We're apparently getting even closer to a public beta release of Apple's much-hyped iOS 16 as developers received a third beta update this week.

And many experts say they continue to be impressed with what they're seeing so far. For example, users will soon get the chance to edit a message after it's sent or unsend a message. Also, users will get an updated lock screen and other key software updates Apple announced during its Worldwide Developers Conference last month.

"They'll really come into their own when, if the rumors are accurate, the iPhone 14 Pro models get an always-on display," said noted UK-based tech blogger and developer Oliver Haslam. "But even on current hardware, being able to see some information without fully unlocking is a bigger deal than it might seem at first blush."

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What is Lockdown Mode?

And On Wednesday, Apple revealed a new previously unannounced feature called Lockdown Mode for iPhone, iPad, and Mac users who worry they might be subjected to hacking attempts and spyware attacks. Apple calls the feature, to be released soon, "an extreme, optional protection for the very small number of users who face grave, targeted threats to their digital security."

What phones will have iOS 16?

That new feature comes as speculation grows that the public beta release of iOS 16 could come as soon as next week. Currently, the software is only available to registered developer beta testers. The official release of iOS 16 will be this fall and likely will coincide with the arrival of new iPhones usually unveiled around September.

The feature will be available on iPhone 8 models, iPhone XR, and newer models released after 2017. Unfortunately, this also means that the very reliable, but older iPhone 6 and 7 models cannot support iOS 16.