Updating to the latest version of iOS is important to get the newest features, security enhancements and bug fixes for your iPhone. Apple typically releases a major iOS software update every year that contains new features, updates to existing apps, and performance improvements. Staying current with iOS updates ensures your device runs smoothly and is protected against emerging security vulnerabilities.
Updating an older iPhone like the iPhone 5s from iOS 9.3.5 to the newest iOS 16 requires multiple update steps and backups. This guide will walk through how to determine your current iOS version, check compatibility, back up your device, download iOS 16, install the update, explore new features, and troubleshoot any issues.
Determine Your Current iOS Version
The first step to upgrading from iOS 9.3.5 to iOS 16 is determining your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch’s current iOS version. There are a couple easy ways to check this:
On an iPhone or iPad, open the Settings app then tap General and About. The current iOS version will be displayed next to “Version.” https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201685
Alternatively, you can check on the iPhone or iPad by going to Settings > General > Software Update. This will show you the current iOS version installed along with any available updates.
On an iPod touch, the process is the same. Open Settings > General > About to view the current iOS version. Or go to Settings > General > Software Update to see the version and any updates available.
Knowing the specific iOS version number installed on your device is important for determining compatibility with iOS 16 and troubleshooting any issues during or after the update.
Back Up Your Device
It is highly recommended to back up your iPhone before updating to iOS 16. A backup provides a safety net in case anything goes wrong during the update process. If the update fails or your device encounters issues, you can use the backup to restore your iPhone and return it to the state it was in before updating. This allows you to avoid permanently losing any important data or settings.
There are two main ways to back up an iPhone – using iCloud or a computer. The easiest option is to use iCloud backups which happen automatically once configured (source). To set up iCloud backups, go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup and turn on the feature. Your iPhone will then back up daily whenever connected to WiFi and power. You can also manually trigger a backup anytime before updating by going to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Back Up Now.
Alternatively, you can back up to a computer using iTunes (PC) or Finder (Mac). Connect your iPhone to your computer and launch iTunes/Finder. Select your device and then select “Back Up Now” to manually initiate a backup before updating iOS (source). This will save a snapshot of your device locally on your computer.
Having a current backup before updating to iOS 16 provides important protection. If any issues come up, you’ll have the ability to restore your device and data back to its pre-update state. This gives you peace of mind knowing your information is safe.
Check Compatibility
Before updating to iOS 16, you’ll want to make sure that your iPhone model is compatible with the latest iOS version. iOS 16 is compatible with the iPhone 8 and later, including the following models:
- 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 XR
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone X
- iPhone 8
- iPhone 8 Plus
You can check which iPhone model you have by going to Settings > General > About on your device. The Model Name will be listed there.
If your iPhone is not in the above list of compatible devices, unfortunately you will not be able to upgrade to iOS 16. The latest supported iOS version will vary depending on your iPhone model.
Download iOS 16
Before downloading iOS 16, you’ll want to connect your device to a WiFi network instead of cellular data. Downloading over WiFi ensures the full iOS 16 file can download without interruption. The iOS 16 update is a large file, around 3GB, so downloading over cellular data can lead to slow speeds, data overage charges, or a failed installation if the connection drops.1
You’ll also want to check you have ample storage space available on your device before downloading. iOS 16 requires at least 3GB of available storage space to successfully download and install. You can check your available storage space by going to Settings > General > iPhone Storage. If you’re low on space, delete apps, photos, or media you no longer need to free up storage before updating.2
Once your device is connected to WiFi and you’ve confirmed there’s enough free storage space, you can proceed to download iOS 16. The download will start automatically as soon as iOS 16 is available for your device. Or you can manually trigger it by going to Settings > General > Software Update and tapping “Download and Install.” The download may take some time depending on your internet connection speed.
Install iOS 16
Once you have downloaded the iOS 16 software update file to your device, you are ready to install it. Here are the step-by-step instructions for installing iOS 16:
1. Go to Settings > General > Software Update. You will see the iOS 16 update available.
2. Tap “Download and Install”. This will begin the process of installing iOS 16 on your device.
3. You may be prompted to enter your passcode or use Face ID/Touch ID to confirm the installation. Go ahead and authenticate.
4. Your iPhone or iPad will reboot and begin installing iOS 16. This may take several minutes.
5. Once the installation is complete, your device will reboot again and you will be greeted with the iOS 16 setup screens.
6. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup process. This will include signing in with your Apple ID and settings up Face ID/Touch ID.
7. After you complete the setup screens, iOS 16 will be fully installed and ready to use. Enjoy exploring the new features!
For more detailed step-by-step guidance, see the Tom’s Guide instructions on downloading and installing iOS 16.
Explore New Features
iOS 16 comes with several major new features and enhancements compared to previous iOS versions. According to Apple, some of the key new features in iOS 16 include:
- A redesigned Lock Screen with new widgets, wallpapers, and notifications that can be customized to your liking.
- An updated Focus mode that lets you tie Lock Screens and Home Screens to your Focus for a tailored experience.
- iCloud Shared Photo Library for easily sharing photos with family.
- New messaging tools in Messages like editing or recalling sent messages.
- Enhancements to Mail like scheduling emails and canceling delivery.
- Safety Check for quickly revoking access to private data.
- Live Text update with the ability to recognize text in videos and translate text.
- Passkeys for signing into apps and websites without using passwords.
For a full overview of all the new features in iOS 16, check Apple’s iOS 16 preview page (https://www.apple.com/md/ios/ios-16/features/). The update brings noteworthy improvements to the core iOS experience and apps.
Troubleshooting
Updating to iOS 16 can sometimes cause issues on your device. Here are some of the most common problems and potential fixes:
Battery Drain
Some users have reported abnormal battery drain after updating to iOS 16 (Source: https://www.gottabemobile.com/ios-16-problems/). Try these troubleshooting steps:
- Make sure all apps are updated to the latest version
- Check battery usage in Settings to see which apps are draining your battery
- Turn off Background App Refresh for apps you don’t need updating in the background
- Reset all settings (this will not erase data)
Connectivity Issues
Some people have noticed problems with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or cellular data after installing iOS 16 (Source: https://www.gottabemobile.com/ios-16-problems-fixes/). Try these steps to fix connectivity issues:
- Toggle Airplane mode off and on
- Forget the network and reconnect
- Reset network settings
- Update carrier settings
App Crashes
If apps are crashing frequently after you update, try these troubleshooting tips:
- Check for app updates and install if available
- Offload and reinstall the app
- Restart your device
- Reset all settings (will not erase data)
Security Updates
Keeping your iOS version up-to-date with the latest security updates is vital for protecting your iPhone from vulnerabilities and malware. As Apple releases new iOS versions, they include fixes for known security flaws and holes that could be exploited by attackers. By updating to the latest iOS, you ensure your device has the most robust defenses against emerging digital threats.
For example, iOS 17.1.2 addressed a critical vulnerability in WebKit that could lead to arbitrary code execution when processing maliciously crafted web content. Updating closed that security gap. Likewise, iOS 16 fixed over 20 other vulnerabilities that could be leveraged to access sensitive data on a user’s device.
Failing to update your iOS means your iPhone will remain susceptible to hackers taking advantage of known software vulnerabilities that Apple has already patched in newer versions. It is highly recommended to always install the latest iOS release to protect your privacy, accounts, and sensitive information stored on your device.
Conclusion
In summary, updating to iOS 16 from iOS 9.3.5 provides a major leap in features and functionality. iOS 16 delivers a fresh look with a customizable lock screen, improved messaging, and helpful quality-of-life updates. Upgrading requires taking the time to back up your device and checking compatibility, but the overall process is straightforward. With iOS 16, you can enjoy Apple’s latest innovations in machine learning, augmented reality, and intelligent notifications. The update brings the iPhone experience into the modern era while maintaining Apple’s focus on user privacy and security.
For most users still running iOS 9.3.5, updating to iOS 16 is recommended to gain access to the latest features and security updates. Take some time to explore all of the new capabilities once you’ve upgraded. While change can take some getting used to, iOS 16 offers improvements that make your iPhone more personal, intelligent, and enjoyable to use on a daily basis.
