The world of technology thrives on constant evolution, and Apple’s iOS is no exception. The company has rolled out the iOS 16.5 and iPadOS 16.5 beta versions, hinting at a myriad of changes that will enhance the user experience on iPhones and iPads. As the last update before the eagerly anticipated iOS 17, this software release merits a thorough exploration.
iOS 16.5 Comes Next Week
Apple has ensured a broad reach for this update, making it accessible to all devices compatible with iOS 16 and iPadOS 16. Expected to hit the public sphere in May, iOS 16.5 is in its final stages of testing, with the Release Candidate (RC) having been published on May 9.
Given Apple’s historical preference for Tuesday or Wednesday releases, users should mark May 16, 2023, on their calendars. However, don’t be surprised by a Monday release – Apple has been known to launch updates at the start of the week, as they did with iOS 16.4 on March 27, 2023.
What’s New ?
While iOS 16.5 continues Apple’s tradition of ironing out operating system bugs, it also introduces several user-friendly features. Although it’s worth noting that a Siri command for initiating and terminating screen recordings, initially included in the iOS 16.5 beta, was later removed for reasons unknown.
“Apple continues to enhance user experience, constantly pushing the envelope with innovative features and fixes. However, it’s sometimes necessary to make tough decisions about what stays and what goes in the final release,” commented an unnamed Apple representative.
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Bringing News and Sports Together
The Apple News update, which is unfortunately not available in France, merges the “Search” and “Following” tabs, making space for a dedicated “Sports” tab. This new tab serves as a one-stop-shop for all sports-related updates, particularly tailored for fans following specific sports or teams.
Siri Gets Smarter
Siri’s capabilities have been expanded, with the assistant now capable of starting and stopping screen recordings upon vocal command. Users can simply say, “Siri, record my screen in video,” and the recording will commence.
Supporting the Pride Movement
In a nod to the LGBT+ community, Apple has introduced a “Pride” section in the wallpaper settings, the first of its kind, featuring themes that celebrate this diverse community.
Fixing Persistent Bugs
Several bugs have also been addressed in this update, including a problem with the Spotlight search engine, an issue that prevented podcast playback in Apple CarPlay, and a synchronization bug in the Screen Time feature.
When and What’s Time?
Apple typically deploys its updates at 10 am local California time. For French users, this translates to 7 pm. Therefore, assuming the trend continues, users can download iOS 16.5 on either Monday, May 15 or Tuesday, May 16 at these respective times. Just be prepared for potential server saturation, a common occurrence during major updates that might delay the update’s visibility on your device.
The iOS 16.5 update is packed with enhancements that promise to optimize the Apple experience. As we look forward to this roll-out, we also await the unveiling of iOS 17 at the WWDC23, scheduled from June 5 to 9.
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