Apple begins beta testing iOS 16.5 and macOS 13.4 [Updated]

By

iOS 16.5 and macOS 13.4 betas
Apple is already looking ahead to iOS 16.5 and macOS Ventura 13.4.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple seeded the initial betas of iOS 16.5 and macOS Ventura 13.4 to the general public on Thursday. Developers were given access on Tuesday.  Beta testing began almost immediately after the public release of the previous versions.

iPadOS 16.5 beta 1, watchOS 9.5 beta 1 and tvOS 16.5 beta 1 are also available to the public and to devs.

New day, new iOS 16.5 and macOS 13.4 betas

Work on all Apple’s operating systems is virtually continuous. As soon as it releases one group of upgrades to the public, beta testing begins on the next versions.

So just 24 hours after the release of iOS 16.4 and macOS Ventura 13.3 came the first round beta testing on their replacements. The same is true for new OS versions for iPad, Apple Watch and Apple TV. These went to developers first, but the general public can test them now, too.

The list of features coming in iOS 16.5 includes screen recording using Siri and a greater emphasis on sports in the Apple News app.

Not just for devs

Initially, the first round of new updates for iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch and Apple TV were available only for devs who pay to be in Apple’s developer program. But on Thursday those in Apple’s free public beta program gained access.

If Apple follows its usual habits, the second round of iOS 16.5, macOS 13.4, etc. betas won’t be out for two weeks.

Newsletters

Daily round-ups or a weekly refresher, straight from Cult of Mac to your inbox.

  • The Weekender

    The week's best Apple news, reviews and how-tos from Cult of Mac, every Saturday morning. Our readers say: "Thank you guys for always posting cool stuff" -- Vaughn Nevins. "Very informative" -- Kenly Xavier.