The iOS 17 beta is getting a lot of attention, but the stable version is still a few months away. In the meantime, iOS 16 is likely to get another update in the form of iOS 16.6.

Another beta version of iOS 16.6 has reportedly been released to developers, which means that a stable version will arrive fairly soon. If you are not keen on unstable beta releases, you don't have to wait until the fall to add functionality to your iPhone, regardless of the new features in iOS 17.

New iPhone features expected to be included in iOS 16.6 include.

Originally announced in December, iMessage contact key verification is finally set to begin rolling out as part of iOS 16.6. The idea behind it is that users can choose to go beyond the existing end-to-end encryption feature to further verify who they are talking to.

This feature is designed primarily for people at risk of highly sophisticated cyber attacks and state-sponsored hackers. That is, government employees, journalists, activists, etc. However, even though the average person is far less likely to be compromised, it is good to add an extra layer of security for additional peace of mind.

Windows users who use iCloud may notice a slightly different login process. if you are logging into the iCloud service on the same Wi-Fi network as your iPhone, changes in iOS 16.6 will cause your iPhone will prompt you for an authentication code. If both devices are not on the same network, your phone will prompt you to verify that they are.

Speaking of security, Apple Card owners may see some entirely new prompts, depending on what is happening with their card - especially if they dispute the transaction. Prompts are said to include "Did you make this purchase," "Dispute status," "Dispute Completed," three different "Interest Charged," and "Virtual Card Number Replaced."

The Beats Studio Buds+ were released earlier this month, and the IOS 16.6 beta unveiled two more icons, featuring ivory and transparent color options. In other words, if you own one of these two, your phone should display the correct color scheme instead of the default black and gold option.

Finally, Apple seems to be making it easier to share information about certain sports matches, including results, from the Apple News app. Simply find the game in question, tap the three-dot menu next to it, and select "share game."