Apple started the beta testing course of for iOS 16.6 only a day after the iOS 16.5 launch and about two weeks earlier than the anticipated first iOS 17 developer beta arrives at WWDC. The beta was first launched to builders first on Could 19, and to public beta testers on Could 22.
We don’t count on there to be a lot in the way in which of recent options on this launch–iOS 16 is about as mature because it’s going to be, and all eyes are on the upcoming options introduced for iOS 17. Nonetheless, small tweaks and value upgrades are doable simply as we received in iOS 16.5, and naturally safety updates are endless.
Most of us have moved on to iOS 17, particularly since it might probably now be downloaded with a free developer account now as a substitute of requiring a $100/yr subscription. Nonetheless, we advocate most customers don’t run the primary developer beta, however as a substitute anticipate the iOS 17 Public Beta coming in July.
Replace 07/18/23: Apple has pushed the discharge candidate of iOS 16.6 out to builders. The ultimate launch is anticipated subsequent week.
iOS 16.6: New options
We don’t count on a lot in the way in which of recent options in iOS 16.6. All eyes are on iOS 17 now. Anticipate to see launch notes that merely point out obscure “bug fixes and safety updates.”
iOS 16.6: How you can set up the general public beta
If you wish to be among the many first to check iOS 16.6, you’ll be able to join the general public beta check. The course of for putting in a beta has modified in iOS 16.4. Right here’s how the brand new course of works:
- Click on Signal Up on the Apple Beta web page and register together with your Apple ID.
- Log in to the Beta Software program Program.
- Click on Enroll your iOS machine.
- Open the Settings app, faucet Normal, then Software program Replace.
- Within the Beta Updates part, choose the iOS Public Beta.
It could take just a few moments after registering for the beta possibility to seem in Software program Replace.
iOS 16.6: How you can set up the developer beta
You’ll have to be registered as an Apple developer. Becoming a member of the Apple Developer Program prices $99 a yr.
- Register for the Apple developer program at developer.apple.com.
- Open the Settings app, faucet Normal, then Software program Replace.
- Within the Beta Updates part, choose the iOS Developer Beta.
Registered builders can select to get the Public Beta as a substitute by deciding on iOS Public Beta within the Software program Replace display screen. It could take a while after registering as a developer for the choice to seem in Software program Updates.
Some builders have an Apple ID registered for developer entry that’s totally different from the Apple ID related to their private Apple account and information. To make use of a special Apple ID for beta entry than is used all through the remainder of iOS, open Settings > Normal > Software program Replace > Beta Updates and choose the Apple ID on the backside of the display screen.
iOS 16.6 beta: Dangers and precautions
Word to start with that betas are check variations of upcoming software program. They’re by definition unfinished, and whereas they need to embrace most or the entire options within the completed product, there will likely be beauty variations and, inevitably, some glitches and issues that may have to be fastened. The glitches and issues are why Apple bothers to beta-test iOS within the first place.
In different phrases, don’t count on an ideal person expertise. Particularly, don’t count on current apps (together with ones that you could be depend on) to work completely with the brand new model. In excessive instances, you could even discover that your machine is bricked by the beta, and can’t be used till the following beta comes alongside and hopefully fixes the issue. It’s not unusual for early beta software program to exhibit issues like extreme battery drain, too.
The nearer we get to the ultimate launch and iOS model, the extra polished and feature-complete we are able to count on the out there betas to develop into. The counter to that, in fact, is there will likely be much less time left to attend for the official launch, so that you gained’t be gaining a lot by putting in a beta.
Assuming you resolve to go forward, we are able to’t stress sufficient how vital it’s to again up your iPhone prior to installing an iOS beta, or higher nonetheless, use a secondary machine somewhat than your predominant iPhone. You gained’t lose all the pieces if one thing goes mistaken whereas the beta is putting in, and also you’ll be capable to return to the final model do you have to discover that you simply don’t like the brand new software program in any case, or that it’s too buggy.
