The software that powers the iPhone and iPad is due for an update and Apple is likely to debut the next version of its mobile operating system- iOS 16 and iPad OS respectively.
According to Apple’s usual release timeline, CNET reported that the company usually announces the next iOS at its annual World Wide Developer’s Conference.
The next WWDC will kick off on June 6 and Apple customers also anticipate updates to macOS and WatchOS. There may even be some new hardware but these updates have however not been confirmed by the company
When will iOS 16 be released?
The American media company predicts that iOS 16 would likely roll out in September, as the next iOS typically arrives at the same time as the next iPhone. Last year, for example, Apple released iOS 15 on Sept. 20, about a week after the iPhone 13 event.
Will iOS 16 be available for your iPhone?
Even as Apple churns out a new version of iOS every year, the operating systems are compatible for many old models, with iOS 15 working smoothly on the 2015 iPhone 6S. But the French website iPhoneSoft claims a developer at Apple leaked that iOS 16 will work on iPhones that have an A10 processor or higher. That’s the iPhone 7 and up — and not the iPhone 6S, 6S Plus or the SE 2016.
iPhoneSoft also says iPadOS 16 “will probably not” be compatible with the iPad Mini 4, iPad 5, iPad Air 2, or 9.7- and 12.9-inch iPad Pro.
iOS 16’s rumoured new features: Big widgets?
A hallmark of the iPhone user experience is the grid of small app squares that dot the home screen. But LeaksApplePro suggests that iOS 16 is bringing “big widgets” to the table. The image that LeaksApplePro tweeted appears to show apps displayed in larger squares and rectangles than usual, leaving room for more information such as the day’s weather, specific reminders and the song that’s playing. The image has been met with some scepticism, with some saying the Apple TV remote logo is inconsistent with the remote’s appearance.
As for other features, iOS 15 brought upgrades like grid view and call scheduling to FaceTime — and it’s possible that with iOS 16, Apple could opt to make FaceTime look even more like Zoom in this era of telework and videoconferencing. And as tech giants push the metaverse hype and rumours of an Apple VR or AR headset fly, it’s possible that iOS 16 could incorporate some meta elements, though Apple CEO Tim Cook has carefully avoided using the word.
How to download the iOS 16 beta when it’s available
Downloading a new operating system eats up quite a bit of space on a phone, so you’ll want to get rid of storage suckers like old photos, videos and apps. Then you need to back up your phone so you don’t lose anything important should the update go awry.
More information on the likely updates will roll out in Apple’s WWDC’s keynote which can be live-streamed from home beginning June 6.