iOS 16 Set To Release Today: Check Out Top 5 New Features, How To Install

iOS 16 will only be compatible with iPhone 8 or higher models. The OTA update should arrive on your handset soon.

iOS 16 comes with a customisable lockscreen feature.

iOS 16 is set to release today, September 12, in a phased rollout. Apple at its ‘Far Out’ event last week announced the official rollout date for its much-awaited iPhone operating system, after announcing the same at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) back in June. As iPhone users await to get iOS 16 on their handsets, here are the top five features the new OS brings to the table. It should be noted that iOS 16 will only be compatible with iPhone 8 and later models.

iOS 16: Top 5 features

Customisable lockscreen

So far, iOS users hasn’t been able to play around with their lockscreens quite like Android users do. With iOS 16, that’s about to change. From the ability to change the font and colour of text, users will also get much more freedom on where to place various widgets of their choice. Users can also access Live Activities directly and also change the way widgets would appear on the screen. If you don't have that much time to change every single aspect, you can always swipe on the lockscreen to see which default look appears best. 

Nintendo Joy Con support

This one’s for gaming aficionados. While the iOS has been capable of supporting PlayStation DualSense and Xbox Series X controllers since iOS 14.5, Nintendo’s colourful Joy Cons were given a miss. Thankfully, with iOS 16, Nintendo Switch users can connect their Joy Con units to an iPhone and enjoy their favourite games.

Fitness on the phone

The Apple Watch is a great companion for workouts as it automatically tracks how much calories you burn even if you forget to turn on the Workout app at times. With iOS 16, iPhones will now use their inbuild motion sensors to track your daily activity, showing your results on a now-iconic fitness ring. Now, without the need for an Apple Watch, you will be able to see the calories burnt, steps taken, and distance traversed in total.

Unsend and edit iMessages

iMessage may not be the most used texting app for many users, but still the added advantage of being able to edit a sent message, or event unsend it entirely, is a welcome change for those who frequent the app. You can unsend a message within up to 15 minutes after they are sent, or you can choose to edit a sent message up to five times per message.

Passkeys

Forget passwords. Passkeys will allow iOS 16 users to sign in to apps or websites on other devices, thanks to its ability to sync across Apple devices and even non-Apple ones. Managed by iCloud Keychain, Passkeys are end-to-end encrypted and hence keep you safe from phishing attacks.

iOS 16: How to update

When the update will arrive on your iPhone, you will get a pop-up notification on the same.

Head over to Settings > General > Software Update. Finally click on Download & Install or Install Now, and you are set. Make sure your iPhone is put on charging and connected to a stable Wi-Fi network while updating.