14 DAY TRIAL // Apple has officially announced iOS 16, with a preview build for developers to go live later today, while a beta build should be launched at some point next month.
The final version, however, is projected to see the daylight in September, as per Apple’s typical release calendar.
The Cupertino-based tech giant has also confirmed on its website that iOS 16 will leave behind quite a lot of iPhone models, including the first-generation iPhone SE, the iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 7, and iPhone 7 Plus.
iOS 16 to launch in September for all supported iPhones
In other words, users will need an iPhone 8 or a newer model to receive iOS 16.
The following iPhone models will get the new operating system update:
- iPhone 8 and 8 Plus
- iPhone X
- iPhone XS and XS Max
- iPhone XR
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max
- iPhone 12 and 12 mini
- iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max
- iPhone 13 and 13 mini
- iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max
- iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd gen)
iOS 16 comes with several new big features, including a redesigned lock screen with more customization options, as well as improved notifications, widgets on the lock screen, and so much more. Apple obviously praises the new update, explaining that it completely changes the way people use the iPhone.
“iOS 16 is a big release with updates that will change the way you experience iPhone,” said Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering.
“We have reimagined how the Lock Screen looks and works with exciting new features that make it more personal and helpful, introduced iCloud Shared Photo Library for families, streamlined communication through new capabilities in Messages and Mail, and harnessed enhanced intelligence with updates to Live Text and Visual Look Up.”