Apple Releases First Public Betas of iOS 16.6 and iPadOS 16.6

Apple today seeded the first betas of upcoming iOS 16.6 and iPadOS 16.6 updates to public beta testers, allowing non-developers to test out the software head of its official launch. The public betas come just a few days after Apple provided the betas to developers.

iOS 16
Those who have signed up their accounts for Apple's free beta testing program can enable the beta by opening up the Settings app, going to General, selecting Software Update, tapping on Beta Updates, and selecting the iOS 16 Public Beta option.

iOS 16.6 seems to be a relatively minor update, although Apple does appear to be laying the groundwork for the launch of the previously announced iMessage Contact Key Verification feature in this update.

Development on iOS 16 is slowing down as Apple prepares for the unveiling of iOS 17 in just two weeks at WWDC, and iOS 16.6 is likely to be one of the last updates to iOS 16 before the public release of iOS 17 expected in September.

An initial public beta of watchOS 9.6 has also been released.

Related Forum: iOS 16

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Top Rated Comments

Realityck Avatar
35 months ago
I am installing iOS/iPadOS 16.6 beta 1 on several devices currently, no issues. Took about to 10:13 am PST to show.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Candy Apple+ Nutz Avatar
35 months ago

Anyone having Text to Speech in CarPlay issues?
I’ll try immediately after installing. Will let you know. I’ve been having many issues with Siri understanding me on iOS 16.4.1 and up.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
frumpywumpy Avatar
35 months ago

It seems like the last major version for ios 16, there might be a ios 16.7 for the 8/X IF they don't get iOS 17.
Based on https://willhains.com/iOS-version-history I expect we'll see an iOS 16.7



Attachment Image
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
FishyFish Avatar
35 months ago
I have a feeling iOS 16.6 is going to be absolutely epic!
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jclardy Avatar
35 months ago

Development on iOS 16 is slowing down as Apple prepares for the unveiling of iOS 17 in just two weeks at WWDC, and iOS 16.6 is likely to be one of the last updates to iOS 16 before the public release of iOS 17 expected in September.
I like how this was said just a week ago about 16.5 ?

I think we are definitely going to see a 16.7, and very likely to get a 16.8. The betas of iOS 17 will start, but Apple has always released prior OS updates between WWDC and the fall when the new version is actually released.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Candy Apple+ Nutz Avatar
35 months ago
We like us some betas!

This one will be bug freeeeee.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)