iOS 16.5 Developer beta 2 has been out for over a week now. I installed it on my iPhone the day it was released, and I should share my experience with our readers.
Hence, I will discuss performance enhancements, battery life improvements, and innovative new features that Apple has brought to the table. I will also address users’ bugs and issues, giving you the most up-to-date information about this thrilling update.
HomePod Server-Side Update
Before we dive into the iOS 16.5 Beta 2, it is important to mention a new server-side update that Apple has provided for HomePods, available through the Home app. This new Safety and Security update enables HomePods to recognize smoke and carbon monoxide alarm directly sounds. You don’t have to be on iOS 16.5 to access this feature, as it is available on 16.4, 16.4.1, and 16.5 Beta.
What Are Bugs and Issues in iOS 16.5 Beta 2?
Now let’s shift our focus back to the iOS 16.5 Beta 2. Although many users have reported a smooth experience with the software, there are still some bugs that persist:
Wi-Fi Connection Issues
Some users have reported issues with Wi-Fi connection, particularly having to repeatedly enter the same Wi-Fi password. This problem was also present in iOS 16.4, and although Apple released 16.4.1 to address it, it still appears to be an issue in 16.5 Beta 2. We expect that Apple will continue to work on this and resolve it in upcoming betas.
Check: How to Fix Wi-Fi Issues in iOS
iPhone 11 Concerns
Many iPhone 11 users have reported two main issues with the iOS 16.5 Beta 2: battery drainage and overheating while charging. While battery drain is a common issue in betas, overheating should never be a problem, whether on beta or official releases.
If you are encountering this issue on your iPhone 11 or 11 Pro, please share your experience in the comments below.
Read: How to Fix Battery Drain Issue in iOS 16.4.1
Personal Experience and Upcoming Betas
Despite these reported issues, many users, including myself, have found the iOS 16.5 Beta 2 stable and bug-free. Running it on my iPhone 13 Pro, I have encountered no crashes or other issues.
As for the next beta, if Apple sticks to their two-week release schedule, we can expect iOS 16.5 Beta 3 to be available during the week of April 24th. Remember that iOS 16.5, and subsequent updates like 16.6, will serve as a bridge leading up to iOS 17, which is expected to be released in September.
These updates will lay the groundwork for iOS 17 while continuing to provide support for older devices.
Final Thoughts
The iOS 16.5 Beta 2 has shown promise, with only a few reported issues. As we await the next beta release, we would love to hear your thoughts on the update so far. If you are running the beta, please let us know if you have encountered any issues or are enjoying a smooth experience. Stay tuned for more updates on iOS 16.5 and future releases.