The update is now available for developers and beta testers to download.

Just days after iOS 16.5, Apple made iOS 16.6 beta 1 available to public beta testers. While not anticipating significant new features in iOS 16.6, as iOS 17 is expected at WWDC in June, the beta lays the foundation for an upcoming iPhone security tool.

While new iOS features can be enjoyable, we suggest downloading the beta on a non-primary device to avoid potential issues caused by the software. Apple includes a dedicated app called Feedback for beta testers to report any problems, allowing them to be addressed before the official release. Now, let’s explore what iOS 16.6 might bring to your iPhone.

Key Verification for iMessage Contacts

In December 2022, Apple introduced iMessage Contact Key Verification, and early indications suggest that elements of this tool are present in the initial iOS 16.6 beta release.

According to Apple’s news release, iMessage Contact Key Verification offers an additional layer of assurance for users facing significant digital threats, allowing them to verify that they are communicating exclusively with their intended contacts.

Although the feature currently seems inactive, in iOS 16.6, you can access a setting related to “Contact Key Verification” by searching for it within the Settings menu. However, selecting the feature merely opens your Apple ID settings at this time.

Apple has not disclosed a specific release date for iOS 16.6. It remains uncertain whether additional features will be included in the update, and the availability of Contact Key Verification in this release is not guaranteed.

Below are the release notes for iOS 16.5, outlining the improvements and bug fixes:

• Introducing a new Pride Celebration wallpaper for the Lock Screen, paying tribute to the LGBTQ+ community and its culture.

• Access the Sports tab within Apple News to conveniently stay updated on stories, scores, standings, and more related to the teams and leagues you follow.

• Utilize the My Sports score and schedule cards in Apple News, providing direct access to game pages where you can discover further information about specific matches.

• Resolves a problem causing unresponsiveness in Spotlight.

• Addresses the issue of Podcasts not loading content in CarPlay.

• Fixes the problem of Screen Time settings resetting or failing to sync across multiple devices.

Please note that certain features may be limited to specific regions or Apple devices.