Apple’s latest iPhone update is still in beta, but is expected to be released to the public this fall.
Apple’s next major software update, iOS 16, will bring a host of new features to iPhone. This includes the ability to edit and unsend text messages, split purchases into bi-weekly payments using Apple Pay Later, further customization of the lock screen and the ability to cut out photo backgrounds with a tap and hold.
While Apple hasn’t announced a specific date for the release of iOS 16, it’s expected to drop sometime in the fall, possibly alongside iPhone 14. While it’s still a few months away, you may be wondering if Apple’s latest mobile operating system is compatible with the iPhone you currently own.
Here’s what we know about whether you can download iOS 16 on your iPhone once it’s available to the public.
If you want to use iOS 16 right away, you can download a second developer beta preview, thanks to Apple’s Developer Program. However, we do not recommend that you download the developer beta because it can be full of bugs and other problems. You’re better off waiting for the public beta, which is expected to be released sometime this month.
These iPhone models will support iOS 16
The following iPhones will be compatible with iOS 16 when it is released later this year:
- iPhone 8
- iPhone 8 Plus
- iPhone X
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone XR
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 Mini
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 Mini
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (Second generation and newer models)
It’s also safe to assume that every model in the iPhone 14 series will arrive running iOS 16. Apple is expected to announce and unveil its latest flagship device during its annual special event keynote sometime in September.
How to find out which iPhone you have
Not sure which iPhone you have, you can easily find the model from Settings to check if it will run iOS 16.
To find your iPhone model, launch the Settings app and go to General > About. Next to Model Name, you should see the type of iPhone you have. Below it, you’ll see a model number that you can use to find more details about your model, such as capacity and launch year, but this is not required to check if your phone supports iOS 16 (only available for iPhone SE) or not.
What about older iPhone models like the iPhone 7 Plus?
Unfortunately, any iPhone older than iPhone 8 does not support iOS 16, including the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. Many people on Twitter were surprised by this, as many expected the iPhone 7 Plus to support at least iOS 16. Instead, the iPhone 7 series and some older models only support iOS 15 at best. 15.
Will iOS 16 be installed on my iPad?
iPad has its own version of iOS 16 – called iPadOS 16. The following iPad models will support this latest operating system:
- iPad Mini (Fifth generation and beyond)
- iPad (Fifth generation and beyond)
- iPad Air (Third generation and newer models)
- iPad Pro (All models)