A new report says iOS 18 includes a new over-the-air recovery feature for bricked iPhone 16 handsets using a nearby iPhone or iPad. The information comes via a report by 9to5Mac.
Traditionally, a bricked iPhone has required a Mac or PC to restore the firmware. This could cause a problem for users without the required Lightning or USB-C cable or that don’t have a computer handy.
Apple has in recent times worked to remove the iPhone and iPad’s reliance on computers. The Cupertino firm has made it possible to restore a bricked Apple TV or Apple Watch from an iPhone, and now it looks like users will be able to restore their iPhone 16 using a similar method.
9to5Mac says it was able to simulate the new system in action to see how it works. They were able to simply place the iPhone 16 next to another iPhone or iPad to initiate an over-the-air firmware recovery. The process involves the other device downloading a new iOS firmware and transfers it wirelessly to the bricked device.
While any iPhone or iPad running iOS 18 or iPadOS 18, respectively to perform the firmware restoration to the “bricked” iPhone, the only device that can be restored like this is the iPhone 16. Apple’s latest and greatest iPhone apparently is equipped with a dedicated recovery partition, which can manage the entire restoration process.
iOS 18 is available now, while the iPhone 16 series is set to hit shelves and be delivered to pre-ordering customers on Friday, September 20.
(Image credit: 9to5Mac)