iOS 16 brings a major update to the iPhone, with new features like a customizable lock screen, enhanced messaging capabilities, and improvements to apps like Maps, Wallet, Safari and more. Some of the most notable new features in iOS 16 include:
– A redesigned lock screen that supports widgets and depth effects for photos. Users can create multiple customized lock screens and easily swipe between them.
– An intelligent dictation feature that allows users to seamlessly switch between voice and touch for text entry.
– Improvements to Messages, including the ability to edit or recall recently sent messages, mark conversations as unread, and share photos, videos and other content directly from the Messages app.
– Major enhancements to the Wallet app, like support for digital IDs, keys and Apple Pay Later.
– Upgrades to Maps with multi-stop routing and transit fare cards.
– Improved intelligence throughout the system with features like Live Text in video and Visual Look Up.
With all of these new capabilities and enhancements, many users will want to update to iOS 16 as soon as possible. While the update will roll out to supported devices automatically over the air in the fall, users don’t have to wait. It is possible to manually force an iOS update by going into Settings, General, then Software Update. This article provides step-by-step instructions to force install the latest iOS 16 update.
Determine Device Compatibility
iOS 16 is compatible with iPhone models going back to the iPhone 8 and iPhone SE (2nd generation). Specifically, iOS 16 is supported on the following iPhone models according to Apple support documentation:
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 mini
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone XR
- iPhone X
- iPhone 8
- iPhone 8 Plus
- iPhone SE (2nd generation)
Older iPhone models like the iPhone 6S/6S Plus and original iPhone SE will not support iOS 16. So users with those devices will be limited to iOS 15 and earlier versions.
Back Up iPhone Before Updating
It’s highly recommended to back up your iPhone before installing a major iOS update like iOS 16. Backups ensure your data, photos, messages and other important information is preserved in case anything goes wrong during the update process.
There are two main methods for backing up an iPhone before updating:
Back Up to iCloud
You can enable iCloud backups in your iPhone’s Settings app under your Apple ID profile. iCloud can automatically back up your iPhone each day when it’s charging and connected to WiFi. Make sure your most recent iCloud backup is up to date before installing iOS 16 [1].
Back Up to iTunes
Connect your iPhone to a computer running iTunes. In iTunes, select your iPhone and then tap “Back Up Now” to manually initiate a backup. iTunes backups store more data than iCloud backups, including your iOS device settings. However, an iTunes backup requires connecting to a computer [2].
Backups ensure you have a safety net in case something goes wrong during a major iOS update. So take the time to fully back up your iPhone before installing iOS 16.
Download Latest iOS Update
Before installing iOS 16, you’ll first need to download the latest update file. This is a large file, often over 1GB in size, so it’s important to connect your iPhone to a stable WiFi network before proceeding.
To download the iOS 16 update:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Tap on “General” and then “Software Update.”
- If an update is available, you’ll see the option to “Download and Install.” Tap this.
- The iOS 16 software package will download. The download time will depend on your internet connection speed.
Once the download is complete, your iPhone will prompt you to install the update. Make sure your device is plugged in and connected to WiFi during installation. The entire process of updating to iOS 16 can take from 15 minutes to over an hour depending on the model of iPhone.
Update iOS Using Finder on Mac
You can update to the latest iOS version using the Finder app on your Mac computer. To do this, you will need to connect your iPhone to your Mac with a USB cable and launch the Finder app. Here are the steps:
First, connect your iPhone to your Mac using the included USB cable. Your device should appear in the Finder sidebar under Locations.
Next, click on your iPhone in the Finder sidebar. In the main Finder window that opens, you will see the General tab. Under Software, you can check to see if any iOS updates are available for your device.
If an update is available, click on the Update button next to the iOS version. This will download and install the latest iOS update on your iPhone. Follow the onscreen prompts to complete the installation process. Your iPhone will automatically restart and finish updating.
For more details, see Apple’s guide on updating iOS using Finder on Mac.
Update iOS Using iTunes on PC
You can update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch to the latest iOS version using iTunes on a Windows PC. To do this:
1. Connect your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch to your computer using the USB cable that came with your device.
2. Open iTunes on your Windows PC. iTunes can be downloaded from the official iTunes download page if you don’t already have it.
3. In iTunes, select your connected iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch from the sidebar.
4. Click on the “Check for Update” button in the Summary section for your device. iTunes will now check for the latest iOS update and download it if available.
5. Once the update has downloaded, click on “Download and Update” to install the latest iOS version on your device. Make sure your device is connected throughout the process and do not disconnect it until the update is complete.
The iOS update process may take some time depending on your internet connection speed. Your device will reboot a few times during the process. Please be patient and wait for the update to fully complete before disconnecting your device.
Troubleshooting Tips
Here are some solutions for common errors that may occur when trying to update to iOS 16:
If you get a verification error saying “Unable to verify update”, try these steps:
- Make sure you have a stable WiFi or cellular connection.
- Go to Settings > General > Reset and tap “Reset Network Settings” to reset the network connections.
- Delete the update from your device and try downloading it again. Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage. Tap on iOS 16, then tap Delete Update.
If your iPhone gets stuck on the Apple logo during an update, force restart your device:
- Quickly press and release the Volume Up button.
- Quickly press and release the Volume Down button.
- Press and hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo.
This will force restart your iPhone and you can try updating to iOS 16 again. If it still doesn’t work, you may need to connect to iTunes and update through your computer instead.
Checking for these common errors and trying these troubleshooting tips can typically resolve most issues when trying to update to the latest iOS version.
Downgrade iOS Version
Downgrading iOS can potentially provide benefits, but is very limited and should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. The Apple-approved way to revert to an earlier version of iOS is by doing a full device restore using an IPSW file for the specific device and iOS version (see steps below). However, this erases all data and settings on the iPhone.
According to Apple Discussions, downgrading iOS typically requires contacting Apple support directly. The site states it’s not possible to downgrade iOS after installing a newer update.
If you downgrade iOS, all data and settings on the device will be deleted. Make sure to fully back up the iPhone with iTunes or iCloud before attempting a downgrade. The backup can then be restored onto the iPhone after installing the older iOS version.
To downgrade iOS (fully erase iPhone and install older IPSW):
- Download the desired older iOS IPSW file for your specific iPhone model from ipsw.me.
- Connect the iPhone to your computer and open iTunes (Windows) or Finder (Mac).
- While holding down the left Shift key (Windows) or Option key (Mac), click Restore iPhone.
- Browse to and select the IPSW file you downloaded for the target iOS version.
- iTunes/Finder will wipe the iPhone and install the older iOS build.
- Set up the iPhone as new or restore from your backup after downgrading.
Again, note that downgrading iOS results in data loss and should only be attempted if directed by Apple support. The signed window for reverting to older versions is typically very limited.
Delaying the iOS 16 Update
You can delay iOS 16 updates on your device if you don’t want to install the latest version right away. Here’s how to stop automatic update notifications and set your device to download updates manually:
To prevent your iPhone from automatically downloading the latest iOS update, go to Settings > General > Software Update and toggle off “Download iOS Updates”. This will stop your device from downloading new iOS versions in the background when they are released. However, you will still get notifications prompting you to install the update.
To disable automatic update notifications as well, go to Settings > Notifications > System > Software Update and toggle off “Allow Notifications”. Now your iPhone will not notify you or automatically download iOS 16 updates until you manually enable these features again.
With automatic downloads and notifications disabled, your iPhone will stay on your current iOS version. To update when you are ready, go to Settings > General > Software Update and tap “Download and Install” to manually download the latest iOS update. You can then choose to install it or keep delaying the installation if desired.
According to Apple’s support article Test and defer software updates for Apple devices, MDM administrators can also delay iOS updates by up to 90 days using configuration profiles.
Conclusion
In summary, the main steps to force an iOS 16 update are to check device compatibility, back up your iPhone, download the latest iOS version, and then update through either Finder or iTunes depending on if you’re on Mac or PC. It’s critical to back up your device before updating to avoid any data loss. If issues persist after updating to iOS 16, you may need to troubleshoot, downgrade to iOS 15, or wait for a future update that resolves bugs.
Upgrading to major new iOS versions like iOS 16 can sometimes introduce bugs or performance problems. Making an iCloud or iTunes backup before updating gives you the ability to restore your device if the update causes issues. For most users, updating to iOS 16 is worthwhile for the new features and security enhancements. But if problems appear, downgrading or waiting for the next incremental update may be prudent.
Overall, forcing an iOS 16 update is straightforward, but requires some preparation and care to avoid potential downsides. Following Apple’s recommended steps, persisting through minor hiccups, and utilizing available backup/restore options will enable most iPhone users to successfully transition to the latest iOS version.