Apple’s iOS 16.6.1 update is a small point release, but it could still take quite a bit of time to install on your iPhone.

The company’s pushed a new iOS 16.6.1 update to iPhones that are compatible with iOS 16. The software brings fixes that address lingering issues with iOS 16.

If you’re moving your iPhone from the latest version of iOS 16 to iOS 16.6.1, you get the shortest list of changes and the smallest download size.

If you’re upgrading from an older version of iOS, your iOS 16.6.1 download could be fairly large because the changes from the update(s) you skipped are baked in.

While some of you might want to skip the iOS 16.6.1 download for the time being, most people should install the software today, or, at some point in the near future.

If you decide to install iOS 16.6.1 on your iPhone, you’ll want to set aside some time to get the upgrade properly installed on your device.

Moving a device from one version of an operating system to another can cause problems so you’ll want to monitor the download and installation.

We can’t tell you exactly how long the process will take because it will vary. That said, we can help you approximate how much time you should set aside should you choose to install the latest firmware on your iPhone.

Pre-Installation

Before you start the iOS 16.6.1 download make sure you’re prepared.

If you don’t know how to properly prepare for an iOS upgrade, take a look at our pre-installation guide. It’ll walk you through the most important steps to take before you start the installation process.

You should be able to get through these steps in 30 minutes, but it all depends on your skill level and the current state of your iPhone.

If you haven’t backed up your data in awhile or you if you aren’t familiar with iOS 16.6.1, the pre-installation process could take you a longer.

You don’t need to follow every single step in the guide, but at the very least you’ll want to make sure your phone’s data is backed up properly.

Data loss issues are pretty rare, but if you store sensitive data (photos, videos, etc) on your device, it’s always better to err on the side of caution.

iOS 16.6.1 Download

Once you’ve prepared, it’s time to start the download process.

Again, the exact size of your iOS 16.6.1 download will depend on your iPhone model and the version of iOS it’s currently running.

If your phone is on the latest version of iOS 16, you’ll see the smallest download size. If it’s running an older version, your download will be larger.

If you’re connected to a fast Wi-Fi network, the iOS 16.6.1 download should finish up in 10 minutes or so. If your connection is slower, or you’re downloading during peak hours, it could take longer. In some cases, much longer.

iOS 16.6.1 Installation

Once your device is done pulling iOS 16.6.1 from Apple’s servers, the installation process will begin.

On newer iPhones, the iOS 16.6.1 installation process could take 10 minutes or less to complete. It took about eight minutes to install on an iPhone 12 Pro that was previously running iOS 16.6.

Your iPhone might reboot itself a couple of times during the installation process, but this is perfectly normal. Your device should boot up in regular fashion once the installation process completes.

Post-Installation

After the installation finishes up, you might need to spend time logging into your iCloud account or signing into your device’s various apps and services.

You also might want to spend some time checking your important data (photos, music, etc) to make sure everything carried over properly.

After you do that, make sure you test your core applications and services to ensure they’re working normally. New versions of iOS can cause apps to go haywire.

If you notice an issue with one or more of your apps, try downloading the latest version. Developers are currently rolling out iOS 16 support updates.

You’ll also want to poke around your phone for bugs and performance issues. If you notice something take a look at our list of fixes for common iOS 16 problems.

Install iOS 16.6.1 for Better Security

> 1 / 15

If security is important to you, think about installing Apple's iOS 16.6.1 update on your iPhone right away. iOS 16.6.1 isn't a huge upgrade, but it does have two important security patches for your device on board. If you're interested in what they patch up, here's Apple's guide.  As for older software, the iOS 16.6 update delivered 16 security patches. For more information about the changes, check out Apple's rundown.   iOS 16.5.1 brought two security patches to iPhone users  If you want to learn more, head on over to Apple's website. The company's iOS Security Response 16.5.1 (c) update also included a security update and you can learn more about it right here. iOS 16.5 brought a ton of security patches to the iPhone. You can find out more about them over on Apple's security site. iOS 16.4.1 included two security upgrades . You can learn more about the pair right here. Apple's iOS 16.4 update had a substantial number of patches on board. You can read about them in detail over on Apple's security site. The iOS 16.3.1 update had three security patches on board including one for an actively exploited vulnerability. For more on the security contents of iOS 16.3.1, check out Apple's security page.  iOS 16.3 brought 10+ new security patches with it and you can learn more about all of those right here.  In addition, the software came with support for physical security keys for Apple ID. These will beef up your account security by requiring a physical security key as part of the two factor authentication sign in process. Learn more about the change right here. If you skipped iOS 16.2, you'll get its changes with iOS 16.6.1. iOS 16.2 brought a ton of important security patches with it and you can dig into the details on Apple's security site.  The update also brought end-to-end encryption to iCloud, iMessage, iPhone backups, Notes, Photos, and more. If you want to learn more about it, head over to Apple's guide.  If you decided to missed iOS 16.1.2, you'll get its solitary security patch with your upgrade. Learn more about it right here. If you skipped iOS 16.1.1, you'll get its security patches when you upgrade. You can learn more about them right here. If you missed the iOS 16.1 update, it brought 19 security patches to the iPhone and you can learn about the particulars of those over on Apple's website. If you failed to download iOS 16.0.3, it had one security patch on board, a fix for a potential exploit within the Mail app. For more about the fix, check out Apple's security site. If you're still running iOS 15 your iPhone, you'll get a bunch of other patches when you upgrade. iOS 16.0 brought a ton of security patches to the iPhone. If you're interested in the exact nature of these improvements, you can read about them over on Apple's security website. In addition to those patches, iOS 16 brings some additional enhancements to privacy and security including Safety Check which, according to Apple, will help "people in domestic or intimate partner violence situations review and reset the access they’ve granted others."  The feature also resets system privacy permissions for apps and restricts Messages and FaceTime to the device on hand. Apple's also made some improvements to Passkeys in Safari. iOS 16 brings a brand new sign-in method that's end-to-end encrypted and safe from phishing and data leaks.

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Here’s How Long the iOS 16.6.1 Update Takes is a post by Adam Mills from Gotta Be Mobile.

Apple’s iOS 16.6.1 update should alleviate some issues, but there are still problems plaguing iOS 16 and the iPhone as we push away from the company’s latest software release.

Some iPhone users are noticing an improvement after upgrading to the latest version of iOS 16. On the flip side, some iPhone users have run into a variety of bugs and performance issues. Some of these issues have carried over from older iOS software, others are brand new.

In this guide to iOS 16 problems we’ll take you through the current state of these issues. We’ll show you where to find potential fixes for the most common iOS 16 problems and provide you with some resources that will help if you run into trouble.

We’ll also touch on the state of the iOS downgrade and outline what you can expect from Apple and iOS 16 down the road.

iOS 16 Problems

The current list of iOS 16 problems includes some very common issues. We’re currently seeing complaints about the following problems:

• UI lag
• AirPlay issues
• Touch ID and Face ID issues
• Safari issues
• Battery life problems
• Issues with the Mail app
• iMessage issues
• GPS issues
• Problems with AirDrop
• Issues with iMovie and Final Cut Pro
• Spotlight problems
• Data transfer issues
• Camera issues
• Wi-Fi problems
• App Store problems
• Bluetooth problems
• CarPlay issues
• Lockups, freezes, and crashes

We expect the list of iOS 16 problems to grow as more iPhone users transition from iOS 15 to iOS 16 and from older versions of iOS 16 to the latest version.

If you haven’t downloaded the newest version of iOS 16 yet, we recommend preparing your iPhone for the download. Some prep work ahead of time can help you avoid major headaches.

We’ve put together a step-by-step pre-installation process and it will take you through the best way to prepare for the move.

Where to Find iOS 16 Reviews

If you’re currently running iOS 16 on your iPhone, or if you’re planning to upgrade, you’ll want to sift through feedback from other users. This feedback will alert you to potential problems and performance issues others are having on the same iPhone model.

We’ve released our list of reasons to, and not to, install Apple’s latest iOS 16 update and it’s a good starting point for those of you weighing a move up from iOS 15. It will also help if you’re already on iOS 16 and you’re thinking about moving to the latest version.

We’ve also released a guide that goes over the iOS 16.6.1 update’s performance. It’s also a worth a look if you need additional feedback.

We also recommend keeping an eye on YouTube, Apple’s discussion forums, social media sites like Twitter and Facebook, and the MacRumors forums for additional feedback about iOS 16’s performance.

How to Fix iOS 16 Problems

Some problems might require a fix from Apple in a future iOS update. Others, you may be able to fix on your own.

Before you get in contact with Apple customer support, take a look at our list of fixes for the most common iOS 16 problems.

We’ve also released tips that could help you improve your device’s performance and a guide that shows you how to fix iOS 16 battery life problems. If you’re running into severe battery drain issues after installing iOS 16, have a look at those.

If you can’t find what you’re looking for in our guides, you should head on over to Apple’s discussion forums. If they can’t help you, you might want to get in contact with Apple Support via Twitter or via the company’s website.

If you still can’t fix your issue(s), you might want to schedule an appointment to see a Genius at your local Apple Store. They should be able to diagnose your problem.

iOS Downgrade Status

If you run into bugs or performance issues on iOS 16, you might try downgrading your iPhone’s software in an effort to improve its performance.

Apple’s currently signing on iOS 16.6 which means you can downgrade back to the previous version of iOS 16. Unfortunately, you can’t downgrade to any iOS software older than iOS 16.6.

For more about how the downgrade process works, take a look at our walkthrough.

What’s Next

If your iPhone is struggling on iOS 16.6.1 or an older version of iOS, you’re on your own for the time being.

iOS 16.6.1 was the last known update in Apple’s iOS 16 pipeline, but it looks like the company might be working on a new iOS 16.7 update. If it is, it should roll out in September alongside Apple’s new iOS 17 operating system.

The company will push iOS 17 to the iPhone in mid-to-late September. Unfortunately, Apple will drop support for three older iPhone models: iPhone X, iPhone 8, and iPhone 8 Plus. Those devices will stay on iOS 16.

With iOS 16.7 reportedly on the way, it looks like Apple will continue to support these devices with security patches and occasional bug fixes.

For more about iOS 17 and its release, have a look at our guide.

Install iOS 16.6.1 for Better Security

> 1 / 15

If security is important to you, think about installing Apple's iOS 16.6.1 update on your iPhone right away. iOS 16.6.1 isn't a huge upgrade, but it does have two important security patches for your device on board. If you're interested in what they patch up, here's Apple's guide.  As for older software, the iOS 16.6 update delivered 16 security patches. For more information about the changes, check out Apple's rundown.   iOS 16.5.1 brought two security patches to iPhone users  If you want to learn more, head on over to Apple's website. The company's iOS Security Response 16.5.1 (c) update also included a security update and you can learn more about it right here. iOS 16.5 brought a ton of security patches to the iPhone. You can find out more about them over on Apple's security site. iOS 16.4.1 included two security upgrades . You can learn more about the pair right here. Apple's iOS 16.4 update had a substantial number of patches on board. You can read about them in detail over on Apple's security site. The iOS 16.3.1 update had three security patches on board including one for an actively exploited vulnerability. For more on the security contents of iOS 16.3.1, check out Apple's security page.  iOS 16.3 brought 10+ new security patches with it and you can learn more about all of those right here.  In addition, the software came with support for physical security keys for Apple ID. These will beef up your account security by requiring a physical security key as part of the two factor authentication sign in process. Learn more about the change right here. If you skipped iOS 16.2, you'll get its changes with iOS 16.6.1. iOS 16.2 brought a ton of important security patches with it and you can dig into the details on Apple's security site.  The update also brought end-to-end encryption to iCloud, iMessage, iPhone backups, Notes, Photos, and more. If you want to learn more about it, head over to Apple's guide.  If you decided to missed iOS 16.1.2, you'll get its solitary security patch with your upgrade. Learn more about it right here. If you skipped iOS 16.1.1, you'll get its security patches when you upgrade. You can learn more about them right here. If you missed the iOS 16.1 update, it brought 19 security patches to the iPhone and you can learn about the particulars of those over on Apple's website. If you failed to download iOS 16.0.3, it had one security patch on board, a fix for a potential exploit within the Mail app. For more about the fix, check out Apple's security site. If you're still running iOS 15 your iPhone, you'll get a bunch of other patches when you upgrade. iOS 16.0 brought a ton of security patches to the iPhone. If you're interested in the exact nature of these improvements, you can read about them over on Apple's security website. In addition to those patches, iOS 16 brings some additional enhancements to privacy and security including Safety Check which, according to Apple, will help "people in domestic or intimate partner violence situations review and reset the access they’ve granted others."  The feature also resets system privacy permissions for apps and restricts Messages and FaceTime to the device on hand. Apple's also made some improvements to Passkeys in Safari. iOS 16 brings a brand new sign-in method that's end-to-end encrypted and safe from phishing and data leaks.

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iOS 16 Problems: 5 Things You Need to Know is a post by Adam Mills from Gotta Be Mobile.

Installing Apple’s iOS 16.6.1 update might be tempting, but there are some steps you should take before moving your iPhone from iOS 15 to iOS 16 or your current version of iOS 16 to iOS 16.6.1.

Apple’s released a new version of iOS 16 for iPhone. iOS 16.6.1 is a small point upgrade and the software brings under-the-hood improvements to compatible iPhone models.

If your iPhone is currently running the latest version of iOS 16, you get the shortest change log and the smallest download. If you’re moving from an older version of iOS, your iOS 16.6.1 update will be more substantial. That’s because the changes from iOS updates you skipped are baked into your upgrade.

Most iPhone users should install iOS 16.6.1 today or at some point in the near future. That being said, it’s difficult to predict how the new software will impact your iPhone’s performance.

While some of you could see a boost to your iPhone’s performance, others will run into frustrating bugs and performance issues. And that’s precisely why it’s important to do some prep work before you start the installation. A little work ahead of time could help you avoid serious problems.

With that in mind, we want to help you prepare for the transition from iOS 15 to iOS 16 or your current version of iOS 16 to iOS 16.6.1. This guide will take you step-by-step through the process we use before we tap install.

Cleanup Your iPhone’s Storage

If you’re running out of space on your iPhone, you might need to do some cleanup in order to install iOS 16.6.1.

iOS 16.6.1 requires a chunk of space on your iPhone’s internal storage. If you’re near the threshold, go through your device’s storage and delete files you no longer need to make sure you have room for the download.

Backup Your iPhone’s Data

Data loss issues are fairly rare, but don’t take your chances. Make sure you backup your files before you install iOS 16.6.1.

Many of you already know how to properly backup your iPhone’s data (photos, videos, etc), but if you’re unsure, we’ve got you covered.

Some of you will want to backup using Apple’s iCloud service. It’s an easy way to ensure your important files are safe. If you’re unfamiliar with the iCloud backup process, you’ll want to check out Apple’s guide.

If you don’t want to use iCloud, you can backup your files using iTunes. If you’re running macOS Ventura, macOS Monterey, macOS Big Sur or macOS Catalina, you’ll need to use Finder, not iTunes.

If you store a ton of data on your iPhone, the backup process could take awhile so remain patient.

Get Familiar with iOS 16.6.1

Make sure you get familiar with iOS 16.6.1’s changes before you start the installation process.

We’ve released a walkthrough that will hold your hand through the biggest changes on board the latest versions of iOS 16, including iOS 16.6.1.

Dig Into iOS 16.6.1 Reviews

If you’re feeling leery about the move to iOS 16.6.1, and we don’t blame you if you are, you should dig through feedback from people using the software.

Again, there’s a chance you encounter bugs and/or performance issues on your device after moving it up to Apple’s latest iOS 16 firmware.

iOS software updates often hits older iPhone models the hardest so if you own a device like the iPhone 8, and you’re concerned about the move to iOS 16.6.1, you’ll want to gather feedback from those who have taken the plunge.

This feedback will alert you to potential bugs and problems. You also might learn about some potential benefits of Apple’s software.

You’ll want to poke around on Apple’s discussion forums, YouTube, and social media sites like Twitter for feedback from iOS 16.6.1 users.

Some of you might want to wait for long-term feedback to emerge before committing to iOS 16.6.1. Others might even want to wait for Apple to roll out its next batch of bug fixes before downloading the firmware.

For more about iOS 16.6.1’s performance, check out our quick review.

Find Fixes for iOS 16.6.1 Problems

We’re already hearing about a number of iOS 16-related problems. Some of them are minor bugs, others are far more problematic.

If you don’t have an encyclopedia of fixes for iOS issues stored inside your head, you’ll want to track down and bookmark fixes for potential problems.

We’ve put together a list of fixes for the most common iOS 16 problems. This is an excellent place to start if you can’t find a fix for your issue.

We’ve also released guides that will help you improve your iPhone’s battery life as well as your device’s overall performance.

Learn How to Downgrade

Apple allows you downgrade back to older versions of iOS. This is useful if your current version of iOS 16 starts causing problems on your iPhone.

The downgrade path back to the company’s previous version of iOS won’t be open forever and Apple will close it off without warning.

We recommend getting familiar with the downgrade process right now so that you aren’t scrambling if and when you need to use it.

Check with IT

If you use your iPhone for work you might want to check with your IT team (if you have one) and make sure you’re got the green light to install iOS 16.6.1.

Enterprise problems plague every single version of iOS and they can be particularly nasty immediately after Apple releases new iOS software.

If you depend on your phone to get you through a day of work it’s important to get in touch with IT to see if the iOS 16.6.1 update is safe to use.

If you’ve got an IT department, they should be able to provide you with feedback about the core applications and services you use on a daily basis.

If you don’t have an IT department or a tech on site, you might want to ask around the office or talk to friends who use the same services and see how they’re doing on iOS 16.6.1.

Update Your Apps & Dig Into Reviews

If you rely on your apps to get you through the day you should read app reviews before you install iOS 16.6.1 on your device(s).

App developers are still rolling out iOS 16 support updates. These updates will be crucial to your experience on the new operating system.

Before you install iOS 16.6.1 you’ll want to head to the App Store and read reviews from iOS 16 users. If reviews are mostly positive, you may want to go ahead and install the latest update(s).

If the feedback is negative, you might want to wait for a new version of iOS 16 or for the developer to update the app before moving your device to the latest software.

Gather Your Login Info

Installing iOS 16.6.1 on your device will prompt you to input your passcode and, in some cases, your Apple ID/iCloud account details.

Most of you should know these by heart, but if it has been awhile since you’ve had to login, or if you’re installing iOS 16.6.1 for someone else, you’ll want to make sure you have that information readily available when you start the installation.

There’s also a chance you’ll get logged out of some of your first and third-party apps and services after the installation completes so you’ll want to have this login info handy as well.

If you want to complete the iOS 16.6.1 installation process in the shortest amount of time, make sure you have all of this info ready to go.

Decide How to Install iOS 16.6.1

If you plan on installing iOS 16.6.1 Over-the-Air (OTA) through your device’s Settings app, you’ll need to have at least a 50% charge and you’ll need to be connected to a Wi-Fi network unless you have an iPhone 12, or newer, connected to a 5G network.

You can also install the iOS 16.6.1 update via iTunes. Simply plug your device in, find your device, and check for an update.

Note that if you’re running macOS Ventura, macOS Monterey, macOS Big Sur or macOS Catalina you’ll need to update to iOS 16.6.1 via Finder, not iTunes.

Install iOS 16.6.1 for Better Security

> 1 / 15

If security is important to you, think about installing Apple's iOS 16.6.1 update on your iPhone right away. iOS 16.6.1 isn't a huge upgrade, but it does have two important security patches for your device on board. If you're interested in what they patch up, here's Apple's guide.  As for older software, the iOS 16.6 update delivered 16 security patches. For more information about the changes, check out Apple's rundown.   iOS 16.5.1 brought two security patches to iPhone users  If you want to learn more, head on over to Apple's website. The company's iOS Security Response 16.5.1 (c) update also included a security update and you can learn more about it right here. iOS 16.5 brought a ton of security patches to the iPhone. You can find out more about them over on Apple's security site. iOS 16.4.1 included two security upgrades . You can learn more about the pair right here. Apple's iOS 16.4 update had a substantial number of patches on board. You can read about them in detail over on Apple's security site. The iOS 16.3.1 update had three security patches on board including one for an actively exploited vulnerability. For more on the security contents of iOS 16.3.1, check out Apple's security page.  iOS 16.3 brought 10+ new security patches with it and you can learn more about all of those right here.  In addition, the software came with support for physical security keys for Apple ID. These will beef up your account security by requiring a physical security key as part of the two factor authentication sign in process. Learn more about the change right here. If you skipped iOS 16.2, you'll get its changes with iOS 16.6.1. iOS 16.2 brought a ton of important security patches with it and you can dig into the details on Apple's security site.  The update also brought end-to-end encryption to iCloud, iMessage, iPhone backups, Notes, Photos, and more. If you want to learn more about it, head over to Apple's guide.  If you decided to missed iOS 16.1.2, you'll get its solitary security patch with your upgrade. Learn more about it right here. If you skipped iOS 16.1.1, you'll get its security patches when you upgrade. You can learn more about them right here. If you missed the iOS 16.1 update, it brought 19 security patches to the iPhone and you can learn about the particulars of those over on Apple's website. If you failed to download iOS 16.0.3, it had one security patch on board, a fix for a potential exploit within the Mail app. For more about the fix, check out Apple's security site. If you're still running iOS 15 your iPhone, you'll get a bunch of other patches when you upgrade. iOS 16.0 brought a ton of security patches to the iPhone. If you're interested in the exact nature of these improvements, you can read about them over on Apple's security website. In addition to those patches, iOS 16 brings some additional enhancements to privacy and security including Safety Check which, according to Apple, will help "people in domestic or intimate partner violence situations review and reset the access they’ve granted others."  The feature also resets system privacy permissions for apps and restricts Messages and FaceTime to the device on hand. Apple's also made some improvements to Passkeys in Safari. iOS 16 brings a brand new sign-in method that's end-to-end encrypted and safe from phishing and data leaks.

> 1 / 15

10 Things to Do Before Installing iOS 16.6.1 is a post by Adam Mills from Gotta Be Mobile.

This is how you bring your iPhone back to iOS 16.6 from iOS 16.6.1.

If you run into problems with iOS 16.6.1 on your iPhone and you think moving your iPhone back to an older version of iOS 16 could help, this guide will help you downgrade.

You can only go back to iOS 16.6. You can’t go back any further than that. The path back to older versions of iOS is closed and won’t re-open.

Once you downgrade, you can only restore a backup that you made on iOS 16.6 so keep that in mind in case you need to restore a backup.

Most users will have a recent backup, but you may lose some items if you aren’t regularly backing up your photos and messages to iCloud.

While this isn’t officially supported, it is easy to do and you won’t lose any customer support or mess with your iPhone’s warranty.

How to Downgrade from iOS 16.6.1 to iOS 16.6

Here’s what you need to do to go back to iOS 16.6 on your iPhone. While you are downgrading you cannot use your phone so you will need to open this on your computer or another device.

If you make an archived backup, you can use that after you restore it. If you are doing this right after moving your phone up to iOS 16.6.1, you might have a iOS 16.6 backup available on iCloud or your computer.

Follow these steps to go back to iOS 16.6 from iOS 16.6.1:

• Download the iOS 16.6 update for your iPhone from this website.
• Make sure there is still a green checkmark in the Apple Signing Status column. If there isn’t one, do not proceed.
• Turn off Find My iPhone on your iPhone. Go to Settings -> tap on your Name at the top of this menu -> Tap on your name at the top -> Tap on Find My iPhone -> Toggle off and Enter your password.
• With your phone backed up and all the steps above completed, plug your iPhone into your computer.
• Open iTunes and Click on the iPhone icon.
  This is how this process works if you are still on macOS Mojave. If you’ve already upgraded to macOS Catalina, macOS Big Sur, macOS Monterey, or macOS Ventura, you will need to start this process in Finder. Instead of opening iTunes, open Finder and click on your iPhone in the left side.
• Click on the Restore iPhone button using a special click. On a Mac, hold alt/option when you click. On PC, hold Shift when you click.
• In the window that opens, find the iOS 16.6 file you just downloaded, click on it, and then click open.
• Choose to erase and restore your iPhone. Click Restore to begin this process
• While you wait the iPhone will restart multiple times. When it is finished you will be back on iOS 16.6.

This process takes a little while to complete. When it does, you can start fresh or restore a backup made on iOS 16.6. Most people will want to install a backup.

Install iOS 16.6.1 for Better Security

> 1 / 15

If security is important to you, think about installing Apple's iOS 16.6.1 update on your iPhone right away. iOS 16.6.1 isn't a huge upgrade, but it does have two important security patches for your device on board. If you're interested in what they patch up, here's Apple's guide.  As for older software, the iOS 16.6 update delivered 16 security patches. For more information about the changes, check out Apple's rundown.   iOS 16.5.1 brought two security patches to iPhone users  If you want to learn more, head on over to Apple's website. The company's iOS Security Response 16.5.1 (c) update also included a security update and you can learn more about it right here. iOS 16.5 brought a ton of security patches to the iPhone. You can find out more about them over on Apple's security site. iOS 16.4.1 included two security upgrades . You can learn more about the pair right here. Apple's iOS 16.4 update had a substantial number of patches on board. You can read about them in detail over on Apple's security site. The iOS 16.3.1 update had three security patches on board including one for an actively exploited vulnerability. For more on the security contents of iOS 16.3.1, check out Apple's security page.  iOS 16.3 brought 10+ new security patches with it and you can learn more about all of those right here.  In addition, the software came with support for physical security keys for Apple ID. These will beef up your account security by requiring a physical security key as part of the two factor authentication sign in process. Learn more about the change right here. If you skipped iOS 16.2, you'll get its changes with iOS 16.6.1. iOS 16.2 brought a ton of important security patches with it and you can dig into the details on Apple's security site.  The update also brought end-to-end encryption to iCloud, iMessage, iPhone backups, Notes, Photos, and more. If you want to learn more about it, head over to Apple's guide.  If you decided to missed iOS 16.1.2, you'll get its solitary security patch with your upgrade. Learn more about it right here. If you skipped iOS 16.1.1, you'll get its security patches when you upgrade. You can learn more about them right here. If you missed the iOS 16.1 update, it brought 19 security patches to the iPhone and you can learn about the particulars of those over on Apple's website. If you failed to download iOS 16.0.3, it had one security patch on board, a fix for a potential exploit within the Mail app. For more about the fix, check out Apple's security site. If you're still running iOS 15 your iPhone, you'll get a bunch of other patches when you upgrade. iOS 16.0 brought a ton of security patches to the iPhone. If you're interested in the exact nature of these improvements, you can read about them over on Apple's security website. In addition to those patches, iOS 16 brings some additional enhancements to privacy and security including Safety Check which, according to Apple, will help "people in domestic or intimate partner violence situations review and reset the access they’ve granted others."  The feature also resets system privacy permissions for apps and restricts Messages and FaceTime to the device on hand. Apple's also made some improvements to Passkeys in Safari. iOS 16 brings a brand new sign-in method that's end-to-end encrypted and safe from phishing and data leaks.

> 1 / 15

How to Downgrade from iOS 16.6.1 to iOS 16.6 is a post by Adam Mills from Gotta Be Mobile.

Apple’s iOS 16.6.1 update could have a huge impact on your iPhone’s performance. While some iPhone users should install the  software right now, others might want to wait before moving up from iOS 15 or older versions of iOS 16.

iOS 16.6.1 is Apple’s latest iOS 16 upgrade and it’s available to download right now if you own an iPhone 8 or newer, all the way up to the iPhone 14 series. The software brings important fixes to compatible iPhone models.

The iOS 16.6.1 update requires a fairly small download if you’re moving your iPhone up from 16.6. It may be larger for those moving up from older versions of iOS. That’s because the features and fixes from the updates you skipped are baked into your version of the update.

Those of you dealing with issues on iOS 16.6.1 or an older version of iOS could see a huge turnaround after installing iOS 16.6.1. We’re already hearing about positive changes. That being said, we’re also hearing about various bugs and performance problems.

If you do run into an issue, note that you can downgrade your iPhone’s software back to iOS 16.6 if needed. The company’s currently signing on the previous version of iOS 16, but it’s not signing on older versions of iOS.

This means those of you having a great experience on iOS 16.5.1, and older versions of iOS, need to approach iOS 16.6.1 with a sense of caution. Once you make the move, you can’t get back to your phone’s current version of iOS.

If you’re currently debating a move to iOS 16.6.1, allow us to walk you through the best reasons to install the software today and the best reasons to hang around on your current version of iOS 16 for a little bit longer.

Install iOS 16.6.1 for Better Security

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If security is important to you, think about installing Apple's iOS 16.6.1 update on your iPhone right away. iOS 16.6.1 isn't a huge upgrade, but it does have two important security patches for your device on board. If you're interested in what they patch up, here's Apple's guide.  As for older software, the iOS 16.6 update delivered 16 security patches. For more information about the changes, check out Apple's rundown.   iOS 16.5.1 brought two security patches to iPhone users  If you want to learn more, head on over to Apple's website. The company's iOS Security Response 16.5.1 (c) update also included a security update and you can learn more about it right here. iOS 16.5 brought a ton of security patches to the iPhone. You can find out more about them over on Apple's security site. iOS 16.4.1 included two security upgrades . You can learn more about the pair right here. Apple's iOS 16.4 update had a substantial number of patches on board. You can read about them in detail over on Apple's security site. The iOS 16.3.1 update had three security patches on board including one for an actively exploited vulnerability. For more on the security contents of iOS 16.3.1, check out Apple's security page.  iOS 16.3 brought 10+ new security patches with it and you can learn more about all of those right here.  In addition, the software came with support for physical security keys for Apple ID. These will beef up your account security by requiring a physical security key as part of the two factor authentication sign in process. Learn more about the change right here. If you skipped iOS 16.2, you'll get its changes with iOS 16.6.1. iOS 16.2 brought a ton of important security patches with it and you can dig into the details on Apple's security site.  The update also brought end-to-end encryption to iCloud, iMessage, iPhone backups, Notes, Photos, and more. If you want to learn more about it, head over to Apple's guide.  If you decided to missed iOS 16.1.2, you'll get its solitary security patch with your upgrade. Learn more about it right here. If you skipped iOS 16.1.1, you'll get its security patches when you upgrade. You can learn more about them right here. If you missed the iOS 16.1 update, it brought 19 security patches to the iPhone and you can learn about the particulars of those over on Apple's website. If you failed to download iOS 16.0.3, it had one security patch on board, a fix for a potential exploit within the Mail app. For more about the fix, check out Apple's security site. If you're still running iOS 15 your iPhone, you'll get a bunch of other patches when you upgrade. iOS 16.0 brought a ton of security patches to the iPhone. If you're interested in the exact nature of these improvements, you can read about them over on Apple's security website. In addition to those patches, iOS 16 brings some additional enhancements to privacy and security including Safety Check which, according to Apple, will help "people in domestic or intimate partner violence situations review and reset the access they’ve granted others."  The feature also resets system privacy permissions for apps and restricts Messages and FaceTime to the device on hand. Apple's also made some improvements to Passkeys in Safari. iOS 16 brings a brand new sign-in method that's end-to-end encrypted and safe from phishing and data leaks.

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4 Reasons Not to Install iOS 16.6.1 & 11 Reasons You Should is a post by Adam Mills from Gotta Be Mobile.

Apple’s pushed a new iOS 16.6.1 update to iPhone users ahead of iOS 17’s arrival later on this month.

iOS 16.6.1 is a point release and it’s focused on improving iOS 16. It doesn’t bring any outward facing features to iPhone users. That being said, it’s still an important update and one that most iPhone owners should download.

With that in mind, we want to walk you through everything you need to know right now about Apple’s iOS 16.6.1 update for iPhone.

In the walkthrough below we’ll take you through iOS 16.6.1’s changes, the software’s performance, the current list of iOS 16.6.1 problems, the iOS 16 jailbreak status, and more.

We’ll start with some quick thoughts on iOS 16.6.1’s performance thus far.

iOS 16.6.1 Review

If your iPhone’s currently running iOS 16.6, you’ll see the smallest iOS 16.6.1 download size. Unless your device is really low on storage, you won’t have to make room for the download.

The iOS 16.6.1 download size depends on your iPhone model and the version of iOS it’s currently running. If your iPhone is running a really old version of iOS, you may see a big download. That’s because iOS 16.6.1 brings the changes from any updates you skipped.

If you’re moving up from iOS 16.6, the iOS 16.6.1 installation process should be pretty quick, probably 10 minutes or less. For more about the iOS 16.6.1 download and installation, check out our walkthrough.

We’ve been using iOS 16.6.1 on an iPhone 12 Pro for a very short time and here’s what we’ve learned about the software’s performance.

Battery Life & Connectivity

• iOS 16.6.1 battery life is stable right now.
• Wi-Fi connectivity is fast and reliable.
• Bluetooth is working normally.
• GPS and cellular data are also working properly.

App Performance

• Third-party apps including Netflix, Twitter, Slack, Gmail, Chrome, and Spotify are all working fine.
• First party apps like Safari, Podcasts, and Calendar are also running well.

Speed

• iOS 16.6.1 feels fast and we haven’t experienced any abnormal lag, lockups, or freezes on our device.

If you’re dealing with bugs and/or performance issues on iOS 16.6, or an older version of iOS, you might want to install the iOS 16.6.1 update on your iPhone today.

If you need help making a decision about an upgrade, check out our reasons to, and not to, install the latest version of iOS 16 right now.

iOS 16.6.1 Problems

iOS 16.6.1 went through testing behind the scenes, but it’s still causing problems for iPhone users.

The current list of iOS 16.6.1 problems includes abnormal battery drain, Bluetooth issues, Wi-Fi issues, installation issues, Exchange issues, problems with first and third-party apps, and more.

If you run into a problem with iOS 16.6.1, take a look at our list of fixes for the most common iOS 16 problems. We’ve also released tips that could help you improve your phone’s performance and some tips that could help you fix abnormal battery drain.

Apple’s currently signing on iOS 16.6 which means you can drop your iPhone’s software back to older software if iOS 16.6.1 starts causing problems on your iPhone. You can’t downgrade to any iOS software older than iOS 16.6.

For more about the downgrade process, check out our guide.

iOS 16.6.1 Features

Apple’s point updates (x.x.x) are typically focused on patching up problems and that’s what iOS 16.6.1 does.

iOS 16.6.1 includes important security patches. There are two vital patches on board the software and Apple’s detailed them over on its security site.

iOS 16.6.1 Jailbreak

If you still jailbreak, avoid the iOS 16.6.1 update.

Developers have released a new jailbreak that works with older versions of iOS. Unfortunately, the jailbreak doesn’t work with iOS 16.6.1. Not yet at least. We’ll let you know if that changes.

What’s Next

A new iOS 16.7 update is reportedly in testing behind the scenes. If that’s the case, it should arrive alongside iOS 17 later on this month.

The company will push iOS 17 to the iPhone in September. Unfortunately, Apple will drop support for three older iPhone models: iPhone X, iPhone 8, and iPhone 8 Plus. Those devices will stay on iOS 16.

For more about iOS 17 and its release, have a look at our guide.

Install iOS 16.6.1 for Better Security

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If security is important to you, think about installing Apple's iOS 16.6.1 update on your iPhone right away. iOS 16.6.1 isn't a huge upgrade, but it does have two important security patches for your device on board. If you're interested in what they patch up, here's Apple's guide.  As for older software, the iOS 16.6 update delivered 16 security patches. For more information about the changes, check out Apple's rundown.   iOS 16.5.1 brought two security patches to iPhone users  If you want to learn more, head on over to Apple's website. The company's iOS Security Response 16.5.1 (c) update also included a security update and you can learn more about it right here. iOS 16.5 brought a ton of security patches to the iPhone. You can find out more about them over on Apple's security site. iOS 16.4.1 included two security upgrades . You can learn more about the pair right here. Apple's iOS 16.4 update had a substantial number of patches on board. You can read about them in detail over on Apple's security site. The iOS 16.3.1 update had three security patches on board including one for an actively exploited vulnerability. For more on the security contents of iOS 16.3.1, check out Apple's security page.  iOS 16.3 brought 10+ new security patches with it and you can learn more about all of those right here.  In addition, the software came with support for physical security keys for Apple ID. These will beef up your account security by requiring a physical security key as part of the two factor authentication sign in process. Learn more about the change right here. If you skipped iOS 16.2, you'll get its changes with iOS 16.6.1. iOS 16.2 brought a ton of important security patches with it and you can dig into the details on Apple's security site.  The update also brought end-to-end encryption to iCloud, iMessage, iPhone backups, Notes, Photos, and more. If you want to learn more about it, head over to Apple's guide.  If you decided to missed iOS 16.1.2, you'll get its solitary security patch with your upgrade. Learn more about it right here. If you skipped iOS 16.1.1, you'll get its security patches when you upgrade. You can learn more about them right here. If you missed the iOS 16.1 update, it brought 19 security patches to the iPhone and you can learn about the particulars of those over on Apple's website. If you failed to download iOS 16.0.3, it had one security patch on board, a fix for a potential exploit within the Mail app. For more about the fix, check out Apple's security site. If you're still running iOS 15 your iPhone, you'll get a bunch of other patches when you upgrade. iOS 16.0 brought a ton of security patches to the iPhone. If you're interested in the exact nature of these improvements, you can read about them over on Apple's security website. In addition to those patches, iOS 16 brings some additional enhancements to privacy and security including Safety Check which, according to Apple, will help "people in domestic or intimate partner violence situations review and reset the access they’ve granted others."  The feature also resets system privacy permissions for apps and restricts Messages and FaceTime to the device on hand. Apple's also made some improvements to Passkeys in Safari. iOS 16 brings a brand new sign-in method that's end-to-end encrypted and safe from phishing and data leaks.

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5 Things to Know About the iOS 16.6.1 Update is a post by Adam Mills from Gotta Be Mobile.

Buying a new iPhone right now might be tempting, but some of you might want to wait for the 2023 iPhone, presumably called iPhone 15.

If you’re thinking about upgrading your phone, you’ve got a ton of options to sift through. The iPhone 14 series represents the company’s top-of-the-line, but Apple’s got plenty of other devices that are worthy of your attention including the iPhone 13 series, iPhone 12 series, and iPhone SE 3.

And while many of you will be perfectly fine buying one of these iPhones, or a device outside of Apple’s ecosystem, many others should consider waiting for the 2023 iPhone.

iPhone 15 Rumors

iPhone 15 rumors have been swirling for months and the company’s upcoming models sound like they’ll be worthy successors to the iPhone 14. On paper, at least.

Apple will likely keep four iPhone models around so look for Apple to launch an iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and a iPhone 15 Max.

We also expect Apple to keep the same screen sizes for all four models which means the ‌iPhone 15‌ and iPhone 15 Pro will likely be 6.1-inches while the ‌iPhone 15‌ Plus and iPhone 15 Pro Max will be 6.7-inches. This has been backed up by a fairly prominent leaker.

We could see Apple make some big changes to the iPhone in 2023 and that puts those of you in the market for a new device in a tough position in 2023: Buy a new device now or wait?

In this guide we’ll take you through the best reasons to wait and the best reasons to go with another device long before the 2023 iPhones arrive.

Wait for Design Changes

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Last year, Apple introduced a brand new pill-shaped notch the company calls Dynamic Island. Unfortunately, this change is only available on the company's high-end iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max models. That will likely change this year. Analyst Ross Young believes Apple could bring Dynamic Island to the lower-end iPhone 15 models. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman does as well. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says the iPhone 15's proximity sensor will be integrated into Dynamic Island. The proximity sensor on the iPhone 14 Pro models is under the display outside of Dynamic Island. This could lead to Face ID improvements. This might give some of you considering Apple's iPhone 14 or iPhone 14 Plus a reason to hold out and wait for the new models. On the flip side, Young doesn't think the standard iPhone 15 models will get 120Hz/LTPO like the iPhone 15 Pro models. This has been backed up by another source who says the iPhone 15/iPhone 15 Plus won't get ProMotion and Always-On display capabilities.  We've heard the the iPhone 15 Max's design will be made out of titanium as opposed to stainless steel. The frame supposedly has a brushed finish. Leaker ShrimpApplePro claims early information suggests Apple is indeed working on a titanium design. The leaker says the design may also incorporate curved rear edges and a glass back. In a newer tweet, the leaker says the iPhone 15 Pro models will "have thinner bezels" with curved edges. The display is reportedly still flat, however. ShrimpApplePro says additional sources now agree with the information and that the bezels on the iPhone 15 Pro models will indeed be thinner. In a tweet, well-known leaker Ice Universe says the iPhone 15 Pro Max will break the record for thinnest bezels on a smartphone. The record is currently held by the Xiaomi 13.  In a follow up tweet, he's shown off what are evidently glass displays and third-party screen protectors for the iPhone 15 series. The bezels are indeed extremely thin. Analyst Jeff Pu from Haitong International Securities also believes the company is working to deliver a new titanium design. So does Gurman. We've seen an iPhone 15 Pro dummy unit leak on the Chinese version of TikTok and it gives us a glimpse at what the device might look like. CAD images of the iPhone 15 Pro from 9to5Mac also show us what the final product could look like.  We've also heard the iPhone 15 Pro will have a new mute button that replaces the switch. This "Action" button could work like it does on the Apple Watch Ultra in that it will allow users to map it to different functions. This new addition has seemingly been confirmed by the iOS 17 beta.  You can see it in AppleInsider's video above.

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6 Reasons to Wait for the iPhone 15 & 5 Reasons Not To is a post by Adam Mills from Gotta Be Mobile.

If you’re thinking about buying the 2023 iPhone, there are some steps you’ll want to take before the iPhone 15 release date arrives.

We don’t have an official iPhone 15 release date yet, but you can expect the new iPhones to land in September, shortly after iOS 17’s arrival.

Apple’s iPhone event is confirmed for September 12th which means iPhone 15 pre-orders should begin on Friday, September 15th, culminating with the iPhone 15 release date on September 22nd.

While it might seem like it’s a bit early to start prepping for the release, taking some steps ahead of time will ensure you’re fully prepared to buy a new device.

In this guide we’ll take prospective buyers through some crucial steps to take ahead of Apple’s highly anticipated iPhone 15 launch later this year.

Track iPhone 15 Rumors

If you’re thinking about buying one an iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, or iPhone 15 Pro Max, you’ll want to track the latest rumors as we push through the summer.

We’ve seen numerous reports outline potential iPhone 15 features and details and we’ll see plenty more in the days ahead as plans are finalized behind the scenes.

iPhone 15 rumors will fill in many of the key blanks and they’ll help you set proper expectations as we get closer to Apple’s announcement.

In addition to keeping an eye out for hardware and software rumors, you’ll also want to keep your eyes peeled for release date and supply chain rumors.

For the latest iPhone 15 rumors, check out our guide.

Keep an Eye on Your Upgrade Eligibility

If you’re planning to buy an iPhone 15 model, or even if you’re interested in potentially picking one up, keep an eye on your upgrade status throughout the year.

If you aren’t eligible for an upgrade until late 2023, you might not be able to buy your new iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, or iPhone 15 Pro Max right away.

That being said, carriers will sometimes bump your upgrade status so you’ll want to check in on it to see if anything changes in the buildup to Apple’s announcements.

Checking your current upgrade status is easy. Here’s how to quickly check your upgrade status online at Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and U.S. Cellular.

Get Familiar with iOS 17

If you’re currently using a device that got left behind on iOS 15 (or older) or an Android phone, and you plan on upgrading to iPhone 15, you’ll want to get familiar with iOS 16, the current version of iOS.

If you own a newer iPhone model, you’ve probably upgraded to iOS 16 already and you can skip this step. If you’re still using an older version of iOS or you’ll be moving from Android, use this time to get comfortable with iOS. You can start with our guide to Apple’s software.

Apple’s confirmed its new iOS 17 operating system for iPhone. iOS 17 will be the software that powers the iPhone 15 series so it’ll be important to get familiar with it as well. And you can do that long before the iPhone 15 release date arrives.

The company’s pushed iOS 17 into beta testing. And if you own an eligible device, you can download a pre-release version of the software right now.

If you prefer to keep your devices on stable software, you’ll want to follow iOS 17’s progress from a distance. Either way, you’ll want to dig into the changes on board so you’re comfortable with the iPhone 15’s software.

For more about iOS 17’s features, have a look at our walkthrough.

Research iPhone Accessories

You should spend some time getting familiar with the best iPhone accessories. This way you’ll know exactly what to buy and how much to spend if you decide you want to pair your new iPhone with some extras.

We recommend reading reviews and digging into the best iPhone accessories long before Apple makes its announcements. Some accessories could drastically alter how you use your new phone.

Make sure you get a feel for potential costs, dig into the pros and cons of each manufacturer, and find the styles that appeal to you. This way, you’ll know exactly what to buy when the time comes to do so.

One thing to keep in mind while you shop around: Apple will reportedly limit the iPhone 15’s USB-C port to Apple-approved accessories, which is also the case for the Lightning port.

This rumor has been backed by a well-known leaker who says the iPhone 15 will only support USB-C accessories that have been certified for Apple’s MFi (Made for iPhone) program. Cables that aren’t MFi certified may have data transfer and charging speed limits.

The EU has pushed back on these rumors, warning Apple these limitations won’t be permitted and would prevent the iPhone from being sold in EU countries.

Of course, Apple has until the end of 2024 to meet the EU’s proposed requirements so it’s possible the iPhone 15, and perhaps even the iPhone 16, have these limitations on board. However, given that Apple’s plans are just rumors right now, we could see the iPhone 15 series allow uncertified cables to reach proper charging and data transfer speeds.

The same leaker says USB-C MFi cables and Earpods are in mass production behind the scenes right now. Apple sells the current version of Earpods for $19, but it’s unclear how much the USB-C models will cost.

Respected analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes USB-C will enable faster charging speeds on the iPhone 15 series though he says the upgrade will only be attainable with certified cables.

Japanese website Mac Otakara shared a video showing iPhone 15 dummy units compared to iPhone 14 cases and it looks like the tweaks Apple’s made to the iPhone 15’s design will render the upcoming flagships incompatible with cases from last year’s flagships.

This has seemingly been confirmed by another video from AppleInsider which you can view above.

Figure Out How Much Storage You Need

Start thinking about how much storage you might want on your iPhone 15. Picking the right amount of iPhone storage will help you save money and avoid headaches down the road.

While some of you will be perfectly fine with the least amount of storage, others will want the peace of mind that comes with having a lot of internal space available.

If you’re unsure about what you might need, have a look at our iPhone 14 storage guide. While the iPhone 15 storage sizes might not mirror these exactly, we’ve seen a 2TB iPhone 15 pop up in the rumor mill, the guide will give you a head start.

iPhone 15 Colors

9to5Mac claims they have the full list of iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max color options and it looks like the company won’t release a gold iPhone 15 Pro. The company has offered a gold iPhone variant since 2018.

iPhone 15 Colors

• Black
• Blue
• Green
• Pink
• Yellow

iPhone 15 Pro Colors

• Blue
• Gray
• Space Black
• Silver

Unknownz21, a leaker who has provided accurate information about Apple products in the past, says the iPhone 15 Pro blue variant will be a grayish blue and you can get a glimpse of the shade in photos created by MacRumors.

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has thrown his weight behind the report and says the iPhone 15 Pro colors will likely be gray, white, black, and blue while the colors for the regular iPhone 15 models will be black, pink, yellow, blue, and green.

We recommend picking a favorite color so that you’re ready to buy once pre-orders begin.

Look Into Other iPhones

Before you make the decision to wait for the iPhone 15, you’ll want to research Apple’s current iPhone models. You might find an iPhone you really like long before the iPhone 15 arrives.

First, we recommend taking a look at Apple’s current flagships which include the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max.

You’ll also want to look at the iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max. We also recommend taking a look at the budget iPhone SE 3.

Buying an iPhone 15 may seem like a good idea, but a lot of you might be better off buying another iPhone.

iPhone 15 Alternatives

We also recommend taking a look at the best current, and upcoming, iPhone 15 alternatives. You might find something you like outside of Apple’s ecosystem.

Make sure you check out phones like Google’s Pixel 7 before you decide to wait for the iPhone 15.

There are a bunch of excellent iPhone alternatives out there, but here are a few of our current favorites:

• Google Pixel 7 
• Google Pixel 7 Pro
• Samsung Galaxy S23
• Samsung Galaxy S23+
• Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5
• OnePlus 10 Pro

You’ll also want to keep an eye on upcoming iPhone 15 alternatives, like the Pixel 8 and Samsung Galaxy S24, as well.

Make a Plan for Your Current Phone

If you plan to upgrade to an iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, or iPhone 15 Pro Max make sure you have a plan for your current phone.

Some of you might know of a friend or relative who could make use of your current phone. Ask around and see if anyone might need a hand-me-down. You might also look into donating your phone to charity.

If you plan on selling your current device to help offset the cost of your iPhone 15, you’ll want to dig into prices at popular resellers.

You’ll also want to keep your current phone in pristine condition because that’s how you’ll get the most money back from those resellers, your carrier, or Apple when iPhone 15 trade-in offers go live.

We don’t know how much the iPhone 15 series will cost just yet, but Apple could shake things up in 2023.

A leak from micro-blogging site Weibo claims the price of both iPhone 15 Pro models could jump up. The blog doesn’t specify how much of a leap we’ll see.

Analyst Dan Ives believes we’ll see a price increase. Ives accurately predicted the iPhone 14’s price jump in international markets. Ives thinks the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max models will be priced at $1099 and $1199 respectively.

Bloomberg also says Apple is “considering” raising the price of the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, this despite a projected decline in the overall smartphone market.

Analyst Tim Long, from British bank Barclays, says that based on chatter from the supply chain, the iPhone 15 Pro could be up to $100 more expensive than the iPhone 14 Pro while the iPhone 15 Pro Max could be $100 to $200 more expensive than the iPhone 14 Pro Max.

Digitimes says it’s also hearing the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max will see their price increase by $100-200.

Fortunately, according to Bloomberg, U.S. carriers are prepared to offer big discounts to attract customers. Just how big remains to be seen.

Research AppleCare

If you’re planning to buy an iPhone 15, you’ll probably want to protect your investment. AppleCare will help you do that.

New iPhones come with a standard warranty, but Apple’s AppleCare is an extended warranty service that delivers far better support.

If you aren’t familiar with AppleCare’s benefits, you should research them when you have time. You should also look into AppleCare alternatives.

Decide on a Carrier

If you’re currently unhappy with your provider’s coverage or data plan, use this time to dig into competitors and see if you can find a better fit for your iPhone 15.

Each carrier has its pros and cons, but you might find one that stands out. If you’re interested in switching carriers, make sure you shop around.

Wait for Design Changes

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Last year, Apple introduced a brand new pill-shaped notch the company calls Dynamic Island. Unfortunately, this change is only available on the company's high-end iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max models. That will likely change this year. Analyst Ross Young believes Apple could bring Dynamic Island to the lower-end iPhone 15 models. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman does as well. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says the iPhone 15's proximity sensor will be integrated into Dynamic Island. The proximity sensor on the iPhone 14 Pro models is under the display outside of Dynamic Island. This could lead to Face ID improvements. This might give some of you considering Apple's iPhone 14 or iPhone 14 Plus a reason to hold out and wait for the new models. On the flip side, Young doesn't think the standard iPhone 15 models will get 120Hz/LTPO like the iPhone 15 Pro models. This has been backed up by another source who says the iPhone 15/iPhone 15 Plus won't get ProMotion and Always-On display capabilities.  We've heard the the iPhone 15 Max's design will be made out of titanium as opposed to stainless steel. The frame supposedly has a brushed finish. Leaker ShrimpApplePro claims early information suggests Apple is indeed working on a titanium design. The leaker says the design may also incorporate curved rear edges and a glass back. In a newer tweet, the leaker says the iPhone 15 Pro models will "have thinner bezels" with curved edges. The display is reportedly still flat, however. ShrimpApplePro says additional sources now agree with the information and that the bezels on the iPhone 15 Pro models will indeed be thinner. In a tweet, well-known leaker Ice Universe says the iPhone 15 Pro Max will break the record for thinnest bezels on a smartphone. The record is currently held by the Xiaomi 13.  In a follow up tweet, he's shown off what are evidently glass displays and third-party screen protectors for the iPhone 15 series. The bezels are indeed extremely thin. Analyst Jeff Pu from Haitong International Securities also believes the company is working to deliver a new titanium design. So does Gurman. We've seen an iPhone 15 Pro dummy unit leak on the Chinese version of TikTok and it gives us a glimpse at what the device might look like. CAD images of the iPhone 15 Pro from 9to5Mac also show us what the final product could look like.  We've also heard the iPhone 15 Pro will have a new mute button that replaces the switch. This "Action" button could work like it does on the Apple Watch Ultra in that it will allow users to map it to different functions. This new addition has seemingly been confirmed by the iOS 17 beta.  You can see it in AppleInsider's video above.

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iPhone 15 Release Date: Tips & Tricks is a post by Adam Mills from Gotta Be Mobile.

Apple’s new iPhone isn’t official yet, but the 2023 iPhone models will go on sale soon. We’ve been getting a lot of questions about iPhone 15 pre-orders and we’ll answer as many as we can in this guide.

The company’s finally confirmed the iPhone 15 event date and, as expected, it’s set to take place in mid-September.

If you’ve followed an iPhone launch before, you know that new iPhones typically don’t go on sale immediately after the announcement. Apple likes to put a gap between the announcement, the pre-order date, and the release date.

With that in mind, here’s what you need to know about iPhone 15 pre-orders as we push into September toward the company’s announcement.

iPhone 15 Pre-Order Date

Apple’s iPhone 15 event will take place on Tuesday, September 12th. This means iPhone 15 pre-orders for all models should begin on Friday, September 15th.

Apple’s expected to release four iPhone 15 models: iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max. While they may not share a release date, we do expect them to share the same pre-order period.

Assuming the models arrive at the same time, you can expect the iPhone 15 pre-order period to stretch from September 15th to September 22nd. Apple typically keeps pre-orders open for a week.

It’s possible we see multiple iPhone 15 release dates and there’s a very good chance we see shipping delays impact pre-orders. If you have your heart set on a specific iPhone 15 variant, you may want to put in a pre-order ASAP.

iPhone 15 Pre-Order Time

That brings us to the iPhone 15 pre-order time. Apple hasn’t confirmed yet, it won’t until the event, but based on previous years, we have a good feeling we know when iPhone 15 pre-orders will start.

In recent years, Apple and its partners have opened up iPhone pre-orders at 5AM Pacific. That’s what we expect from the iPhone 15’s pre-order time as well.

If you live on the west coast of the United States, and you want to buy an iPhone 15 model the very second pre-orders open up, be prepared to wake up early. Of course, waking up early won’t guarantee the model you want, but it gives you the best chance.

Like the pre-order date, look for Apple to confirm the pre-order time in the U.S., and other regions, on September 12th.

Where to Buy the iPhone 15

Once iPhone 15 pre-orders start, you’ll be able to buy the device at a number of different places. From Apple, to your carrier, to retailers, there won’t be a shortage of options.

As we’ve noted many times in the past, the Apple Store app is often the quickest, and easiest, way to pre-order a new iPhone. The app is free to download and it lets you buy the iPhone the same way you would through Apple’s website.

You can expect the iPhone 15, iPhone Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max to be compatible with a wide range of carriers, so if you aren’t stuck with one, make sure you shop around before pre-orders begin.

iPhone 15 Price & Trade-Ins

There’s been a ton of back and forth about the price of the iPhone 15. While nothing is confirmed yet, it does look like the iPhone 15 Pro price could jump up a bit.

Most sources believe the price will increase by $100-200. For instance, analyst Tim Long from British bank Barclays, says that based on chatter from the supply chain, the iPhone 15 Pro could be up to $100 more expensive than the iPhone 14 Pro while the iPhone 15 Pro Max could be $100 to $200 more expensive than the iPhone 14 Pro Max.

That might be a tough pill to swallow, but know that there will be trade-in offers available when iPhone 15 pre-orders begin. These will help you save money. In some cases, a lot of it.

According to Bloomberg, U.S. carriers are prepared to offer big discounts to make the iPhone 15 series more attractive to their customers.

We don’t know how much they’ll offer, but if you own a newer device and plan to trade it in, make sure you keep it in pristine condition in the buildup to the iPhone 15 release. This is how you’ll get the most money back.

Wait for Design Changes

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Last year, Apple introduced a brand new pill-shaped notch the company calls Dynamic Island. Unfortunately, this change is only available on the company's high-end iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max models. That will likely change this year. Analyst Ross Young believes Apple could bring Dynamic Island to the lower-end iPhone 15 models. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman does as well. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says the iPhone 15's proximity sensor will be integrated into Dynamic Island. The proximity sensor on the iPhone 14 Pro models is under the display outside of Dynamic Island. This could lead to Face ID improvements. This might give some of you considering Apple's iPhone 14 or iPhone 14 Plus a reason to hold out and wait for the new models. On the flip side, Young doesn't think the standard iPhone 15 models will get 120Hz/LTPO like the iPhone 15 Pro models. This has been backed up by another source who says the iPhone 15/iPhone 15 Plus won't get ProMotion and Always-On display capabilities.  We've heard the the iPhone 15 Max's design will be made out of titanium as opposed to stainless steel. The frame supposedly has a brushed finish. Leaker ShrimpApplePro claims early information suggests Apple is indeed working on a titanium design. The leaker says the design may also incorporate curved rear edges and a glass back. In a newer tweet, the leaker says the iPhone 15 Pro models will "have thinner bezels" with curved edges. The display is reportedly still flat, however. ShrimpApplePro says additional sources now agree with the information and that the bezels on the iPhone 15 Pro models will indeed be thinner. In a tweet, well-known leaker Ice Universe says the iPhone 15 Pro Max will break the record for thinnest bezels on a smartphone. The record is currently held by the Xiaomi 13.  In a follow up tweet, he's shown off what are evidently glass displays and third-party screen protectors for the iPhone 15 series. The bezels are indeed extremely thin. Analyst Jeff Pu from Haitong International Securities also believes the company is working to deliver a new titanium design. So does Gurman. We've seen an iPhone 15 Pro dummy unit leak on the Chinese version of TikTok and it gives us a glimpse at what the device might look like. CAD images of the iPhone 15 Pro from 9to5Mac also show us what the final product could look like.  We've also heard the iPhone 15 Pro will have a new mute button that replaces the switch. This "Action" button could work like it does on the Apple Watch Ultra in that it will allow users to map it to different functions. This new addition has seemingly been confirmed by the iOS 17 beta.  You can see it in AppleInsider's video above.

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iPhone 15 Pre-Order Date & Time: What You Need to Know is a post by Adam Mills from Gotta Be Mobile.

Are you planning to skip the iPhone 15 and upgrade to a new iPhone in 2024? If that’s the case, you might want to start taking early steps to prepare for the iPhone 16 release date.

This fall, Apple will release its new iPhone 15 series. The iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and iPhone 15 Pro Max will arrive September.

If you aren’t in love with what you’re hearing about Apple’s 2023 iPhones, you might be thinking about upgrading next year. That may not be a bad idea.

We’ve already heard quite a bit about the iPhone 16, the presumed name of the 2024 iPhones, and what we’ve heard might impress you.

If you do decide to wait for the iPhone 16, which may include a higher-end iPhone 16 Ultra, there are some things you’ll want to do before the devices arrive on shelves.

It’s early, so there’s no reason to go overboard, but taking some steps ahead of time will ensure you’re fully prepared to buy an iPhone 16 model when the time comes.

You may even decide buy another iPhone model or a device outside of Apple’s ecosystem long before the company announces the iPhone 16 series.

In this guide we’ll take prospective buyers through some important steps to take ahead of Apple’s inevitable iPhone 16 launch next year.

Keep Track of iPhone 16 Rumors

We’ve got a long way to go before Apple announces the iPhone 16 and in that time we’re going to hear a lot more about its features and its release.

If you’re even remotely interested in upgrading to one of the 2024 iPhones, you’ll want to regularly, or periodically, check the rumor mill for the latest information. The devices are still in development and Apple’s plans can, and probably will, change.

Tracking iPhone 16 rumors is important because it will a) help you get familiar with potential features/changes and b) help you set proper expectations. This is crucial because if you don’t like what you’re hearing, you may want to start looking for another device.

For the latest iPhone 16 news, check out our guide.

Check Your Upgrade Status

As we push through 2023 and 2024, you’ll want to keep an eye on your upgrade status to ensure you’ll be in good standing when the iPhone 16 release date drops. Again, it’s safe to assume it will land in September, 2024.

Checking your current upgrade status is extremely easy and it only takes a few minutes. Here’s how to quickly check your upgrade eligibility online at Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and U.S. Cellular. You can also call customer support if you’d prefer to check that way.

Get Familiar with iOS

If you don’t currently own an iPhone, or you’re using an iPhone with an outdated operating system, use this time to get familiar with the iPhone’s operating system.

Apple will release iOS 17 alongside the iPhone 15 series later this year. It won’t be the software that powers the iPhone 16 models, but it’ll still important to get familiar with it. This is especially true if you plan to move from Android to iOS in 2024.

If you’re curious about iOS 17, take a look at our guide. The software is in beta right now, but you can get comfortable with its look and feel right now. You’ll also want to go hands-on when it arrives in the fall.

The iPhone 16 series will almost certainly run iOS 18 out of the box. Apple will likely announce iOS 18 on stage during WWDC 2024 in June.

In addition to keeping an eye out for iPhone 16 rumors, you may want to track iOS 18 rumors as well.

Figure Out How Much Storage You Need

You should start thinking about how much storage you might want on your next phone. Selecting the right amount of iPhone storage will help you save money and avoid headaches down the road.

Some of you will be fine choosing an iPhone 16 with the least amount of storage, but others will want the peace of mind that comes with having a lot of space.

We haven’t heard anything about iPhone 16 storage options yet, but don’t be surprised if they mirror the iPhone 15’s.

To get a head start, have a look at our iPhone 14 storage guide.

Look at Other iPhones

Before you decide to wait for the iPhone 16’s release, you’ll want to look at Apple’s current iPhone models. You might find a model you really like.

First, we recommend taking a look at Apple’s current flagships which include the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max. Go hands-on if you can.

You’ll also want to look at the iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max. We also suggest taking a look at the budget iPhone SE 3.

This fall, you’ll also want to get familiar with the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max and see if one might be a good fit.

Waiting for the iPhone 16 might seem like a great idea, but you might be much better off with another iPhone. You won’t know until you do your homework.

Research Other iPhone 16 Alternatives

You should also look at current, and upcoming, iPhone 16 alternatives.

There are a bunch of excellent iPhone alternatives out there on the market right now, but here are some of our current favorites:

• Google Pixel 7 
• Google Pixel 7 Pro
• Samsung Galaxy S23
• Samsung Galaxy S23+
• Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5
• OnePlus 10 Pro

You’ll also want to keep an eye on upcoming alternatives, like the Google Pixel 8 and Samsung Galaxy S24 series, as well.

Make a Plan for Your Current Phone

Use this time to come up with a plan for your current phone. The iPhone 16 series won’t be cheap and if you keep your phone in good condition, you should be able to save quite a bit of money.

If you want to trade in your device to offset the cost of your next phone, be it the iPhone 16 or another device, you’ll want to keep it in the best condition possible. This is how you’ll get the most money back from resellers, your carrier, or Apple when iPhone 16 trade-in offers go live.

If you don’t plan to trade it in, you might know of a friend or relative who could make use of your current phone. Ask around and see if anyone might need a hand-me-down next year. You might also look into donating your phone to charity.

Decide on a Carrier

If you’re unhappy with your provider’s coverage or data plan, dig into the competition and see if you can find a better fit for your iPhone 16.

Every carrier has pros and cons, but you might find one that stands out. If you’re interested in switching carriers, make sure you shop around in the months ahead.

Wait for the iPhone 16 Ultra

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As of right now, the iPhone Pro Max is Apple's highest-end iPhone model. That could change in 2024 according to a source who is almost always accurate with his information. In his Power On newsletter, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman says Apple might add an even higher-end iPhone Ultra above its Pro models in 2024. It's unclear how Apple might do this exactly, but Gurman believes it might come down to the iPhone 16 Ultra having an even faster chip, an even bigger display, additional improvements to the camera, and possible even a port-less design, meaning, no USB-C or Lightning ports. Apple already does this with the Apple Watch Ultra, its high-end Apple Watch, which offers additional improvements at an added cost. This is all clearly still in flux which means we may not see this change until 2025 or later. That being said, if a really high-end, premium iPhone is something you'd be interested in, you might want to skip the iPhone 15 series and hold onto your current device until next year.

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iPhone 16 Release Date: Tips & Tricks is a post by Adam Mills from Gotta Be Mobile.