Apple increased internal testing of iOS 16.5 this month, according to growing evidence of the update in our website’s analytics logs. iOS 16.5 could be one of the last notable updates before Apple announced iOS 17 at WWDC in June. It is not clear what features will be introduced in iOS 16.5, but some previously announced features are expected, such as the Apple Card savings account, Apple Music Classical app, and the iMessage Contact Key Verification security option. Apple Pay Later is also coming soon, but is expected to be included in a server-side update.

As for iOS 17, from Mark Gürman Bloomberg This week, he said he hasn’t yet heard of “anything particularly game-changing” planned for the iPhone, but the update is still months away and some notable features may still be announced.

iOS 17 will introduce the next generation of Apple CarPlay, which offers deeper integration with vehicle features such as air conditioning and FM radio, multi-panel display support, advanced personalization and more. Apple says the first cars with next-generation CarPlay will be announced in late 2023, with brands like Acura, Audi, Ford, Honda, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Porsche, Volvo and others.

iOS 17 is also expected to allow alternative app stores on iPhones in Europe, as required by the Digital Markets Act. Gürman previously reported that the change will be implemented by mid-2024 as part of the next version of iOS 17.

Meanwhile, Apple has made the first beta version of iOS 16.4 available to developers and public testers. The update includes a host of new emojis, support for web push notifications, improvements to the Podcasts app, and a change that will prevent iPhone users from accessing the iOS 17 developer beta for free when it becomes available.

WWDC usually starts in early June. Apple will also announce macOS 14, watchOS 10, tvOS 17, and reportedly realityOS/xrOS for Apple’s long-talked AR/VR headset at its week-long developer conference.