Can I update my IPhone SE to 16.4
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
Original Title: UPDATE SE?
XGEORGER
User level: Level 1 (4 points)
User level: Level 1 (4 points)How do I update my iPhone SE to iOS 16.4?
Posted on Sep 27, 2026 10:00 AM
5 replies
Servant of Cats
User level: Level 9 (55,707 points)
User level: Level 9 (55,707 points)Sep 27, 2026 10:17 AM in response to XGEORGER
If that is a first-generation iPhone SE, iOS 15.* is the end of the line. Your phone is too old to run apps that require iOS 16.4 or later – you will need to give up those apps, or buy a new phone.
In the unlikely event that you have an iPhone SE (2nd generation) or iPhone SE (3rd generation), and have been keeping it from installing iOS updates for the last few years, you can update past iOS 16.4 to iOS 27.*. When you delay. installing updates so long, updating them may require the assistance of a computer (Mac or Windows PC).
Before you ask, using a computer will not let you update a first-generation iPhone SE to iOS 16.0 or later.
lobsterghost1
User level: Level 10 (233,174 points)
User level: Level 10 (233,174 points)Sep 27, 2026 10:05 AM in response to XGEORGER
XGEORGER wrote:
Can I update my IPhone SE to 16.4
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
Original Title: UPDATE SE?
Assuming you have the original iPhone SE, released in 2016, you cannot update it to iOS 16. iOS 15.x.x is the end of the update line for that model. If you need a higher level iOS version, then it's time to retire your now 10 year old iPhone and buy a new, modern iPhone.
MrHoffman
User level: Level 10 (169,253 points)
User level: Level 10 (169,253 points)Sep 27, 2026 10:03 AM in response to XGEORGER
No. iPhone SE 1st gen was sold 2016 to 2018, and iOS support tops out at iOS 15.
Mac Jim ID
User level: Level 10 (105,996 points)
User level: Level 10 (105,996 points)Sep 27, 2026 10:03 AM in response to XGEORGER
The first generation iPhone SE released in 2016 can only be updated to iOS 15.8.8.
Bob Timmons
User level: Level 10 (199,348 points)
User level: Level 10 (199,348 points)Sep 27, 2026 10:07 AM in response to XGEORGER
Tap Settings > General > Software Update
If the message indicates that your software is up to date, then there are no more updates available for the model of iPhone SE that you have. Frankly, it is too old.
You will need an iPhone X if you want to run iOS 16, but since you will be looking for a new iPhone, it would make sense to make sure that it will run the current iOS 27.
An iPhone 17 or iPhone 18 version would be recommended to insure that your phone will receive updates for the next 6-7 years.
Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256366019