The iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max will hit stores on September 16. Photo: DPA
Source:
https://scmp.com/lifestyle/gadgets/article/3192293/apple-ios-16-everything-you-need-know-about-latest-software Gadgets
Apple iOS 16: everything you need to know about the latest software update for the iPhone
- Apple has launched iOS 16 and it is packed with a slew of new features, from custom lock screens to easier photo-sharing to make your old phone feel new
- Which phones can support the update, which features will not be immediately available and how do you update your phone to get it? Answers here
You can buy an iPhone 14 this week, but if you have an Apple iPhone already, it will feel like new once you update its software with Apple iOS 16. Photo: dpa
Even if they did not pre-order or have plans to buy the upcoming iPhone 14, pre-existing iPhone owners will still feel like they are getting a new smartphone this week thanks to a new software update.
Apple launched iOS 16 – the 16th release of the company’s mobile operating system – on Monday and it is packed with a slew of new features. The timing of iOS 16’s launch was revealed last week alongside the iPhone 14.
Pre-orders for the iPhone kicked off last Friday. The iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max will hit stores on September 16. The iPhone 14 Plus will launch next month.
Prices for iPhone 14 start at US$799, topped by the iPhone 14 Pro Max at US$1,099.
Which phones will support iOS 16?
If you own an iPhone 8 or later, then your phone will support iOS 16. Second generation or later models of the iPhone SE will also support the new software update.
Will all iPhones support every new iOS 16 feature?
A handful of features are only supported if your iPhone is running the A12 chip. If you own an iPhone 8 or earlier, you do not have the chip. Features such as pulling live text from video or lifting subjects from an image are not available on older iPhones.
What features will not be there this week?
The most notable feature that will not launch until later this year is the iCloud Shared Photo Library, which allows iPhone owners to more easily share photos among family members or friends.
How do I update my iPhone to iOS 16?
The best way to check is to head to Settings, then General, then Software Update. Your iPhone will tell you whether iOS 16 is available.
When it is available, plug in your device or make sure your device has 50 per cent battery life or more. Then tap “Install Now”. Then prepare to wait. It could take a while.
What features are coming to iOS 16?
Edit or delete Messages after sending: users can either edit or unsend a message in the Messages app up to 15 minutes after it has been sent. Both the sender and recipient must use the Messages app and run iOS 16.
The timing of iOS 16’s launch was revealed last week alongside the iPhone 14. Photo: Reuters
Customisable lock screens: users can apply different styles and fonts as well as additional information resembling mini-widgets that can show the weather, activity, alarms and more. The widgets resemble the ones you can add to the face of an Apple Watch.
Focus mode upgrades: iPhone owners will have an easier time creating a Focus – an expansion of the Do Not Disturb function – and transitioning between multiple Focus modes, such as shifting between work and personal uses or when you are about to go to bed, for example.
Passkeys for Safari: your iPhone essentially becomes your password – passkeys offer a new way to sign in to services or websites by using your iPhone as a way to log in with Touch ID or Face ID.
What about WatchOS 9?
It is not just the iPhone that is getting an update. Apple Watch owners will see a big software update, too. The update is available to owners of the Apple Watch Series 4 or later at the same time as iOS 16.
Among the big features available on WatchOS 9: different ways to view workouts, enhanced workout summaries, a Medications app, sleep stages to better track how you sleep and new watch faces.