Registered developers can now access iOS 16.5 beta 2, which is currently being rolled out. This new release follows the initial iOS 16.5 beta launch by two weeks, which introduced some minor alterations. Below, you can find comprehensive information regarding the latest update.
To participate in the iOS 16.5 beta program, registered developers can navigate to the Settings app, then select the Software Update option. From there, they can enable “Beta Updates” and toggle on the option for iOS 16/iPadOS 16 Developer Beta. It is essential to note that a developer account linked to an Apple ID is mandatory to download and install the beta. The specific build number for the latest update of the iOS 16.5 beta is 20F5039e.
As the focus gradually shifts towards the upcoming iOS 17, set to be unveiled in just two months at the WWDC event, it is worth noting that iOS 16.5 does not boast significant modifications.
iOS 16.5 comes with a few notable additions, including new screen recording commands that can be activated via Siri. This feature enables users to commence or conclude a screen recording using voice commands. Another significant addition is the dedicated Sports tab within the Apple News app, which has been a popular request among sports enthusiasts.
Furthermore, code discovered within iOS 16.5 hints at Apple’s development of a new quad-box picture-in-picture feature tailored for the TV app. This feature is designed to allow users to stream multiple live sporting events at the same time, enhancing the overall viewing experience. Currently, Apple offers live sports such as MLS Season Pass and Friday Night Baseball, and quad-box picture-in-picture for sports will bring Apple TV in line with other streaming TV services.
It is anticipated that Apple will release iOS 16.5 to the general public in May, following the completion of beta testing. As part of this testing, a new public beta is expected to be released later this week, as the company continues to fine-tune the software ahead of the official launch.
In addition to the iOS 16.5 beta 2 release, Apple is also launching several other beta versions for developers today. These include iPadOS 16.5 beta 2, watchOS 9.5 beta 2, tvOS 16.5 beta 2, and macOS Ventura 13.4 beta 2. These updates bring new features and improvements to each respective operating system, and developers can test them out ahead of their anticipated release.
Source: Apple