Apple today released iOS 16.6 beta 1 to registered developers, representing the start of the testing cycle for what’s likely to be the last major update to iOS 16 ahead of iOS 17 later this fall. The new iOS beta comes just one day after the company released iOS 16.5 to the public. A public version of this beta is expected sometime next week.
With iOS 16.4, Apple introduced a new method for developers to install betas. Instead of a beta profile, developers will now be required to sign in on their testing devices using an Apple ID associated with their Apple Developer Program account. Once signed in, new betas will show up under Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates.
It remains to be seen what changes Apple plans to include in iOS 16.6. iOS 16.5 did not introduce notable features, save for some enhancement to Siri and Apple News app in addition to standard bug fixes and security updates. Apple also released updates across the following platforms offering similar features:
- iPadOS 16.6 Beta 1
- macOS Ventura 13.5 Beta 1
- watchOS 16.6 Beta 1
- tvOS 16.6 Beta 1
We will keep this article updated with any additional changes that we find in iOS 16.6, including references to new features or unreleased products.
