Apple Now Testing iOS 16.6 for iPhone Ahead of iOS 17 at WWDC - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Apple Now Testing iOS 16.6 for iPhone Ahead of iOS 17 at WWDC

Apple has started testing iOS 16.6 internally, according to our website's analytics logs, which have proven to be a reliable indicator of upcoming software updates. iOS 16.6 will likely be one of the last updates in the iOS 16 software cycle.

iOS 16
It's still too early to know when the first beta of iOS 16.6 will be released, but the first betas of iOS 13.6, iOS 14.6, and iOS 15.6 were all made available to developers prior to WWDC over the last three years. WWDC is scheduled for June 5 through June 9 this year and is where Apple will announce iOS 17 and other new software.

iOS 16.6 will likely be a smaller update given that iOS 17 is on the horizon. With the Apple Card's savings account expected to launch next week, iMessage Contact Key Verification will be one of the only previously-announced iOS features that has yet to launch, but it is unclear exactly when the optional security setting will launch.

In the meantime, iOS 16.5 remains in beta testing. So far, only two notable changes have been discovered in the update, including the addition of a Sports tab in the Apple News app and the ability to start a screen recording with Siri.

Related Forum: iOS 16

Popular Stories

iOS 26

iOS 26.4 Adds Two New Features to CarPlay

Tuesday March 24, 2026 1:55 pm PDT by
iOS 26.4 was released today, and it includes a couple of new features for CarPlay: an Ambient Music widget and support for voice-based chatbot apps. To update your iPhone 11 or newer to iOS 26.4, open the Settings app and tap on General → Software Update. CarPlay will automatically offer the new features so long as the iPhone connected to your vehicle is running iOS 26.4 or later....
Apple Business hero

Apple Unveils 'Apple Business' All-in-One Platform

Tuesday March 24, 2026 8:53 am PDT by
Apple today announced Apple Business, a new all-in-one platform that unifies device management, productivity tools, and customer outreach features. The service is designed to be a consolidated replacement for several of Apple's existing business-focused offerings, including Apple Business Essentials, Apple Business Manager, and Apple Business Connect. It provides organizations with a single...
AirPods Pro Firmware Feature

Apple Releases New Firmware for AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4

Tuesday March 24, 2026 12:31 pm PDT by
Apple today released new firmware for the AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, and the AirPods 4. The firmware has a version number of 8B39, up from 8B34 on the AirPods Pro 3, 8B28 on the AirPods Pro 2, and 8B21 on the AirPods 4. There is no word on what's included in the firmware, but Apple has a support document with limited notes. Most updates are limited to bug fixes and performance...

Top Rated Comments

madmin Avatar
39 months ago
The Bugfest (to be continued)
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️ Avatar
39 months ago

The Bugfest (to be continued)
It's here and it exists. It's the real deal! 🫨🫨


[HR][/HR]


Attachment Image

Attachment Image
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
sw1tcher Avatar
39 months ago

Crazy. I think this is the highest number Apple has gone. Correct me if I'm wrong.
You're wrong :p

iOS 13 hit 13.7 ('https://developer.apple.com/documentation/ios-ipados-release-notes/ios-ipados-13_7-release-notes'). iOS 14 went up to 14.8.1 ('https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212868'). iOS 15 is at 15.7.5 ('https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213723')

As buggy as iOS 16 is, I'm expecting at least a 16.7
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Realityck Avatar
39 months ago
Well now that you know there will be a 16.6 beta cycle after 16.5 wraps early May. You should be relieved. :D
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
MrRom92 Avatar
39 months ago
I’ll wait for version 16.9

Nice.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
podycust Avatar
39 months ago
Now to set my browsers user agent to 16.8 then visit Mac rumours to confirm testing of 16.8 😜😂😂
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)