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 Might 19, and to public beta testers on Might 22.
We don’t anticipate there to be a lot in the best way 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 usefulness upgrades are doable simply as we obtained in iOS 16.5, and naturally safety updates are endless.
Most of us have moved on to iOS 17, particularly since it may possibly now be downloaded with a free developer account now as a substitute of requiring a $100/yr subscription. Nonetheless, we suggest most customers don’t run the primary developer beta, however as a substitute look forward to the iOS 17 Public Beta coming in July.
Replace 06/15/23: Apple has launched the third beta of iOS 16.6. It is just out there for builders now, with the general public beta anticipated quickly.
iOS 16.6: New options
We don’t but know what new options to anticipate in iOS 16.6. We’ll replace this text as we uncover what’s new.
iMessage Contact Key Verification: Although not but uncovered to customers, the iOS 16.6 betas include code to allow iMessage Contact Key Verification. That is an enhanced safety measure introduced final yr to confirm the authenticity of iMessage customers, aimed toward those that have extraordinarily excessive safety calls for (like these ceaselessly focused by state-sponsored digital threats).
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 take a look at. 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 system.
- Open the Settings app, faucet Normal, then Software program Replace.
- Within the Beta Updates part, choose the iOS Public Beta.
It could take a couple of 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 must 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 completely different from the Apple ID related to their private Apple account and knowledge. 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
Observe to begin with that betas are take a look at 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 shall be beauty variations and, inevitably, some glitches and issues that can must be mounted. The glitches and issues are why Apple bothers to beta-test iOS within the first place.
In different phrases, don’t anticipate an ideal consumer expertise. Specifically, don’t anticipate 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 system is bricked by the beta, and can’t be used till the subsequent 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 will anticipate the out there betas to turn into. The counter to that, in fact, is there shall 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 will’t stress sufficient how necessary it’s to again up your iPhone prior to installing an iOS beta, or higher nonetheless, use a secondary system reasonably than your essential iPhone. You gained’t lose all the things if one thing goes fallacious whereas the beta is putting in, and also you’ll be capable of return to the final model must you discover that you simply don’t like the brand new software program in spite of everything, or that it’s too buggy.