It is interesting to note that Apple has reportedly begun internal testing of iOS 16.6, as indicated by website analytics logs. While this has not been officially confirmed by Apple, these logs have proven to be a reliable indicator of upcoming software updates in the past.
If iOS 16.6 is indeed in development, it is likely to be one of the final updates in the iOS 16 software cycle, as Apple typically releases a few minor updates to its operating systems before transitioning to a new major release. It remains to be seen what new features or improvements might be included in iOS 16.6, but it is possible that it could focus on bug fixes and performance optimizations rather than introducing significant new functionality.
While it is still too early to determine when the first beta of iOS 16.6 will be released, historical trends suggest that Apple may make it available to developers prior to the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC 2023), which is typically held in June. In the past, the first betas of iOS 13.6, iOS 14.6, and iOS 15.6 were all made available to developers ahead of WWDC.
This year, WWDC is scheduled for June 5 through June 9, and it is expected that Apple will use this event to announce iOS 17 and other new software. It is possible that the first beta of iOS 16.6 could be released ahead of WWDC to give developers time to test and provide feedback before the conference. However, this has not been confirmed by Apple, and we will have to wait for official announcements or leaks to get a better idea of when to expect the first beta of iOS 16.6.
It is expected that iOS 16.6 will be a smaller update as iOS 17 is already on the horizon. This means that iOS 16.6 will likely focus on bug fixes, security improvements, and other small tweaks rather than introducing significant new features.
One previously-announced iOS feature that has yet to launch is iMessage Contact Key Verification, which is an optional security setting that will allow users to verify the identity of the person they are communicating with in iMessage. It is currently unclear when this feature will launch, but with the launch of the Apple Card’s savings account expected next week, it could be one of the few remaining iOS features that have yet to be released.
It’s worth noting that iOS 16.5 is still in beta testing, and it’s not yet clear when it will be released to the public. However, there have been a few notable changes discovered in the beta so far. One of the changes is the addition of a Sports tab in the Apple News app, which will make it easier for users to find news and articles about their favorite sports teams and events. This is a welcome addition for sports fans who rely on the Apple News app for their daily news and updates.
Another notable change in iOS 16.5 is the ability to start a screen recording with Siri. This is a useful feature for anyone who needs to record their screen for tutorials, presentations, or other purposes. With this feature, users can simply ask Siri to start a screen recording, rather than having to navigate through menus or use third-party apps.
As with iOS 16.6, it’s likely that iOS 16.5 will primarily focus on bug fixes, security improvements, and other minor tweaks. However, the addition of the Sports tab and screen recording with Siri are certainly welcome changes for users. Overall, while it is still too early to know the specifics of what iOS 16.6 will include, it is likely to be a minor update as Apple shifts its focus to developing iOS 17 and other major releases.