This new recovery process is exclusive to the iPhone 16 series, and the helping device needs to be running iOS 18 or iPadOS 18. Once you place the two devices near each other, the updated device will download the latest iOS firmware and send it over wirelessly to the iPhone 16 in recovery mode, attempting to restore it to working order.
Another standout feature of this wireless recovery option is that it not only offers convenience but also opens up the possibility of assisting others with their bricked iPhones. Imagine being able to help a friend or even a stranger get their iPhone back to life without needing any special equipment.
iPhone 16 recovery feature to restore firmware wirelessly. | Image credit — 9to5Mac
However, it’s not lost on us that the introduction of this feature aligns with rumors of a future portless iPhone. While a portless iPhone hasn’t materialized yet, this development certainly adds fuel to the fire. We’ll have to wait to see how this pans out.
That said, it’s great to see Apple simplify the recovery process, making it accessible to a wider range of users. This feature could potentially change how we perceive iPhone maintenance, particularly in situations where immediate access to a computer isn’t possible. It will be interesting to see if Apple extends this wireless recovery feature to older iPhone models in the future.
