Apple Preparing iOS 16.3.1 Update for iPhone as Wait for iOS 16.4 Beta Continues

Apple appears to be preparing an iOS 16.3.1 update for the iPhone, based on evidence of the software in our website's analytics logs this week. It's unclear when the update will be released, but it will likely be available at some point in February.

iOS 16
The same logs have accurately foreshadowed the release of several previous updates, including iOS 16.0.3 and iOS 16.1.1 most recently, so they have proven to be a reliable indicator of Apple's upcoming software releases. Minor updates like iOS 16.3.1 are typically focused on bug fixes, stability improvements, and security patches.

In the meantime, the wait continues for the first beta of iOS 16.4, which will likely be a more significant update with some new features. Previously-announced iOS features that have still yet to launch include Apple Pay Later for financing purchases, an Apple Card savings account option for Daily Cash, opt-in web push notifications via Safari, and more, but it's unclear if any of these features will be included in iOS 16.4.

Apple released iOS 16.3 in late January with support for physical security keys as a two-factor authentication option for Apple ID accounts, worldwide availability of Advanced Data Protection for expanded iCloud encryption, a new Black Unity wallpaper in celebration of Black History Month, Emergency SOS tweaks, and second-generation HomePod support.

Evidence of both iOS 16.4 and iOS 17 have also shown up in our website's analytics logs in recent weeks, as Apple employees test the updates internally. iOS 17 is expected to be announced at Apple's annual developers conference WWDC in June.

Related Forum: iOS 16

Popular Stories

iOS 18

Apple Releases iOS 18.5 With New Wallpaper, Screen Time Changes, Carrier Satellite Support for iPhone 13 and More

Monday May 12, 2025 10:06 am PDT by
Apple today released iOS 18.5 and iPadOS 18.5, the fifth updates to the iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 operating systems that came out last September. iOS 18.5 and iPadOS 18.5 come a little over a month after Apple released iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4. The new software can be downloaded on eligible iPhones and iPads over-the-air by going to Settings > General > Software Update. The iOS 18.5 update has a...
Apple CarPlay Ultra instrument cluster themes 01

Apple's 'CarPlay Ultra' Experience Now Available

Thursday May 15, 2025 5:07 am PDT by
Apple today announced that its next-generation CarPlay experience, now dubbed "CarPlay Ultra" begins rolling out today, starting with Aston Martin vehicles. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. CarPlay Ultra is now available with new Aston Martin vehicle orders in the U.S. and Canada. It will also be available for existing models that feature the brand's next-generation ...
iPhone 12 Made in India

Trump Tells Tim Cook to Stop Building iPhones in India

Thursday May 15, 2025 2:21 am PDT by
President Donald Trump has asked Apple CEO Tim Cook to halt the company's manufacturing expansion in India, in a potential disruption of Apple's plan to shift iPhone production away from China. "I had a little problem with Tim Cook yesterday," Trump said during his state visit to Qatar, according to Bloomberg. "He is building all over India." "They [India] have offered us a deal where...
iPhone 17 Pro Blue Feature Tighter Crop

WSJ: Apple Weighing Price Hikes for iPhone 17 Lineup Without Blaming Tariffs

Monday May 12, 2025 3:36 am PDT by
Apple is considering raising prices for its upcoming iPhone 17 models set to release this fall, according to people familiar with the matter cited by The Wall Street Journal. The company reportedly aims to pair the potential price hikes with new features and design changes to justify the increased cost to consumers, rather than attributing them to U.S. tariffs on goods from China. The...
Apple CarPlay Ultra instrument cluster themes 01

Apple's CarPlay Ultra Is Here – Does Your iPhone Support It?

Thursday May 15, 2025 5:17 am PDT by
Apple's recently announced CarPlay Ultra promises a deeply integrated in-car experience, but not all iPhone users will be able to take advantage of the new feature. According to Apple's press release, CarPlay Ultra requires an iPhone 12 or later running iOS 18.5 or later. This means if you're using an iPhone 11, iPhone XR, or any older model, you'll need to upgrade your device to access...
tvOS 18 Feature

Apple Releases tvOS 18.5

Monday May 12, 2025 10:01 am PDT by
Apple today released tvOS 18.5, the latest version of the tvOS operating system. tvOS 18.5 comes a little over a month after the launch of tvOS 18.4, and it is available for the Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD models. tvOS 18.5 can be downloaded using the Settings app on the ‌Apple TV‌. Open up Settings and go to System > Software Update to get the new software. ‌Apple TV‌ owners who have...
macOS Sequoia Feature

Apple Releases macOS Sequoia 15.5

Monday May 12, 2025 10:10 am PDT by
Apple today released macOS Sequoia 15.5, the fifth major update to the macOS Sequoia operating system that launched last September. macOS Sequoia 15.5 comes a little over a month after the launch of macOS Sequoia 15.4. Mac users can download the ‌‌‌macOS Sequoia 15.5‌‌‌ update through the Software Update section of System Settings. It is available for free on all Macs able to run ...
apple music

Apple Music Gets New Transfer Tool to Make Switching From Spotify Easier

Wednesday May 14, 2025 5:17 pm PDT by
Apple this week introduced a new feature designed to allow prospective Apple Music users to import their saved music and playlists from third-party music services to Apple Music. The feature is either in an expanded testing phase or it has started rolling out, and it is available in Australia and New Zealand according to an Apple Support document. Signs of the transfer option first surfaced...

Top Rated Comments

dantracht Avatar
30 months ago
Let’s get that HomeKit architecture fixed please, Apple. My HomePod fleet is a hot mess and I’m not spending a penny on a new one until I know mine work as intended.
Score: 20 Votes (Like | Disagree)
krspkbl Avatar
30 months ago
lmao what is MR's obsession with no 16.4?

If we don't need it then there is no need for it. Or do you want Apple pushing out crappy updates for no reason other than to generate views/clicks on your site? Jeeez.

I'm happy if 16.3.1 is the next update. When 16.4 warrants a release then Apple should do it but not for useless updates.
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Sportpoz Avatar
30 months ago
The whole of iOS 16.x is one big slip-up. HomeKit does not work. Notifications don't work. Translator doesn't work often. Lots of graphical errors (no rounding in notifications). Massacre in this year!
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TheYayAreaLiving ?️ Avatar
30 months ago
Samsung Galaxy Event is over and now Apple can fully focus on iOS 16.4 beta 1. Please let it be today. ? ?

Update: I prayed this morning. ?

“Apple in heaven, I stand before You today in Your omnipotent presence to ask that You grant us iOS 16.4 Beta 1. I want You to give me the beta to power up my iPhone. whether little or big. It is by Your will that I live oh Apple And I know it is also by Your will I will not be disappointed today."

-Amen ?????‍♀️
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
txscott Avatar
30 months ago
I wish that web push thing would die. I can't think of a website I would want to notify me of anything. Hopefully it will be possible to disable that "feature" globally.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
exjr_ Avatar
30 months ago

lmao what is MR's obsession with no 16.4?

If we don't need it then there is no need for it. Or do you want Apple pushing out crappy updates for no reason other than to generate views/clicks on your site? Jeeez.

I'm happy if 16.3.1 is the next update. When 16.4 warrants a release then Apple should do it but not for useless updates.
Who says we don't need it? There are multiple features Apple touted for iOS 16 but are yet to release. 16.4, and maybe 16.5 are warranted and it is valid to question when they will be out.

Among the features yet to come:

- Apple Pay Later
- Apple Card Savings Account
- Web Push Notifications
- New HomeKit Architecture
- iMessage Contact Key Verification
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)