Apple Now Testing iOS 16.5 Internally as One of Final Updates Before iOS 17

Apple ramped up testing of iOS 16.5 internally this month, according to mounting evidence of the update in our website's analytics logs. iOS 16.5 will likely be one of the last notable updates before Apple announces iOS 17 at WWDC in June.

iOS 17 on Phone Feature
It's unclear what features will be introduced with iOS 16.5, but the wait continues for some previously-announced features, including the Apple Card savings account, Apple Music Classical app, and iMessage Contact Key Verification security option. Apple Pay Later is also coming soon, but is expected to be enabled with a server-side update.

As for iOS 17, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman this week said he has yet to hear about "anything especially game-changing" planned for the iPhone, but the update is still months away and there could still be some notable features uncovered.

iOS 17 will introduce Apple's next generation of CarPlay, which will offer deeper integration with vehicle functions like the A/C and FM radio, support for multiple displays across the dashboard, increased personalization, and more. Apple said the first vehicles with next-generation CarPlay would be announced in late 2023, with committed brands including Acura, Audi, Ford, Honda, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Porsche, Volvo, and others.

iOS 17 is also expected to allow alternative app stores on the iPhone in Europe, as required by the Digital Markets Act. Gurman previously reported that the change would be implemented by mid-2024 as part of a later version of iOS 17.

In the meantime, Apple has made the first iOS 16.4 beta available to developers and public testers. The update includes a range of new emoji, support for web push notifications, Podcasts app improvements, and a change that will prevent iPhone users from getting access to the iOS 17 developer beta for free when it becomes available.

WWDC typically begins in early June. At the weeklong developers conference, Apple will also announce macOS 14, watchOS 10, tvOS 17, and reportedly the realityOS/xrOS operating system for Apple's long-rumored AR/VR headset.

Related Forums: iOS 17, iPadOS 17, iOS 16

Popular Stories

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...
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 ...
CarPlay Ultra Climate Controls

Apple Says These Vehicle Brands Plan to Offer All-New CarPlay Ultra

Thursday May 15, 2025 8:13 am PDT by
Apple today announced the launch of CarPlay Ultra, the long-awaited next-generation version of its CarPlay software system for vehicles. CarPlay Ultra features deep integration with a vehicle's instrument cluster and systems, built-in Radio and Climate apps, customizable widgets, and more. The interface is tailored to each vehicle model and automaker's identity, and drivers can also adjust...
vision pro video recording

WSJ: Some Apple Vision Pro Buyers 'Feel Total Regret'

Friday May 16, 2025 7:43 am PDT by
Apple's Vision Pro headset has left many early adopters expressing dissatisfaction over its weight, limited use cases, and sparse software ecosystem, according to a new article from The Wall Street Journal. In the year following the device's launch, user feedback suggests that it has failed to meet expectations for comfort, software support, and social acceptance. In interviews conducted by T...
iPhone 17 Air Pastel Feature

iPhone 17 Air Could Debut Advanced Silicon Battery Tech

Friday May 16, 2025 8:00 am PDT by
The upcoming all-new ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air could become the first Apple smartphone to adopt advanced battery technology, with Japanese supplier TDK preparing to ship its new generation of silicon-anode batteries by the end of June. According to DigiTimes, TDK CEO Noboru Saito revealed in a recent interview that the Apple supplier has accelerated its production timeline, moving shipments...
fortnite apple featured

Apple Says Fortnite for iOS Isn't Blocked Worldwide, Just the U.S.

Friday May 16, 2025 9:58 am PDT by
Apple today clarified that it has not blocked Epic Games from updating the iOS Fortnite app in the European Union, but it is not planning to allow Epic Games to offer Fortnite in the United States App Store at the current time. In a statement to Bloomberg, Apple said that Epic Games tied its U.S. App Store submission to the update that was also being submitted to the Epic Games Store for iOS ...

Top Rated Comments

TheYayAreaLiving ?️ Avatar
29 months ago
Anyone here not excited for iOS 17 at all this year?
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
PhantomStar Avatar
29 months ago

Anyone here not excited for iOS 17 at all this year?
At this point, there's nothing to be excited about.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
dantracht Avatar
29 months ago

Simon and Garfunkel are rolling over in their graves.
Neither are in their graves, but I digress.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
dantracht Avatar
29 months ago
Still waiting for the HomeKit fixes, Apple. My HomePods turn their lonely sensors to you.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
sw1tcher Avatar
29 months ago

As for iOS 17, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman this week said he has yet to hear about "anything especially game-changing" planned for the iPhone, but the update is still months away and there could still be some notable features uncovered.
Hoping Apple uses iOS 17 to focus on stability and optimizations ('https://www.macrumors.com/2015/02/09/ios-9-stability-optimization-focus/')
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
dantracht Avatar
29 months ago

Sorry, it’s late in the evening.
You can call me Al.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)