Apple today released the iOS 16.5 release candidate (Build Number: 20F65) for registered developers and public beta testers. This update represents the final build of iOS 16.5 before it is released to the public. The update arrives ahead of the debut of iOS 17 expected at WWDC 2023.

iOS 16.5 features minor enhancements, including updates to the News app layout and a new Siri command to enable screen recordings. The revamped design for the News app features a total of five dedicated toggles, including Today, News+, Sports, Audio, and Following. The Audio and Sports options are entirely new, with Search and Following being combined into a single toggle.

In iOS 16.5, iPhone users can now ask Siri to initiate a screen recording simply by saying, “Start a screen recording”. To stop and automatically save a screen recording, users can then ask Siri to “stop screen recording”. If a user triggers a screen recording using Siri, the Dynamic Island animation is slightly different on iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max:

The iOS 16.5 RC and watchOS 9.5 RC also pack support for the new Pride Celebration watch face and iPhone wallpaper which will be available beginning on May 24. According to a press release from Apple, iOS 16.5 will be available to the public as soon as next week.

All developer betas following the iOS 16.4 beta, including iOS 16.5, now require a paid Apple Developer account. The requirement removes the ability to download and install developer betas using a configuration profile. New beta builds will appear under Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates, when signed in under an Apple ID linked to an Apple Developer Account.

We will keep this article updated with any additional changes we find in the iOS 16.5 release candidate, including references to new features or unreleased products.

Apple also released updates across the following platforms offering similar features:

• iPadOS 16.5 Release Candidate
• macOS Ventura 13.4 Release Candidate
• watchOS 9.5 Release Candidate
• tvOS 16.5 Release Candidate

Apple is not expected to reveal iOS 17 until WWDC 2023 on Monday, June 5. However, several rumors exist regarding what new features it will deliver. Some of the most notable rumors include:

• An overhaul of Control Center, with a new design and more customization options.
• Support for app sideloading in Europe, allowing users to install apps from outside of the App Store.
• Interactive widgets, which would allow users to interact with widgets directly from the Home Screen.
• Robust improvements to Spotlight Search, making it easier to find the information you need.
• A new accessibility mode with more options for users with disabilities.