As anticipation builds for the official unveiling of iOS 17 at this year’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), Apple is diligently working behind the scenes to fine-tune the last few updates in the iOS 16 software cycle. With iOS 16.6 currently undergoing internal testing, we’re taking a closer look at the developments leading up to the highly awaited iOS 17 release.
Over the years, our website’s analytics logs have proven to be an accurate predictor of upcoming software updates. These logs now indicate that Apple is actively testing iOS 16.6, which is expected to be among the final updates before the launch of iOS 17. While it’s too soon to know when the first beta of iOS 16.6 will be made available to developers, we’ve seen the initial betas of iOS 13.6, 14.6, and 15.6 all released ahead of WWDC in previous years.
Scheduled for June 5-9, WWDC 2023 is the event where Apple will announce its next-generation software, including iOS 17, which is likely to introduce a slew of new features and enhancements for iPhone users. However, before that grand unveiling, iOS 16.6 is poised to be a more modest update, focusing primarily on refinements and under-the-hood improvements.
One of the few remaining iOS features yet to be released is iMessage Contact Key Verification, an optional security setting that could potentially be included in the iOS 16.6 update. On the other hand, the Apple Card’s savings account is anticipated to launch next week, further emphasizing Apple’s commitment to delivering a complete and polished software experience before iOS 17 takes center stage.
Meanwhile, iOS 16.5 is still in the beta testing phase, and thus far, two notable changes have been identified: the addition of a Sports tab in the Apple News app and the ability to initiate a screen recording via Siri. These features demonstrate Apple’s ongoing efforts to refine and enhance the user experience even as the iOS 16 cycle draws to a close.
As Apple wraps up the final updates for the iOS 16 software cycle, excitement is building for the upcoming iOS 17 reveal. With the company’s track record of delivering innovative and groundbreaking features, we eagerly await the advancements that iOS 17 will bring to the iPhone user experience.