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iOS 16 will be free to download starting on September 12



The new iPhone 14 and 14 Pro, in addition to the new Watch Ultra range, were all major revelations during today’s iPhone 2022 event. But hidden amid the flood of information coming out of Cupertino, Apple revealed on Wednesday that iOS 16, the operating system that powers all this new technology, will be free to download starting on September 12. However, not everyone will be qualified to upgrade.

A new lock screen with expanded wallpaper options, improved messaging and photo sharing, and improved Live Text performance is one of the updated operating system’s new features. This lock screen is centred on “communication, sharing, and intelligence.” Additionally, iOS 16 will be the first version to support Apple’s new Emergency SOS service, which will let people lost in the wilderness get in touch with rescuers using low bandwidth satellite communications (only for the iPhone 14, mind you, on account of the special antenna needed). The company hasn’t yet disclosed the cost of the service after the initial two years, although it will be free of charge during that time.

Unfortunately, you won’t be able to use the new OS if you have an iPhone 7 or an older model. Once the update is made live, iPhones 8 and newer—including the just-announced iPhone 14 and 14 Pro—will receive a notification.

iOS 16 will be free to download starting on September 12

iOS 16 will be free to download starting on September 12


The new iPhone 14 and 14 Pro, in addition to the new Watch Ultra range, were all major revelations during today’s iPhone 2022 event. But hidden amid the flood of information coming out of Cupertino, Apple revealed on Wednesday that iOS 16, the operating system that powers all this new technology, will be free to download starting on September 12. However, not everyone will be qualified to upgrade.

A new lock screen with expanded wallpaper options, improved messaging and photo sharing, and improved Live Text performance is one of the updated operating system’s new features. This lock screen is centred on “communication, sharing, and intelligence.” Additionally, iOS 16 will be the first version to support Apple’s new Emergency SOS service, which will let people lost in the wilderness get in touch with rescuers using low bandwidth satellite communications (only for the iPhone 14, mind you, on account of the special antenna needed). The company hasn’t yet disclosed the cost of the service after the initial two years, although it will be free of charge during that time.

Unfortunately, you won’t be able to use the new OS if you have an iPhone 7 or an older model. Once the update is made live, iPhones 8 and newer—including the just-announced iPhone 14 and 14 Pro—will receive a notification.