Apple has made the first betas of iOS 16.5 and iPadOS 16.5 available to public beta testers today. This move allows individuals who are not developers to test out the upcoming software and its features before its official release. The public beta launch follows the release of the beta to developers, which occurred just two days prior.
The latest iOS 16.5 beta 1 and iPadOS 16.5 beta 1 are now being released to users enrolled in the Apple Beta Software Program. While the update comes with minor enhancements, such as new Siri commands, it’s a noteworthy addition that could potentially make a difference in the overall user experience.
The iOS 16.5 update currently seems to be a relatively minor release aimed at enhancing the operating system’s stability and resolving bugs. Among the few additions, the update includes new Siri commands that can be used to begin or end a screen recording, as well as a dedicated Sports tab in the Apple News app.
Individuals registered in the Apple Beta Software Program can access iOS 16.5 beta by navigating to the Settings app, selecting General, and choosing Software Update. Nonetheless, there is currently no information regarding when the final version of iOS 16.5 will be made available to the general public.
Apple is reportedly scaling back development efforts on iOS 16 as the company prepares for the unveiling of iOS 17 in June. With the next-generation version of the operating system looming on the horizon, it’s likely that resources and attention are being redirected towards perfecting the upcoming release. As a consequence, it’s possible that iOS 16 updates and new features will become less frequent in the near future.
While I cannot confirm whether iOS 17 will indeed be unveiled at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June 2023, it’s worth noting that WWDC has historically been the forum where Apple announces new versions of its software, including major updates to its flagship mobile operating system, iOS. Apple’s iOS 17 update is expected to bring many highly-requested features by users.
Given the significant role that iOS plays in Apple’s ecosystem, it’s reasonable to expect that the company will prioritize showcasing its latest advancements in mobile technology during the event. However, Apple has been known to keep its plans under wraps until the official announcements, so it’s also possible that iOS 17 could be revealed at a later date or in a different forum altogether.
Regardless of when or where iOS 17 is unveiled, many Apple enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the next major update to the operating system, which is expected to include new features and improvements across various areas, from performance and security to user interface and design.