Apple has released the first beta versions of iOS 16.6, iPadOS 16.6, and macOS Ventura 13.5. Users who are actively enrolled in the beta programs can find the beta updates available to download now.
iOS 16.6, iPadOS 16.6, and macOS Ventura 13.5 are likely to be among the final major releases of this particular generation of operating systems, as Apple is undoubtedly focusing more on iOS 17, iPadOS 17, and macOS 14, which will debut at WWDC in June.
The new betas arrive almost immediately after the public releases of iOS 16.5, iPadOS 16.5, macOS Ventura 13.4, macOS Monterey 12.6.6, macOS Big Sur 11.7.7, iOS 15.7.6, iPadOS 15.7.6, and updates to watchOS and tvOS.
Apple typically rolls out the beta versions to registered developers first with the same build soon followed for public beta testers.
iPhone and iPad beta testers can get the first beta of iOS/iPadOS 16.6 from Settings app > General > Software Update.
Mac beta testers will find the first beta of macOS 13.5 available to download now from the Apple menu > System Settings > General > Software Update.
Apple typically goes through several beta versions before releasing a final version, so we’re probably a few weeks out before these versions hit. It’s possible they will be released around WWDC in early June to support the new OS beta versions, or a point release version could be coming for that.
No new features or major changes are expected, and with iOS 17, iPadOS 17, and macOS 14 just around the corner, it’s likely that Apple is spending most of their development efforts on those new system software versions.
