Apple iOS 16 Lets You Edit and Unsend Messages — Update or Wait?

Apple released its iOS 16 update on September 12, 2022. The update is packed with numerous features that allow you to get more personal with your device. Want to customize your lock screen’s font and colors? Not a problem. Ever send a message you wish you could unsend? Now you can.

While there are a plethora of exciting features Apple threw together in its iOS 16 update, you may be asking yourself whether you should download it or simply wait. Here’s everything you need to know about the latest iOS 16 update so you can make an informed decision.

Apple has taken lock screen customization to a whole new level. Users with iOS 16 are now given the option to create multiple lock screens and switch between them as they find necessary. As part of the customization process, users will be able to choose the font style, color, and backdrop they would like displayed on the front of their screens.

Whether you want your phone to reflect a more professional look or give off a laid-back and relaxed vibe, both scenes can be depicted on your iPhone’s lock screen. Later this year, Apple says it will release as a part of its iOS 16 update the ability to add live activities to the lock screen, allowing users to stay on top of the things that are happening in real-time without having to unlock their phones.

Apple is notorious for auto-correcting text, essentially changing the entire meaning behind your message. But with iOS 16, users don’t have to worry about trying to correct their auto-correct time and time again. Instead, Apple’s latest update lets you edit messages and even unsend them.

While this is likely to be one of the biggest takeaways from iOS 16, we should warn you that Apple will only allow you to edit a message within 15 minutes after sending it and you’ll only be able to make up to five edits per message. We should add that the recipient will also be able to see any edits you make. In the event you decide you want to unsend a message, Apple is only giving users two minutes to do so after sending it.

Another exciting feature included in the iOS 16 update is the ability to unsend emails. Users who choose to install the update will also be given the option to schedule emails and follow-ups. Now, if this isn’t enough to convince you to install iOS 16, perhaps this will be.

Apple Pay Later is also included in iOS 16, though it won’t be available until later this year. With this feature, qualifying users who shop with Apple Pay will be able to split the cost of their purchase into four payments over six weeks. Best of all, the tech giant won’t tack on any interest or fees.

While most Apple users will be given the choice to decide whether they would like to update their device to iOS 16 or wait, some aren’t afforded such options. According to Apple, you must have an iPhone 8 (any model) or later in order to install the iOS 16 update. This also includes the iPhone X, XR, XS, and XS Max. Apple has also made the update available for the iPhone SE as long as it is a 2nd generation model or later.