iPhone 16e Will Have Day One Software Update

[MacRumors]

Customers who purchase the new iPhone 16e will need to download a software update right after receiving the device to install the latest version of iOS 18.

The iPhone 16e models will ship with iOS 18.3, but Apple released iOS 18.3.1 on February 10, so new iPhone 16e buyers will need to install the iOS 18.3.1 update to migrate data from an older iPhone that is already running iOS 18.3.1.

iOS 18.3.1 didn't add any new features, but it does address a software vulnerability that Apple says was exploited in the wild.

Pre-orders for the iPhone 16e are set to begin this Friday, with a launch to follow on February 28.

Article Link: iPhone 16e Will Have Day One Software Update

 

[macfacts]

i thought apple could do wireless updates thru the box.

 

[vegetassj4]

You mean like every other Apple device in recent years?

 

[Rafagon]

i thought apple could do wireless updates thru the box.

That was mentioned once, but then I never heard about it being finalized, or being canceled, for that matter.

 

[jz0309]

Not a big deal

 

[vegetassj4]

i thought apple could do wireless updates thru the box.

That was mentioned once, but then I never heard about it being finalized, or being canceled, for that matter.

It can be done in the Apple Car

 

[jz0309]

i thought apple could do wireless updates thru the box.

Did Apple actually announce that it was it one of the hundreds or rumors floating around here?
Hint: it was the latter

 

[tywebb13]

The ios 18.3 build coming with the 16e is 22D8063

18.3.1 update is already available for the 16e with build 22D8075

here is the 18.3.1 ipsw for the 16e: https://updates.cdn-apple.com/2025W...BB4A95/iPhone17,5_18.3.1_22D8075_Restore.ipsw

 

[thefrost]

Nothing to worry about.

 

[Compote]

How about "Lack of Magsafe and ultra-wideband means people will be more liable to BREAK or LOSE this overpriced bundle of suck, so we at Apple have found way to screw customers in creative new ways?"

 

[tyrnnsrs]

Is this newsworthy?

 

[tywebb13]

Is this newsworthy?

yes I think so

for those getting the 16e they need to know in advance the update will be available

 

[Jumpthesnark]

How about "Lack of Magsafe and ultra-wideband means people will be more liable to BREAK or LOSE this overpriced bundle of suck, so we at Apple have found way to screw customers in creative new ways?"

Sure, and a Day 1 software update is related to all of that how?

 

[wanha]

Day 1? Sounds rushed. I’d be more comfortable with a day 3 update. /s

 

[tywebb13]

Day 1? Sounds rushed. I’d be more comfortable with a day 3 update. /s

well it’s the ios 18.3.1 update which was released on Feb 10. So it’s hardly rushed. If anything, it’s late.

You could wait 3 days before updating if you want.

 

[wanha]

well it’s the ios 18.3.1 update which was released on Feb 10. So it’s hardly rushed. If anything, it’s late.

You could wait 3 days before updating if you want.

the "/s" at the end of my post stands for "sarcasm"

 

[polyphenol]

The 28th is far enough away that Apple could launch another small security update (18.3.2?) before customers get their hands on their 16E phones.

It would be a real story if they needed such an update - but it wasn't available.

 

[roomer11]

Apple’s in-box device update in stores really works

 

[svish]

Not surprised as it is now common for all new Apple devices to get day one update. Expecting this trend to continue in the future as well.

 

[zarmanto]

i thought apple could do wireless updates thru the box.

I expect this article is primarily focused on direct delivery mail order customers, as opposed to retail store customers. If the box is already onboard a freighter ship or in a (non-Apple) warehouse somewhere, there's really not much Apple can do to update it before it reaches the customer.