Apple Releases iOS 16.5 With Security And Bug Fixes: Won't Be The Last iPhone Update Before iOS 17

Apple released the iOS 16.5 update for its iPhone devices this week. The update is a significant one but it does not contain new and pathbreaking features and functions.

The iOS 16.5 update contains two minor new additions to preexisting features. However, there are some important bug fixes, and Apple has addressed multiple security vulnerabilities. Let's look at the new iOS update for the iPhone.

New Features Added In iOS 16.5

Apple added a dedicated Sports tab in Apple News. The dedicated tab will provide quick and direct access to all sports-related content.

Via the new Sports Tab, sports fans will get stories, scores, standings, and other information that's relevant to their favorite sports, events, teams, and players. Apple News users can customize their news feed by selecting their favorite teams and leagues.

Tapping on the sports score (updated dynamically) and schedule cards in Apple News now takes users directly to game pages that are populated with additional information about specific games, teams, and players.

There are several new wallpapers in the iOS 16.5 update. Apple has designed a Pride Celebration theme for the iPhone Lock Screen to along with the new 2023 Pride Apple Watch Band and watch face.

Apple Fixed Multiple Security Vulnerabilities And Fixed Bugs

Apple doesn't offer specific details about the security vulnerabilities that it fixes. However, Apple's security support documents for iOS 16.5 and iPadOS 16.5 updates include a long list of vulnerabilities that Apple has addressed.

Three security flaws that Apple had fixed were known to be actively exploited. While two of them were addressed in the prior iOS 16.4.1 and iPadOS 16.4.1, a third vulnerability remains available for exploitation until users accept, download, and install the latest iOS and iPadOS updates.

Following are the bug fixes that Apple has included in the iOS 16.5 update:

• Fixes an issue where Spotlight may become unresponsive
• Addresses an issue where Podcasts in CarPlay may not load content
• Fixes an issue where Screen Time settings may reset or not sync across all devices

Installing an iOS or iPadOs is fairly simple. Simply head over to Settings > General > Software Update. It is usually recommended to get updates automatically. Hence, tap Automatic Updates, then turn on Download iOS Updates and Install iOS Updates. While this process is for iPhone devices, it is identical for iPad tablets as well.