Apple recently launched the iPhone 16 series, and just three days after the phones became available, they’ve already released an update for all four models: iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. Here’s what we know so far.
Which iPhones Can Run The New iOS Release?
The new iOS update is specifically designed for only four models in Apple’s lineup: the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. If you’re using any other iPhone model, this update won’t apply to your device, and you won’t experience any changes or need to download it. Apple has tailored this update exclusively for its latest iPhone 16 series, ensuring that users of older models or different versions are unaffected. So, unless you’re using one of these four new devices, this particular update won’t concern you.
It’s A Small Update
It’s a minor update, so small that it doesn’t require a new version number like iOS 18.0.1. Instead, it remains iOS 18, though with a slightly higher build number. The iPhones initially shipped with iOS 18.0, build 22A3351, and this update raises the build number by just a fraction, though it’s still iOS 18.0.
Apple explains that this update brings important bug fixes and security improvements specifically for the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. The update file itself is relatively light, coming in at 466.4MB on the iPhone 16 Pro, and took around 13 minutes to download.
As is typical with Apple’s software updates, there are no additional details about the security issues addressed beyond what was outlined in the original iOS 18 release. Apple tends to withhold specific information about security vulnerabilities until after most users have had a chance to download and install the update. This approach is intentional, as revealing details about the issues too early could expose users to potential threats before they’ve secured their devices with the latest software.
iOS 18 Update Focuses on Security, Leaves Touchscreen Issues Unresolved?
Recently, some iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro users have reported experiencing touchscreen problems, such as taps not registering correctly. Initially, these issues were thought to be limited to the new iPhone 16 models, but it now appears that some earlier iPhone models may be affected as well. It’s unclear how widespread these touchscreen problems are or whether this update specifically addresses them, as the release notes do not mention it.
Although the new iPhone 16 series has seen strong pre-orders and sales, signaling what could be a significant sales cycle, the number of iPhones currently in customers’ hands remains relatively low, since the devices are newly released. Apple is now working to ensure that its current stock of iPhones is updated to this latest software version before shipping out further devices.
At this point, it’s uncertain if this update resolves the touchscreen issues or if additional fixes will be rolled out later. Apple has not provided any detailed information on this in the update notes. More information will likely come to light as the rollout continues and more users report their experiences.