In July, Newton revealed his dip in form coincided with a shoulder injury, but stated that it had felt better in the last few months. He also said his confidence and form could not get any worse. Newton fell outside the top 32 in the world rankings during 2016 and, after the UK Open, failed to qualify for any of the major events. He only reached the last 16 of two Pro Tour events throughout the year. Newton stated that if he could not qualify for the 2017 World Championship it would be a disaster after he had played in the previous 12, but he failed to do so after losing 5–2 to Barrie Bates in the second round of the qualifier. He was the world number 59 after the event.