedule it.
- Apple provides an option to install updates at a later time. Some restless souls prefer to install the update as soon as possible to experience the new features, while others may choose to install the update ‘after’or overnight, or they can ask the phone to remind you to install the update later.
- Reboot and viola! You are now running iOS 16 on your phone.
iOS 16 features
Among the many new features in iOS 16 is an improved lock screen with more personalization features. Users can jazz up their phones with wallpapers, photos and themed collections with fonts for time and date, and add lock screen widgets for weather, alarms, activity rings and calendars.
Apple’s iOS 16 moves the notifications stack and alerts to the bottom of the display, making them easier to tap and view with one hand. Content can now be checked with a new lock screen and live activities feature that lets users see things happening in real-time. Focus mode can be accessed by swiping up from the lock screen.
iOS 16 allows users to edit a sent message or cancel a recent message entirely (limited to 15 minutes after it was sent). The iOS 16 update brings iCloud Shared Photo Library that lets users share photos with up to five other users. However, this feature will be rolled out to users at a later date.
watchOS 9 release, features
Like iOS 16, the watchOS 9 update for the Apple Watch series will be released on September 12 for Apple Watch Series 4 and later devices. Among the many features is a new Low Power Mode that allows users to extend battery life on the Apple Watch by turning off battery-hungry functions. This is different from the power reserve mode that Apple Watch already has.
WatchOS 9 also comes with new watch faces, improved health and fitness tracking, and a Medication app to help users keep track of their medications, vitamins, and supplements from their wrist.
