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What Devices Work on iOS 16?

With iOS 17 already out, you might be wondering about how to use the last iteration, iOS 16, that's on many of these modern smartphones.

If you're concerned that your iPhone may be too old for the latest update, you've come to the right place for an honest answer. We're breaking down the iOS 16 update and all the phones that can run on this system.

What's New With iOS 16?

After its release in September 2022, iOS 16 went through several different versions, with some important changes. Some people felt there were some speed bumps along the way, but many were dazzled by the panoply of features and improvements in this OS instance.

Some of these changes involve fine-tuning, for example, changes to Apple emergency features that send alerts to rescue operations and other stakeholders. There's also live captions for video and something called door detection for the visually impaired that helps orient them in real-space.

The home base for iOS 16 devices is the custom lock screen, and there is a new capability to un-send text messages. There is a new SharePlay capacity, and visual look up and live text enhancement for photos.

Updated Lock Screen

The lock screen design is a big one. In fact, some of the changes to the lock screen go a lot further than you might think.

First, you'll be able to switch areas of the lock screen to different text fonts and colors.

You can also create more than one lock screen for multiple lock screens and customizations. Reviewers point out that it’s sort of like the watch face feature on an Apple watch. There are also changes to focus mode, which can also be helpful in lock screen customization. Arranging your widgets and settings in a particular way gives that dynamic personalization that users want, along with all the new features that Apple offers. 

In addition, focus filters help you to discard items that you don't want on your customized screen.

iOS 16 and Dynamic Island

If you're not familiar with the dynamic island, this integrative software feature's described as a "pill-shaped cutout" that replaces the Apple notch. This all-purpose visual shows users what's happening in real time, and provides more convenient notifications and access for some applications. 

Users can view low battery alerts, or connection changes like Apple watch locking or AirPlay connections. In some cases, users can look at two things at once, for example, where there's a timer running and other applications being used at the same time.

In navigation, dynamic island can display upcoming turns for map directions. It can track the duration of a phone call, or document voice memo recordings.

Other iOS 16 Features

The ‘unsend message’ feature is actually a major improvement in a number of ways. It takes away that anxiety about sending the wrong thing to the wrong person – prior to this game-changing feature, everything you sent was set in stone. Now users can navigate much better and be confident about the messages they're sending: in that they can be corrected by removal if necessary.

There's also a better dictation with our improvement of speech to text technology. Apple also put in voice isolation and microphone mode.

In terms of usability, there is a direct manipulation approach with multitouch and iOS 16 works with Apple’s Dynamic Island design to offer a lot of versatility in this smartphone upgrade.

Devices Supporting iOS 16

So, what phones and other devices get iOS 16, and which ones don't?

iPhone 14 Series

Apple released the iPhone 14 series on September 15, 2022. The drop included the following four new models:

Along with these devices, Apple also launched the newest software update, iOS 16. Models in the iPhone 14 series automatically run on this update. The update was made available to some older models a few days before users could buy from the iPhone 14 lineup.

iPhone 13 Series

The iPhone 13 series came out on September 14, 2021. The lineup includes the following models:

All 13 models are able to run on the latest software updates.

iPhone 12 Series

The iPhone 12 series came out on October 13, 2020. It is another lineup that works with iOS 16.

The 12 series includes:

You can update to iOS 16 software with any of the iPhone 12 models.

iPhone 11 Series

Users can also get iOS 16 for iPhone 11 models. This lineup came out on September 20, 2019, and it includes the following:

iPhone X Series

Apple released the iPhone X series over two years. The models include:

All four models in the X series work with iOS 16 updates.

iPhone 8 Series

Users can also enjoy iOS 16 for iPhone 8 models.

The lineup includes the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus. The iPhone 8 has a 4.7-inch display. The 8 Plus has a 5.5-inch display, and both models feature one camera. It is the oldest generation of Apple smartphones that can work with the iOS 16 update.

iPhone SE Series

The latest iPhone SE models can also update to iOS 16. We should note that the first-generation model cannot support this software.

The iPhone SE (2nd generation) came out in April 2020. It features a 4.7-inch display and a single camera. This model was released at the same time as the iPhone 11 series.

Two years later, Apple released the iPhone SE (3rd generation) in March 2022. This model hit the market along with the iPhone 14 series. It has a 4.7-inch display and one camera.

iPad Models Supporting iOS 16

The following iPad models can run on the iOS 16 software:

How ecoATM Can Help You Upgrade Faster

With the ecoATM, you can find a way to get paid for your old iPhone, and then look for a replacement phone on the used market. 

All you have to do is visit the kiosk in a convenient retail location and hook it up to make an assessment. We will offer a price, and you can accept it, and be on your way with cash, or payment in Venmo or PayPal. Even if you can't get money for your phone, you can recycle it at the kiosk.

Benefits of Using ecoATM

Here are some of the benefits of using our kiosk to sell or recycle your pre-owned iPhone or other device. Find out just how easy it can be to get money for your old phone! 

A Greener Way

Electronic waste is taking up a TON of space in landfills. E-waste is difficult to recycle, which is why local governments have laws about dumping these kinds of items in unauthorized ways. 

By choosing to recycle your old iPhone with ecoATM, you're playing a major role in creating a greener tomorrow for future generations to come by responsibly recycling your old device. In fact, we've collected over 50 million devices with the help of smart recyclers over the last 15 years. 

A Convenient Process

Recycling your old phone has never been as simple or convenient than it is with ecoATM. We have over 6,000 kiosk locations across the country in major retailers to make recycling and selling your old devices as easy as an additional few minutes added to your next grocery run. 

Money in Your Pocket

ecoATM pays instant cash for your used devices. You can put the money that you get toward a replacement phone that's newer and has more of the modern features that you want in a device. Having more for your budget is always a plus!

Trade In Your Used Cell Phone With ecoATM

If you're interested in upgrading to a newer iPhone to reap all the benefits of iOS 16, trade in your used device at an ecoATM kiosk. We make it easy to sell and recycle your old cell phone in less than 10 minutes.

Ready to get started? Find an ecoATM kiosk in your area today!

FAQs 

Does the iPhone 7 run on iOS 16?

The iPhone 7 did not make the cut for running on the iOS 16 as it is too old for Apple to continue supporting it with the system. However, the iPhone 8 and successive versions do run on iOS 16.

What are some of the benefits of buying a newer smartphone running on iOS 16?

Apple has put a lot of new engineering into these phones. You'll find there is better versatility for battery life, better access to apps and features, and blazing fast microprocessors, just to name a few benefits. You also get features like Apple's Dynamic Island design, and with newer models, you get 5G connectivity, which is important for many users.