With each new iOS release, there are lots of new features that get all the buzz but also some that are more low-key but still useful. One feature in iOS 18 is the new wireless recovery feature. Essentially, the feature lets you wirelessly recover and restore the firmware on your device in case it gets bricked or gets put into recovery mode. The wireless restore feature was previously available to fix Apple Watches or Apple TV boxes, but iOS 18 lets you fix an iPhone.
The 9to5Mac team has been able to simulate how the new feature works: When your iPhone 16 is put into Recovery Mode, nearby iPhones or iPads running iOS 18/iPadOS 18 will get a pop-up saying, "Restore Nearby iPhone." To start the firmware recovery process, all you need to do is tap Continue, and the process will begin.
The firmware will get downloaded on the other device and wirelessly transfer it to the bricked device. This new recovery method means you won't need a Mac or PC to fix firmware issues.
It's worth mentioning that any device running iOS 18 or iPadOS 18 can be used to restore a bricked device but as of right now, the iPhone 16 lineup is the only iPhone that can be wirelessly restored. This is because all iPhone 16 models feature a special recovery partition. It's unclear if Apple will bring the wireless recovery feature to older iPhones.
iOS 18 is available now for iPhone Xs and later and iPadOS 18 is available on iPad Pro (M4), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later), iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and later), iPad Air (M2), iPad Air (3rd generation and later), iPad (7th generation and later), and iPad mini (5th generation and later).
The iPhone 16 lineup is available for pre-order and is set to ship on Friday, Sept. 20.
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