Apple iOS 16 Review: Should You Upgrade?

Apple’s latest upgrade is iOS 16, released in September 2022 and includes new features for iPhones and iPads. Unfortunately, more improvements in an update mean more chances for bugs. Are you reluctant to upgrade to unknown changes or wondering how do to update your iPhone? We have reviewed the latest update to help answer your questions.

What’s New in iOS 16?

iOS 16 offers a variety of new features aimed at improving the overall user experience. Whether you own an iPhone 8 or a newer model, iOS 16 is available for almost all devices that supported iOS 15. Here are some of the standout features in iOS 16:

Lock Screen Visuals

The first thing you will notice is the new look Lock Screen. The update brings lock screen customisation to a new level allowing you to personalise wallpaper, font type and style and display aspects of the wallpaper photo in front of the digital time display. In addition, the device will intuitively pair the style of your wallpaper image with a colour filter, tint and font style that complements the design.

Exciting imagery in the Apple collection allows you to personalise your wallpaper with dynamic images that change throughout the day or create your unique wallpaper with your favourite photos and emojis.

One of the most noticeable changes in iOS 16 is the revamped lock screen. You now have complete control over how your lock screen looks, with more than just the time and date displayed. The customization options include:

• New Widgets: Add widgets for weather, fitness, calendar events, and more.
• Live Wallpapers: Apple has introduced some stunning live wallpapers with motion effects.
• Multiple Lock Screens: You can create multiple lock screens and switch between them easily. For instance, you can have a work-focused lock screen during the day and a relaxing one in the evening.

This personalisation gives iPhone users a fresh way to interact with their devices, making the lock screen not only more functional but also more reflective of personal style.

Widgets and Notifications

You can now customise the home screen widgets to access information at a glance, such as alarms, time zones, calendar events, weather, battery levels and more. The enhanced appearance of notifications now rolls in from the bottom of the screen and gives you the option to view an expanded list, stacked notifications or as a count.

Apple News can also notify you with personalised information, including your favourite sports:

• Follow your favourite teams and leagues
• Receive scores, schedules and fixtures to professional leagues
• Get stories from hundreds of top publishers
• Watch highlights direction in the news app
• Your favourites will sync seamlessly with the Apple TV app

Focus and Productivity

Focus mode was first introduced in iOS 15, but iOS 16 takes it a step further by adding even more control. You can now link specific lock screens with different Focus modes, which makes it easier to stay in the zone, whether you’re working, exercising, or winding down.

For example, you can create a Focus for work, which hides distracting apps and sets your lock screen with a professional look, while your evening Focus can show calming wallpapers and a minimal setup. 

For more tips on setting up Focus modes effectively, take a look at our 7 things to do first when you get a new iPhone.

Messages and FaceTime Updates

Apple’s Messages app continues to evolve, and iOS 16 brings several highly requested features:

• Edit Messages: Now you can edit messages you’ve sent within 15 minutes, fixing any typos or errors without the need to resend a new message.
• Undo Send: You can now unsend a message within 2 minutes, a feature that brings Apple’s messaging app more in line with its competitors.
• Live Text for Videos: Live Text was introduced in iOS 15 for photos, but now, with iOS 16, you can copy and interact with text within videos as well. It’s a game-changer for anyone who needs to extract information quickly.
• Collaborative Notes in Messages: Share a note or document directly in Messages and work on it with others in real-time. Perfect for collaborative work or group planning.

Security and Safety

Some impressive features focused on digital safety have been included in the update. First, we’ll cover the online safety features, including a safer Passkey. Designed to replace passwords, the Passkey uses Touch ID or Face ID and is described as “a next-generation credential that can’t be phished or leaked” by Apple.

Passkey is a collaboration between FIDO Alliance, Google and Microsoft to safely access websites or non-Apple apps and devices using your iPhone.

Family Sharing offers a safer, age-appropriate way to set up accounts for children with full parental control across a variety of applications, including:

• approving or declining requests for screentime directly to the child’s device
• The Family Checklist gives you prompts to update parental control or recommendations to turn on location sharing as the child gets older
• Age-appropriate restrictions for apps, movies, books and music

Improved Notifications

Notifications in iOS 16 have been reorganized for a cleaner and more efficient experience. Notifications now appear at the bottom of the screen, making them easier to read without covering up your home screen or lock screen content. Additionally, Live Activities allow you to track real-time updates such as sports scores, food deliveries, or rideshare statuses, all directly from the lock screen.

Live Text and Visual Lookup Enhancements

With iOS 16, Apple has expanded its AI-driven features, like Live Text and Visual Lookup:

• Live Text now works within videos, allowing users to pause and interact with text in real time.
• Visual Lookup allows the iPhone to recognise objects in your photos (such as plants, animals, and landmarks), and now it can also identify breeds of dogs and cats with even more precision.

These features enhance the way iPhone users can interact with content, making it more dynamic and intelligent.

Apple Pay and Wallet Enhancements

iOS 16 adds a few more functionalities to Apple Pay and the Wallet app:

• Apple Pay Later: Apple introduced a feature that lets users split purchases into four payments, giving more flexibility to how purchases are made.
• ID Cards in Wallet: In select regions, you can now add your driver’s license or state ID to the Wallet app for easy access and identification when traveling or at certain locations.

Performance and Battery Life

Like most iOS updates, iOS 16 comes with improvements in performance and battery life. Apple promises better optimization for newer devices, but it has also worked to ensure that older models (iPhone 8 and above) still perform smoothly. Many users have reported that their iPhones feel snappier after upgrading to iOS 16, though battery life remains roughly the same as in iOS 15.

Should You Upgrade to iOS 16?

Now that we’ve covered the key features, it’s time to answer the big question: Should you upgrade to iOS 16? Here are the factors you should consider:

Compatibility

iOS 16 is compatible with the iPhone 8 and newer models, so if you have one of these devices, you’re good to go. However, if your iPhone is a bit older, consider how well it’s performing. iOS updates can sometimes cause performance issues on older devices, although iOS 16 seems to have addressed many of these concerns, ensuring that older iPhones continue to work well.

If you’re looking to safeguard your device and ensure you don’t lose your data in case of any mishaps, it’s a good idea to back up your iPhone or iPad. If you haven’t done so recently, check out our guide on how to back up your iPhone or iPad.

New Features

If you’re someone who loves customization and personalisation, the revamped lock screen and enhanced Focus modes are a game-changer. Those who rely on Apple’s messaging system will also appreciate the ability to edit and unsend messages. For safety-conscious users, the new Crash Detection and Emergency SOS features could be life-saving.

For anyone who’s recently upgraded their iPhone, you might be wondering if the latest iPhone models, like the iPhone 15 Pro, are truly worth the upgrade. Find out more in our review of iPhone 15 Pro: Is it Worth the Upgrade?.

Battery and Performance

iOS 16 has been praised for its performance improvements, especially on newer devices like the iPhone 14. However, some users with older devices have reported mixed experiences, with some noticing a slight decrease in battery life or performance after upgrading. As always, if battery life is a critical factor for you, it’s worth considering whether the new features justify a potential dip in performance.

Security

With each new iOS update, Apple enhances security and privacy. iOS 16 is no exception, bringing important bug fixes and security patches. It’s always a good idea to stay up-to-date with the latest security updates to protect your data. And if you’ve recently upgraded to iOS 16 and accidentally found yourself in Lost Mode, you can refer to our guide on iPhone Lost Mode to resolve it quickly.

Final Thoughts

iOS 16 brings many significant improvements and new features that enhance the iPhone experience. From personalised lock screens to better safety features and performance optimizations, there’s plenty to love about this update. 

However, whether you should upgrade ultimately depends on your needs and the condition of your device. If you’re using a newer model, upgrading is a no-brainer. If you’re on an older iPhone, you may want to weigh the benefits against any potential slowdowns.

At Computer Cures, we believe in providing expert advice to help you get the most out of your Apple devices. If you’re looking to enhance your experience with iOS 16, or need help with your iPhone setup, we’re here to guide you through the process. Whether you’re new to the iPhone or upgrading from an older model, our team is ready to assist you in making the most of your device.