iPhone 16 Firmware: Current IPSW Versions & Downloads

The iPhone 16 generation spans five distinct products — iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max, plus the separate entry-level iPhone 16e — and every one needs its own IPSW firmware file matched to a model identifier. This guide lists all five identifiers, the current signed iOS build for each, and where to download the right IPSW.

Quick answer: all five iPhone 16 models currently run iOS 26.6.1 (build 23G83), the latest signed release. Apple normally signs only the current build, so install that one and check the live signing status before you download. Find your model in the tables below, then open its device page for the direct IPSW DOWNLOAD.

iPhone 16 Model Identifiers

The four flagship models launched in September 2024. Note that the identifier numbers are not in marketing order — the Pro models actually carry the lower numbers:

Because the numbering runs Pro (17,1 / 17,2) before the standard models (17,3 / 17,4), never guess from the number alone — always match the full identifier before downloading an IPSW.

iPhone 16e — A Separate Entry-Level Line

The iPhone 16e is not simply a fifth flavour of the iPhone 16. Introduced in February 2025, it is Apple's entry-level model and the replacement for the iPhone SE line, with its own positioning, a single rear camera, and Apple's C1 modem. It uses the A18 chip — the same silicon platform as the standard iPhone 16, which the Apple firmware catalog confirms — but it is a distinct product with its own identifier and its own IPSW:

An iPhone 16 IPSW will not restore an iPhone 16e and vice versa — download the file that matches iPhone17,5 from its iPhone 16e device page.

Currently Signed iOS Builds for iPhone 16

Apple only lets you restore or update to a signed build. At the time of writing, the signed builds for all five iPhone 16 models — including the 16e — are identical:

Apple signs only the current build, and closes the previous one shortly after a new release ships. For the build signed right now, check the live signing status. The build listed below has closed.

Signing changes without warning — Apple usually stops signing the older build within days of a new release. Confirm status before you download: see how to check IPSW signing status and what a signed IPSW is.

Which Build Should You Install?

Install the newest signed build — here, iOS 26.6.1 (23G83). It carries the latest security fixes, and because 26.6.1 is a minor update over 26.6 there is no reason to stay on the older build unless you have a specific compatibility need. Once Apple stops signing 26.6, only 26.6.1 (and later) will be restorable.

How to Restore an iPhone 16 with an IPSW

The process is the same across all five models: back up your device, turn off Find My (Settings → your name → Find My → Find My iPhone), connect to a Mac or PC with a USB-C cable, and in Finder, the Apple Devices app, or iTunes hold Option (Mac) or Shift (Windows) and click Restore, then select the IPSW you downloaded for your identifier. If the iPhone is unresponsive, put it into recovery mode first. For signing rules and downgrade limits, see what a signed IPSW is.

iPhone 16 and iOS 27

All five iPhone 16 models are supported by the next major release, on the A18 and A18 Pro chips. Check the iOS 27 supported devices list for the full compatibility picture.

iPhone 16 vs iPhone 15 Firmware

Firmware is never shared across models — each iPhone needs an IPSW built for its own identifier. If you are comparing generations or own an earlier device, see the iPhone 15 firmware guide. The iPhone 15 Pro used the A17 Pro and the iPhone 16 Pro moved to the A18 Pro, but in every case you must use the IPSW that matches your exact identifier.

All iPhone 16 Firmware Downloads

Open your model's device page for the live list of signed IPSW files:

• iPhone 16 (iPhone17,3)
• iPhone 16 Plus (iPhone17,4)
• iPhone 16 Pro (iPhone17,1)
• iPhone 16 Pro Max (iPhone17,2)
• iPhone 16e (iPhone17,5)

You can also browse every model from the iPhone firmware page.

iPhone 16 Firmware FAQ

What is the latest iOS version for iPhone 16?

All five iPhone 16 models run iOS 26.6.1 (build 23G83), the current signed release. Apple normally signs only the current build — check the live signing status before downloading.

What are the iPhone 16 model identifiers?

iPhone 16 Pro is iPhone17,1, iPhone 16 Pro Max is iPhone17,2, iPhone 16 is iPhone17,3, iPhone 16 Plus is iPhone17,4, and iPhone 16e is iPhone17,5.

Is the iPhone 16e just another iPhone 16 variant?

No. The iPhone 16e is a separate entry-level line that replaced the iPhone SE, released in February 2025. It uses the A18 chip like the standard iPhone 16 but has its own identifier (iPhone17,5) and its own IPSW, which is not interchangeable with the other models.

What chip does the iPhone 16e use?

The iPhone 16e uses the A18 — the same chip family as the standard iPhone 16, which the Apple firmware catalog confirms by listing both on the same hardware platform. The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max use the higher-tier A18 Pro.

Do all iPhone 16 models use the same firmware?

No. Each model has its own IPSW tied to its identifier. An iPhone 16 Pro IPSW will not restore an iPhone 16 or a 16e, even though all are part of the iPhone 16 generation.

Which chip does each iPhone 16 model use?

The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus use the A18; the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max use the A18 Pro; the iPhone 16e uses the A18. All five run current iOS.

Can I downgrade my iPhone 16 to an older iOS version?

Only to a build Apple is still signing. Once a version is unsigned it can no longer be restored, so your options are limited to the currently signed builds shown on your model's device page.

Will iPhone 16 get iOS 27?

Yes. All five iPhone 16 models are fully within the supported range for the next major release. See the iOS 27 supported devices list for confirmation.