the time has come to update your iPhone and iPad. Last month, Apple released the final version of iOS 16, which builds on many of the new features introduced in iOS 15, like SharePlay and Focus, and adds greater customization. And after a slight delay, iPadOS 16 is officially available too, with features like Stage Manager, Reference Mode, and a revamped Mail app.

Below, we dive into all the major capabilities now available on your iPhone and iPad, as well as how to download both new operating systems. Be sure to read our MacOS Ventura feature roundup for all the new features available for Macs.

Updated October 24, 2022: We’ve added details on how to download iPadOS 16 and added new features in iOS 16.1, like Live Activities, a Fitness app on iPhone, and Clean Energy Charging.
Is Your iPhone or iPad Compatible?

With iOS 16, Apple is ending software support for the following devices: the iPhone 6S, iPhone 6S Plus, iPhone SE 2016, iPhone 7, and iPhone 7 Plus. Basically, if you have an iPhone 8 (2017) or newer (including the second- and third-gen iPhone SE), you can download and run iOS 16. That doesn’t mean every feature in the update will be available on your iPhone, though, as some features like Live Text work only with iPhones powered by an A12 Bionic chip or newer.

It’s a little more complicated for iPads since they don’t have sensible naming conventions. Here are the generations that will receive iPadOS 16. You can figure out which model you have by following the directions here.

iPad: Fifth-gen and up
iPad Mini: Fifth-gen and up
iPad Air: Third-gen and up
9.7-inch and 10.5-inch iPad Pro
11-inch iPad Pro: First-gen and up
12.9-inch iPad Pro: First-gen and up

How to Install iOS 16

Before downloading iOS 16, we highly recommend backing up your iPhone and iPad. It’s easy if you do it via iCloud. Go to Settings, tap on your name at the top and then select iCloud. From there, tap on iCloud Backup and toggle it on. Then, tap Back Up Now to trigger a new backup. You also have the option on the previous iCloud page to toggle off specific apps that you don’t want to be included in the backup. If you don’t have enough iCloud storage or you just want another method, you can check out our How to Back Up Your iPhone or iPad guide for alternative options.

Once that’s done, you’re ready to install iOS 16 and iPadOS 16. Since this is a hefty update, you should plug your iPhone or iPad into a charger. Then, make sure your devices are connected to Wi-Fi. Next, head to Settings > General > Software Update. You should see an option to download the update. Tap on Download and Install. When the download is complete, you’ll need to tap Install Now for the iPhone or iPad to begin updating. When your device restarts, the update is complete. The whole process can take some time, so run the update when you won’t need to use your device.
New iOS 16 Version Updates

Over the course of a year, Apple will continue to release new versions of iOS 16—most of which include bug fixes, security patches, and incremental updates. However, some releases come with new features that weren’t included in the initial launch. We’ll continue to update this section with feature releases as Apple rolls out the latest version of iOS 16. To update your iPhone, go to Settings > General > Software Update and follow the instructions in the section above.

iOS 16.1: This update includes the Fitness app on your iPhone (without the need for an Apple Watch), a battery percentage icon that increases or decreases depending on the battery level, and the option to toggle off the volume touch control feature on the second-generation AirPods Pro. Live Activities are now available too, allowing you to follow scores during sports games, Uber rides, workout activities, and more, all via a pinned notification at the bottom of your lock screen.

There’s also Clean Energy Charging, which, according to Apple, is supposed to “decrease the carbon footprint of the iPhone by optimizing charging times for when the grid is using cleaner energy sources.”

news source: https://www.wired.com/story/apple-iphone-ios-16-ipados-16-new-features/