does this version fix the battery issue?

In addition to the iOS 17 betas, there is also a test of iOS 16.6. The fourth beta is now out. What’s new in it, and does iOS 16.6 beta 4 finally fix iOS 16.5’s battery issue?

iOS 16.6 beta 4: What’s new

The fourth beta of iOS 16.6 follows exactly two weeks after the third beta. So the testing is pretty much in sync with the test versions of iOS 17. But while we have to wait until sometime in September for this major update, iOS 16.6 will appear much sooner. It will probably be ready within three to four weeks, because usually about 5 or 6 test versions appear.

The really big new features such as dynamic widgets or the Standby mode are only in iOS 17, but what does iOS 16.6 have to offer? We’ll take you through the new things planned for this version, as well as the changes in the latest beta.

iOS 16.6 beta 4: The big new feature

The biggest new feature of iOS 16.6 is quite hidden, but at the same time it is an important addition. The new version introduces a useful safety feature. This is about verifying whether a message you receive via iMessage comes from the right person.

In short, you will receive a warning if an iMessage message comes from an unverified device. In this way, scams and account takeovers must be prevented. This Contact Key Verification is the last of a trio of security features Apple announced in December 2022. Security keys for your Apple ID and enhanced privacy are already available to all users.

Problem with Matter and Dwelling

In addition, iOS 16.6 fixes an issue with the smart-home standard Matter. If you try to connect a Matter device in a new room via the Home app with the current iOS version, it will not work from the list of available devices. The workaround is to add the device via the QR code. That works, but it is of course nice if the manual method via the list is also possible. And that’s what happens in iOS 16.6.

Battery issue in iOS 16

It remains doubtful whether Apple will also address the battery issue introduced in iOS 16.5. Since this version is out, several users are complaining Twitter and Reddit that their battery drains faster. Now that is usually the case after an update, but with iOS 16.5 the complaints have not diminished so far. iOS 16.5.1 also does not seem to have solved this problem.

So we hope iPhoned that Apple takes a thorough look at this battery problem. How do you find out if you suffer from this specific battery problem? Reboot your iPhone just before you go to sleep and put it on airplane mode at night. Usually the battery percentage has dropped by no more than 1 or 2 percent the next day, but with the battery bug it is often about 10 percent. During the day that effect is even worse, but then you notice it less due to the active use of your iPhone.

iOS 16.6 release

As mentioned, we expect iOS 16.6 to appear in three to four weeks. We are counting on the end of July. Do you want to be notified immediately when the update is out? Sign up for our daily or weekly newsletter. In both, we’ll notify you right away when the update is out.