iOS 16 update: Check how to lock hidden and deleted photos on your iPhone

iOS 16 update: Apple recently announced the latest software update for iPhones -- iOS 16, which brings a host of new features to company's mobile operating system. The highlights of the new software update include lock screen customisation, new lock screen notifications, live activities, focus filter, focus mode and more. 

How to download the iOS 16 update

Step 1- Visit the Apple Developer Program download page, and select “Install Profile” for iOS 16 beta (iPhone)

Step 2- Open the Settings app and go to the “Profile Downloaded” option and click on the “Install” option in the top right corner. You will need to restart the device.

Step 3- Once you restart the device, plug in the charger and make sure that you are on Wi-Fi and go to  Settings > General > Software Update.

Step 4- Tap on Download and Install> Install and enter your passcode to update your device.

With the new iOS 16, now users can lock hidden photos with a Touch ID or Face ID. It means you no longer have to hide a photo for your friends to find in the folder section. However, the hidden folder will still be noticeable in the folder section of the Photos app. But, it will have a lock symbol on the right side. If anyone tries to open the hidden folder, the iPhone will immediately start Face ID/Touch ID looking for the registered face/fingerprint.

Additionally, not just the hidden folder, but the deleted folder also got a Touch ID and Face ID support. The lock for both folders will be turned on by default when you upgrade to iOS 16. However, you will be able to turn off the lock from Settings. For that, you need to go to Settings of the Photos app. 

The company has also announced the list of compatible devices and devices that will not get the new iOS 16 update: iPhone 13. iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, iPhone X, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone SE (2nd generation or later)

Apple has announced that it is ending support for the iPhone 6s, iPhone 7 and original iPhone SE. Hence, users using these devices are not eligible to receive the iOS 16 update. Notably, iPhone 6S was launched in 2015 and iPhone 7 and SE were launched in 2016  and received seven and six years of software support respectively.