Apple has released the iOS 16.6 and iPadOS 16.6 updates with a focus on improving the user interface. These updates make the user experience faster, smoother, and more intuitive. For example, the locking and unlocking animation is now swift.
These updates may seem minor, but they greatly contribute to the usability and fluidity of the devices. Apple is known for its attention to detail, and even the smallest of tweaks can make a huge difference to your user experience.
In addition, iOS 16.6 may not bring any major changes due to, iOS 17 is just around the corner, and it is expected to get a number of new features and improvements.
iOS 16.6 Developer Beta 2
On May 31, 2023, Apple released iOS 16.6 Developer Beta 2, an early software version aimed at providing developers with a hands-on experience with the latest updates and enhancements. Identified by the build number 20G5037d, this release includes an updated modem firmware 1.80.00. For iPhone users, the update comes in a size of 403.1 MB, offering a compact yet comprehensive update package. Some key modifications in this update include the removal of contact key verification from settings.
This beta release, showcasing a single-core Geekbench score of 2516 and a multi-core score of 6269, is a crucial step towards fine-tuning the software before its final release.
| iOS Version | iOS 16.6 Developer Beta 2 |
| Build Number | 20G5037d |
| Modem Firmware | 1.80.00 |
| Update Size | 403.1 MB |
| Release Date | 31th May 2023 |
| Geekbench Scores | Single-core: 2516 Multi-core: 6269 |
| Features | 1. Contact key verification has been removed from the settings |
| Bugs | 1. First Matter accessory pairing fails from the nearby accessories list. Fix: Use the QR code for the first pairing. 2. NSBaselineOffse attribute on UILabel changes behavior from 16.3 onwards. Fix: Double positive offset; constrain view height for negative offset. |
iOS 16.6 Developer Beta 1
On May 19, 2023, Apple released iOS 16.6 Developer Beta 1, which is an early version of the software for developers to test. This update, with build number 20G5026e, brings several updates and enhancements for developers to explore and try out. It also includes modem firmware 1.80.00. For iPhone users, the update has a size of 5.44 GB, allowing them to thoroughly test the new features and improvements offered in this beta release.
| iOS Version | iOS 16.6 Developer Beta 1 |
| Build Number | 20G5026e |
| Modem Firmware | 1.80.00 |
| Update Size | 5.44 GB |
| Release Date | 19th May 2023 |
| Geekbench Scores | Single-core: 2525 Multi-core: 6378 |
| Features | 1. Contact Key Verification 2. ChatGPT available in the US |
| Bugs | 1. Stutter and Delayed Control Center 2. Vanished “Select All” in Safari Browser |
What’s New in iOS 16.6
Contact Key Verification
The Contact Key Verification feature was first announced by Apple in 2022. It is designed to allow Apple device owners to verify that they are indeed communicating with the person they believe they are in a conversation with, and not with a malicious entity that may have intercepted the message. This feature is triggered when the system detects suspicious activity, which triggers an alert within iMessage.
While this feature is most vulnerable to digital attacks, such as government agents, journalists, and other individuals whose communications may be of interest to malicious entities. The normal user may not find this feature useful, given the relatively lower risk of their messages being intercepted.
iOS 16.6 Supported Devices
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 mini
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone XR
- iPhone X
- iPhone 8
- iPhone 8 Plus
- iPhone SE (2nd gen or later)
How to Download iOS 16.6 Beta Update
If you are a registered Apple developer, you can download iOS 16.6 Developer Beta 1 from the Apple Developer website. To do this, you will need to sign in to your Apple Developer account and then download the iOS 16.6 beta profile. Once the beta profile is installed, you can download and install iOS 16.6 by going to Settings > General > Software Update.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Apple iOS 16.6 update represents another significant leap by Apple, bringing a wide range of new features, improvements, and opportunities for both developers and users. I’ve taken a deep dive into everything this update has to offer, from interesting new features to performance improvements and even potential bugs.
As I continue to track the evolution of iOS 16.6, I’ll be sure to update this page with the latest insights. This includes details about upcoming developer betas, public betas, and the final stable build. To stay up to date with the latest developments, I highly recommend that you bookmark this page or revisit it regularly. This will ensure that you are always up to date with the latest iOS 16.6 updates. Whether it’s benchmark performance, innovative features, or bug fixes, I’ve got it all covered for you. So keep this page in your eyes and join me in watching the exciting journey of iOS 16.6.
Check Other Apple Updates
