iOS 16 is coming to your iPhone near you this fall, when Apple ships the final version of its mobile software update. But if you’re less curious about all the iOS 16 features previewed during WWDC 2022 last week, you don’t need to wait for the software update to come out. And we’re not talking about the public beta coming out in July either.
You can get the iOS 16 beta now – if you’re a registered Apple developer. All of the software updates Apple showed off during WWDC, from macOS Ventura to watchOS 9, are now available so developers can try out new features and make sure they have compatible apps ready to go in the fall.
Signing up as an Apple developer doesn’t just mean signing up for the Apple program. You also have to pay for the privilege. A developer registration costs $100 for this year, although some might consider that a small price to pay if it means early access to Apple’s beta programs.
Personally, we don’t think it’s worth it for most people. The iOS 16 beta is still in its early stages and is likely to have its share of bugs. You definitely shouldn’t install this iOS 16 beta on the iPhone you depend on. Instead, we’d recommend waiting for the public beta in July – not just to make sure it’s more stable than what the current version’s developers are waking up to, the public beta versions of Apple’s software are free.
However, if you absolutely insist on going ahead with the iOS 16 developer beta download, here is what you will need to do to get it on your iPhone.
iOS 16 Developer Beta: Supported Devices
iOS 16-enabled devices are not as many as phones capable of running iOS 15. You’ll need iPhone 8 or later for iOS 16. That means the original iPhone SE, iPhone 6s, 6s Plus, iPhone 7 and 7 Plus all together, after iOS 15 is supported. The seventh generation iPod touch can also run iOS 16.
How to download iOS 16 developer beta
Assuming you have a supported phone and an Apple developer account, you should first backup your iPhone before moving forward. With an archived backup of your iPhone, you can always go back to the old version. Things don’t go as planned.
We have instructions on how to back up your iPhone, be it to iCloud or to a computer. We recommend using the last option for backup before downloading the trial version.
Once you’ve backed up your iPhone, you’re ready to go.
1. On the iPhone on which you want to install iOS 16, go to the developer.apple.com (Opens in a new tab) in the browser of your choice.
2. Log in to your developer account. You may be asked to provide two-factor authentication.
3. Click the menu in the upper left corner, and select Downloads.
4. Scroll down to find iOS 16 beta, and Click Install Profile. when asked, Confirm that you want to install the configuration profile on your phone.
5. Once the iOS 16 profile is downloaded, you will be asked to go to Settings to review it. Start Settings and select View Profile.
6. On the next page, Press install in the upper right corner to start the installation process. After some legalities about the volatile nature of beta software, you’ll need to Click to install again.
7. You will be prompted Restart your iPhone So that the profile can be installed. Make sure your iPhone is connected to a power source, as this step may take some time.
8. After restarting your iPhone, Go to Settings app, select General followed by Software update.
9. The iOS 16 beta is waiting for you. Click download and install, then enter your passcode when prompted. You will have to click Install again to confirm.
The iOS 16 installation will then start. After restarting, your phone will be running iOS 16 developer beta.
iOS 16 beta: What about the public beta?
As noted, Apple is planning to release a public beta in July, and that version will be free for anyone. iOS 16 public beta numbers will be more stable than the developer beta, although you should still avoid installing them on a phone you use every day, as some of your apps may not be compatible right away.
To participate in the public beta, you need to sign up for the Apple public beta program. On the iPhone you plan to use for beta testing of the software, go to beta.apple.com/sp/betaprogram/ (Opens in a new tab) And click the Register button. You can also follow this step when the public beta is released.
iOS 16 beta: What to expect
Apple previewed iOS 16 during this month’s Worldwide Developers Conference. The highlight of the new version includes changes to the lock screen that allow you to customize it, the ability to edit text messages in the Messages app, and new mobile payment features in Wallet. The Maps, Photos, Notes, and Safari apps are all gaining new features, too.
[ad_2]