If you’ve ever been stuck with a non-responsive or bricked iPhone, the standard fix has typically involved tethering it to a Mac or PC to reinstall the operating system. This method can be inconvenient, especially if you don’t have immediate access to a computer. Fortunately, Apple has introduced a solution with the release of the iPhone 16 and iOS 18.
According to 9to5Mac, users can now revive any iPhone 16 model by activating Recovery Mode and positioning it near another iPhone or iPad. The secondary device will download the latest iOS firmware and wirelessly transmit it to the iPhone that needs restoring.
This advancement simplifies the restoration process significantly. There’s no longer a need to scramble for a functional cable or connect your device to a computer. This means you can restore your iPhone on the go, whether you’re at a café, traveling, or anywhere away from your desk. Furthermore, this could save you a trip to an Apple Store or a third-party repair shop, saving both time and money.
Currently Exclusive to iPhone 16
It’s important to recognize that this feature is not available for all Apple devices at the moment. As reported by 9to5Mac, “While any device operating on iOS 18 can assist in restoring a bricked device, only the iPhone 16 models are currently capable of being restored wirelessly.”
This limitation exists because the iPhone 16 devices are equipped with a special recovery partition that remains operational even if the main iOS system cannot boot. This feature is absent in older iOS devices.
The report from 9to5Mac also mentions it’s uncertain whether Apple will be able to extend this functionality to older models or if it relies on new hardware exclusive to the iPhone 16 series.
This type of wireless recovery has already been possible with other Apple devices like the Apple Watch and Apple TV. The underlying code for this recovery system was first detected in the iOS 13.4 beta in 2020, but it has taken some time for this capability to be available for iPhones. Nonetheless, for those facing a bricked iPhone far from any computer, this update is a very welcome development.
- Hands-on: iPhone 16 review – new buttons, new colors, new processor, more ‘Pro’
- iOS 18: new features, compatible devices, and everything you need to know
- iOS 13.4 could bring good news for iPhone, Apple Watch, and HomePod users
I am Sofia, a tech-savvy journalist and passionate member of the “Jason Deegan” team. Growing up, I was always fascinated by the latest technological advancements and loved sharing my knowledge with others.