IF YOU have an older iPhone model, then you may need to upgrade your device this year to access newer safety features.
Apple’s highly-anticipated iOS 16 is expected to drop sometime this fall.
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The operating system update will feature many new and improved tools aimed at enhancing user safety, security and privacy.
However, the new update will not be compatible with all iPhone models.
iPhones that won’t be compatible with iOS 16
Any iPhone model older than the iPhone 8 will not be able to run iOS 16 – this includes any Apple device from 2016 and older.
Both the iPhone 8 and the iPhone X, which came out in 2017 and 2018, respectively, will be able to update to iOS 16 but will not be able to access every feature.
The iPhone XS is also on the incompatible list for certain features.
And some features won’t even work on the iPhone 13, which is the newest smartphone model to come from Apple, according to Notebook Check.
What specifically won’t work?
The live text recognition in videos will only be available on the iPhone XS or newer devices.
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Meanwhile, several features that require an A12 bionic chip or newer will only be compatible with the iPhone 11 or newer models.
And only the iPhone 13 will have access to the higher-quality cinematic mode when recording videos.
Why it’s important to update
If you have an iPhone 7 or older, it may be time to upgrade to a newer device – if only to access iOS 16’s newer safety features.
One iOS 16 tool, called “Safety Check” will let iPhone users quickly review who can see their location.
Within the feature, there are customizable sharing and access settings, as well as an emergency button that can reset all permissions you may have given to anyone.
Included in this “access reset” are messages, app access, location tracking, and others.
Users are also automatically signed out of iCloud on all devices, while texts and calls are limited to their iPhones.
Apple developed the tool as a way to combat online stalking and help people exit abusive relationships easier.
The tech giant worked closely with the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV), the National Center for Victims of Crime (NCVC), and the Women’s Services Network (WESNET) to create the tools.
