As more and more proof of the upgrade appears in the analytics logs of our website, Apple appears to have intensified internal testing of iOS 16.5 this month. One of the last significant updates before Apple releases iOS 17 at WWDC in June will probably be iOS 16.5.
It’s unknown what features will be included in iOS 16.5; however, certain previously mentioned features, such as the Apple Music Classical app, the Apple Card savings account, and the iMessage Contact Key Verification security feature, are still in development. Apple Pay Later will also be available soon, but it is anticipated that a server-side update would be required.
About iOS 17, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman noted this week that he has not heard of „anything truly game-changing“ planned for the iPhone, but that the upgrade is still months away and that some noteworthy improvements may possibly be revealed.
Apple’s newest version of CarPlay, which will debut with iOS 17, will offer improved interaction with vehicle features including the A/C and FM radio, support for multiple dashboard displays, more customization, and more. Acura, Audi, Ford, Honda, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Porsche, Volvo, and other committed companies will be among the first to introduce vehicles with next-generation CarPlay, according to Apple.
According to the Digital Markets Act, iOS 17 is also anticipated to permit alternative app shops on the iPhone in Europe. As part of a later release of iOS 17, Gurman earlier reported that the update would be implemented by the middle of 2024.
In the interim, Apple has made the initial iOS 16.4 beta available to testers in the public and developer communities. A number of new emoji, support for web push notifications, enhancements to the Podcasts app, and a tweak that will prevent iPhone users from gaining free access to the iOS 17 developer beta when it becomes available are all included in the update.
Early June is normally when WWDC begins. Apple will also unveil macOS 14, watchOS 10, tvOS 17, and reportedly the realityOS/xrOS operating system for its long-rumored AR/VR headset at the week-long developers conference.