Apple releases third developer beta for iOS 16.6 and iPadOS 16.6

Apple has released the third developer betas for iOS 16.6 and iPadOS 16.6 a week and a half after the iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 betas were made available.

Developers who are enrolled in the beta program can obtain the latest builds by either accessing the Apple Developer Center or updating their devices with the existing beta versions. Subsequently, public beta versions are typically made available shortly after the developer releases through the Apple Beta Software Program, enabling the general public to participate in testing.

The recent launch includes the second developer betas for iOS 16.6 and iPadOS 16.6 on May 31. While specific details regarding the features and changes in these betas have not been disclosed, developers will uncover more information as they explore and engage with the operating systems.

A likely feature that Apple is still testing is called iMessage Contact Key Verification. It's aimed at people facing digital threats like spyware to verify people in the Messages app so they know the messages aren't being intercepted.

The latest betas for iOS and iPadOS 16.6, bearing the build number 20G5047d, succeed the earlier versions numbered 20G5037d that were distributed by Apple.

AppleInsider and Apple strongly suggest users don't install beta operating systems or other beta software on "mission-critical" or primary devices, as there is the small chance of issues that could result in the loss of data. Testers should instead use secondary or non-essential hardware and ensure they have sufficient backups of their critical data at all times.

Find any changes in the new betas? Reach out to us on Twitter at @AppleInsider or @Andrew_OSU, or send Andrew an email at andrew@AppleInsider.com.