In recent years, Apple has shown that it’s actually listening to its users, bringing new features that we’ve been asking for, for years. This recent trend continues with iOS 16, which was introduced during Apple’s WWDC 2022 Keynote presentation. With it, we’re getting quite a few improvements to the iOS platform, while improving the user experience overall. Today, we’re going to walk you through the steps if you want to know how to download iOS 16 on your iPhone.
While the changes coming to iPadOS 16 stole the show for many, Apple isn’t pulling its punches with iOS 16. There are a lot of awesome new features that will be making their way to an iPhone near you later this year. But here are just some of the highlights when it comes to what you can expect to see.
Lock Screen Customization
Easily the biggest change coming to iOS 16 is the ability to finally customize your Lock Screen. We aren’t talking about just swapping out wallpapers, as you can actually add glanceable widgets that reside beneath the clock. Considering that the first Developer Beta was just released, the widget options are limited to Apple’s own apps. But we expect this to quickly change thanks to the improvements to the WidgetKit API, and it’s only a matter of time before third-party widgets are available.
Focus Filters
Along with revamping the setup process for creating different Focus modes, Apple is taking things a step further. With iOS 16, you’ll be able to swipe from the Lock Screen to switch between different Focus modes, as opposed to using Shortcuts or Control Center.
Focus Filters are designed to help you set boundaries in different apps, hiding distracting content whenever a Focus Mode is enabled. For instance, when a Work Focus is active, you can set specific websites that will appear in your Safari tabs, as opposed to seeing everything and anything. This functionality expands into the Mail app, along with Messages, so you can stay focused on the task (or tasks) at hand.
Live Text and Visual Look Up Improvements
One of the coolest features shown off during the WWDC ‘22 Keynote was the ability to lift a subject from an image. Essentially, you open a picture on your iPhone, tap and hold onto the subject, then you can drag and drop the picture of the subject into another app. The original photo won’t be “harmed”, so you’ll still be able to go back and look at the image. But this new feature will take meme creation to the next level.
Live Text also is getting a massive upgrade, as detailed earlier this year as part of Apple’s continued commitment to improving accessibility. Live Text for video, makes it so that you can pause a video, and then copy whatever text is being displayed. For other content being viewed on your iPhone, Live Text now makes it easier to translate text, convert currencies, or visit websites, right from the Camera app.
Eligible Devices
Much like the iPad and Mac, the iPhone is seeing a few more devices removed than we originally anticipated. This doesn’t come as too much of a surprise given the sheer number of features being packed into iOS 16. But if you want to know if your device is eligible, here’s the entire list of iPhone models that will receive the upgrade to iOS 16.
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 or later)
How To Download iOS 16
With all of that out of the way, you’re almost to the point where you can start to download iOS 16. However, there’s one major step that you’ll need to follow before proceeding.
Back-Up Everything
Backing up your iPhone is extremely important if you plan to install beta versions of software. This is especially true with Developer Beta releases, as these are not intended to be installed on a device you use on a daily basis. Instead, Developer Betas are meant to be used with secondary or even tertiary iPhones so that developers can test out new features before the final release. With that being said, here’s how you can back up your iPhone if you want to install iOS 16:
Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
Tap your profile at the top of the page.
Tap iCloud.
Select iCloud Backup from the list.
Tap the Back Up Now button.
With your backup completed, it’s time to get ready to download iOS 16. There is one more catch, however, that you need to be aware of.
You Need An Apple Developer Account
At the time of this writing, there is no Public Beta of iOS 16 available to download. This means that the only way you can download iOS 16 is by creating a Developer’s Account through Apple’s Developer page. Creating an account is simple enough, but in order to actually install the necessary profile, you’ll need to come up with the $99 yearly developer fee. This can be paid during the account creation process, and then you’re off to the races.
Log in with your developer credentials, usually your Apple ID.
When prompted, enter the 2FA code, and hit the Trust button to trust the device.
Under Operating Systems, tap the Install Profile button next to iOS 16 beta.
When prompted, tap Allow to download the configuration profile.
Tap Close on the Profile Downloaded prompt.
Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
At the top of the left sidebar, tap the Profile Downloaded option.
Tap the Install button in the top right corner.
When prompted, enter your iPhone’s passcode.
Tap Install after reading the consent form.
Confirm that you want to install the beta profile.
When prompted, tap the Restart button.
While your iPhone is restarting, plug it into a reliable power source.
Once restarted, make sure that you are connected to a reliable wireless network.
We recommend connecting to Wi-Fi in order to download iOS 16.
Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
Tap General.
Select Software Update.
Tap the Download and Install button.
When prompted, enter your iPhone’s passcode.
Tap Agree when the Terms & Conditions page appears.
Wait.
The actual process for downloading and installing iOS 16 is no different than previous versions of the software. This means that once the beta software is downloaded, your iPhone will restart in order to install iOS 16. We recommend that you find something else to do, as you might be waiting a little while before the installation process is complete.
While iOS 16 is installing, you’ll see an Apple logo appear, complete with a progress bar beneath it. You also might notice that your iPhone restarts a couple of times, but don’t fret, as this is just normal procedure. Once your iPhone is finished restarting for the final time, you’ll be able to enjoy iOS 16 Developer Beta 1.
When Is iOS 16 Being Released?
Apple is just getting started with the latest version of iOS. The first Developer Beta is available for developers starting now, with a Public Beta program set to open sometime in July. We’ll continue seeing iterations made to the platform over the next few months before iOS 16 is released for everyone this Fall.
Andrew Myrick is a freelance writer based on the East Coast of the US. He enjoys everything to do with technology, including tablets, smartphones, and everything in between. Perhaps his favorite past-time is having a never-ending supply of different keyboards and gaming handhelds that end up collecting more dust than the consoles that are being emulated.
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