iOS 16 Beta Is Here For A Sneak Peek Months Before Its Public Release

Apple unveiled its latest iOS update, iOS 16, on June 6, and the new software includes some seriously clutch features like unsending and editing messages, Lock Screen personalization, iCloud Shared Photo Library, and plenty of other features to get hype about. With so many exciting upgrades to look forward to, it’s no surprise that iPhone users are eager to get their hands on a beta version of the new update. Luckily, it’s pretty easy to get a hold of the trial software, but it’s not available to everyone. Whether you’re an intrigued developer, or just a devoted Apple stan, here’s how to get iOS16 beta to preview all the update’s features.

Apple announced the newest version of iOS at the 33rd annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on June 6. Along with unsending messages, iOS 16 includes another highly requested change to Messages that lets you mark a text as unread, as well as improvements to Live Text, Wallet, and Accessibility. You’ll even be able to personalize your Lock Screen with new type styles, color choices, and various widgets like weather, calendar events, and Activity ring progress. And yes, even with all that, I agree that the best part of your Lock Screen will still be that super cute photo of your dog.

Though the new update is slated to be released to the public in fall 2022, users who want to get in on the excitement early have been chomping at the bit for a chance to try out the beta version of iOS 16. If you’ve been trying to figure out how to score the beta, you’ll be happy to hear that it’s already out. Here’s what you need to know.

Get iOS 16 Beta For The Public

Apple dropped the public beta on Monday, July 11, and it’s a free download that will give you a chance to check out all the upcoming iOS 16 features before it’s likely to launch in fall 2022. Yeah, that’s not too far away, but if you want the goods now, the public beta is your best bet.

If you plan to download the beta, you’ll want to download the beta on a secondary device if you have one available. And if you don’t have a second device, make sure you back up your primary phone.

To get iOS 16 public beta, make sure you enroll your iPhone in the Apple Beta Software Program. Once you’ve done that, you can back up your files, like music and photos, using Finder (select your iPhone from the sidebar), and then click “Manage Backups” to archive your backup so you don’t lose your fave group selfies. Then, on the device you want to get iOS 16 beta, open the link beta.apple.com/profile. Download the update, and then go to Settings > General > Software Update. From there, you’ll be rocking the early version of iOS 16. While it’s fun to be early to the party, beware that beta versions of software are prone to bugs, so that backup may come in handy.

Get iOS 16 Beta For Developers

As of June 7, the iOS 16 beta was only available to paying subscribers of the Apple Developer Program, which comes with an annual subscription fee of $99.

To download and install the iOS 16 beta for developers, you’ll need to sign up for the Apple Developer Program, which grants developers the tools needed to help create an app and make it available in the App Store. The Apple Developer Program also provides subscribers will exclusive access to beta tests, so it’s something to consider if you just can’t wait for the public beta.

After you’ve enrolled, you’ll need to open the Apple Developer Program download page in your iPhone, then select “Install Profile” for iOS 16 beta and tap “Allow.” Afterwards, you’ll want to open the Setting app, tap “Profile Downloaded,” and select the “Install” button in the top right corner. You might be prompted to enter your Passcode and to tap “Install” a few more times, and then after that your device will restart.

Once your device has turned back on, go to the Software Update tab in the Setting app under General. Tap “Download and Install,” hit “Install” again, enter your Passcode, and your device will do the rest.

With the release of the public beta, though, you don’t need to jump through the developer hoops anymore. Time to see what iOS 16 is all about — can’t wait to unsend all my typo-filled messages.