Apple’s iOS 16.5 is a testament to the company’s commitment to continually enhancing user experience.
The update brings a host of new features, changes, and bug fixes that are designed to make the user experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Here, I will cover everything from iOS 16.5 performance and battery life to whether you should update or not.
New Features and Changes
Installing Updates with Less Battery
One of the first changes you’ll notice with iOS 16.5 is related to installing updates. Previously, you needed at least 50% battery to install an update.
Now, you can install updates with less than 50% battery remaining. In fact, you only need 20% battery to update the software without being plugged into a charger.
Celebrating Diversity with New Wallpaper
iOS 16.5 introduces a new wallpaper, designed with the colors of the Pride flag to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. This wallpaper features a cool animation when transitioning from the notification center or the lock screen to the home screen.
It also changes based on your display modes, automatically adjusting to dark mode when activated.
Changes in the News Application
The News application has also seen some changes. The ‘Following’ and ‘Search’ tabs have been combined into a single ‘Following’ tab. This tab now includes a search bar, along with your favorites and sports.
Perhaps the most significant change in the News application is the addition of a new sports tab. This tab features a navigation bar that allows you to switch between different sports. It also dynamically changes based on the sport that is most popular at the time.
Music Application Updates
For Apple Music users, the Music application now includes tour dates for your favorite artists. This feature, called ‘Setlists’, allows you to browse upcoming shows and even see if there are any close to your location.
Bug Fixes
iOS 16.5 also includes several bug fixes. Issues with pairing HomeKit and Matter accessories that were present in previous versions have been resolved. If you’ve been having issues with the Home application, HomeKit, or Matter accessories, these should now be fixed.
Other bug fixes include resolving issues with Spotlight search becoming unresponsive, screen time settings not syncing across all devices, and issues with podcasts not loading content in CarPlay.
Performance and Battery Life in iOS 16.5
In terms of performance, iOS 16.5 feels slightly better than its predecessor, 16.4.1. The Geekbench 6 scores for this version are significantly higher, indicating an improvement in raw performance.
As for battery life, iOS 16.5 seems to have made an improvement. While it’s not a magic fix for battery drain, you might see an improvement in battery life after updating.
Should You Update to iOS 16.5?
Given the added security enhancements, new features, bug fixes, and improvements in both performance and battery life, updating to iOS 16.5 seems like a wise choice. However, if you’re someone who likes to play it safe, you might want to wait a week to see if any major bugs or issues arise.
WatchOS 9.5
Alongside iOS 16.5, Apple also released WatchOS 9.5. This update includes a new Pride Celebration watch face and the option for beta updates.
Looking Ahead: iOS 16.6 and Beyond
Apple is likely to release iOS 16.6 beta 1 soon, although this will be a minor update. The company is currently focusing on iOS 17, which is expected to be announced at the Worldwide Developers Conference on Monday, June 5th.
iOS 16.5 brings a host of new features and improvements that make it a worthwhile update for most users. Whether it’s the new wallpaper, improved performance, or bug fixes, there’s something for everyone in this update. So, if you’re considering updating your device, iOS 16.5 seems to be a solid choice.