Clean install iOS 16...

[Cr00zng]

This may had been asked before, but didn't find a clear answer...

iPhone 12 Pro, iOS 15.7, has been giving me issues both in apps and browsers. Instead of upgrading to iOS 16, is there a way to "clean install" the new version?

Yes, I am aware that all of the important data will be wiped and needs to be backed up. Since there's very little data saved to iCloud, by choice, the backup is local by both iTune/Finder and iMazing.

Erasing the iPhone is the easy part it seems, but not certain how to install the latest version.

TIA...

 

[IWT]

I haven't found a way of "going back" to an earlier iOS, but installing the "latest version" can be done with iMazing - possibly without having to wipe the iPhone first.

This article may help:

Update iOS on your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch

imazing.com

Ian

 

[MacInWin]

You don't need iMazing. Just make a backup, then follow the directions to prepare the phone for sale:

What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

Use these steps to transfer information to your new device and, if applicable, remove your personal information from your old device.

support.apple.com

Then once it is back to factory, you reinitialize it, upgrade to the latest iOS and restore from the backup. Basically, you are "giving" yourself the phone after wiping it.

 

[Cr00zng]

Sorry guys, I've got tied up on the weekend, but I appreciate your responses...

You don't need iMazing. Just make a backup, then follow the directions to prepare the phone for sale:

What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

Use these steps to transfer information to your new device and, if applicable, remove your personal information from your old device.

support.apple.com

Then once it is back to factory, you reinitialize it, upgrade to the latest iOS and restore from the backup. Basically, you are "giving" yourself the phone after wiping it.

Getting to factory setting means erasing the iPhone, as stated in the OP. Once it's done, just set it up as a "new device", but don't know what version of iOS it'll have. I wouldn't want to go through the process of erasing it and then update couple of times to reach version 16. Is there a way to erase the iPhone and install iOS 16 directly?

While resetting the iPhone to factory setting is rather easy, logging in with my Apple ID during re-initialization could be problematic. I'll need to check my Mac Book and iPad, if they will receive text from iCloud or Apple. My other devices are not normally used for text and may not had been activated...

 

[MacInWin]

iOS is not like macOS. There is only one signed version. That happens to be 16.0.2 right now. So if you follow the directions, the phone will be reset to remove all of your personal data and settings, be disconnected from your AppleID account and will basically reboot into a virgin copy of WHATEVER is on the phone right now. It won't go back to what version came on the phone, nor will it move on automatically to the latest. All you can do is what is in the article. And that will be whatever is there now, iOS-wise.

So, if the phone has 16 on it (assuming you mean 16.0), then when you finish the reset it will still have 16.0. If you have 16.0.2, it will still have 16.0.2.

Because of the way Apple signs versions, it's not possible to go back to anything earlier than what is on the phone right now.

 

[Rod]

Honestly, erasing the device is probably unnecessary overkill. The iOS if it was responsible for your problems (you dont mention what they were) and it's unlikely, then upgrading to iOS 16 will overwrite iOS 15.7 anyway.
It could be as simple as an overfull storage issue, network problem or a hardware issue that requires repair.

What problems do you have with the device?

You can always Reset all Settings on the phone which in my mind is pretty drastic but doesn't involve deregistering iMessage, signing out of iTunes, cancelling your Apple Care Plan (if you have one) or removing your device from Trusted Devices.

Here is an article describing what Reset All Settings does and does not do.

What does Reset All Settings Do on iPhone and iPad • macReports

The Reset All Settings option lets you reset all your preference settings. This can be a good option to try before attempting a master reset, the "Erase

macreports.com

 

[Cr00zng]

Thanks guys...

There are number of issues with 12 Pro, related to apps be that Apple's or third-party's. These issues may, or may not be addressed with update or reset.

There's clean install of iOS via DFU mode:

The iOS 16.02 can be downloaded in advance here the Mac Book:

Download iOS Firmware for iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Apple Watch, Apple TV, HomePod and Vision Pro / IPSW Downloads

Download current and previous versions of Apple's iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, tvOS, audioOS and macOS firmware and receive notifications when new firmwares are released.

ipsw.me

None of the updates fixed the issue with DNDWD for example during the last two years. I haven't tried "Reset All Settings" as of yet, thanks @Rod, maybe I should try it first, before going ahead with the fresh install of 16.02.