How to update my iPhone 7 to iOS 16?

An iPhone 7 is capable of update to iOS 15.8. The iPhone 7 does not support iOS 16.x or later.

For information, here is a list of the highest version of iOS supported by recent models of iPhone (for simplicity - “generations” are shortened to a number), older devices being restricted in their ability to be updated:

iOS 17.1

iPhone 15 (all models)

iPhone 14 (all models)

iPhone 13 (all models)

iPhone 12 (all models)

iPhone 11 (all models)

iPhone XR, XS (all models)

iPhone SE2/SE3

iOS 16.7.2

iPhone X

iPhone 8 (all models)

iOS 15.8

iPhone 7 (all models)

iPhone 6S (all models)

iPhone SE1

iOS 12.5.7

iPhone 6

iPhone 5S

iOS 10.3.4/3

iPhone 5/5C

If your iPhone is capable of update to a more recent version of iOS than is currently installed, these support pages outline both the available methods by which the update can be performed - and troubleshooting should you experience difficulties:

Update your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch – Apple Support

If you can't update or restore your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch – Apple Support

If your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch won’t update - Apple Support

iOS update and restore errors – Apple Support

Be aware that while an iPhone may be capable of update, in some circumstances you may need to use a computer to perform the update. To do so, you will need access to either a Windows PC (with iTunes for Windows installed) or a Mac (with iTunes or Finder - as appropriate for the installed version of macOS). Ensure that your installed version of iTunes has been updated to the most recent version; the essential device drivers are included.

Download and use iTunes for Windows – Apple Support

Update to the latest version of iTunes – Apple Support

Update software on iPhone, iPad or iPod touch in iTunes on PC - Apple Support

If you have a beta profile installed, ensure this has been removed from your iPhone - as, otherwise, installation of production software updates may be inhibited. This support page provides the necessary information to remove the beta from your iPad:

How to uninstall iOS beta software - Apple Support

You should note that for your iPhone to install an available update, its battery must be charged to at least 50% capacity - and/or be connected to its Power Adapter.

vhermhon wrote:

Update to ios16

For an iPhone 7, that is not possible.