Things to know before enabling iOS beta updates:

  • iOS 16.4 stable supported on iPhone 8 and later. Here you will find a complete list compatible devices.
  • The developer beta is incredibly buggy. Before proceeding, make sure to back up your iPhone to iCloud or a computer. Instead, it is better to install iOS 16 on an additional device.
  • You must have an Apple developer account ($99 per year) to download the iOS 16.5 developer beta.

With every update, Apple brings out the best in its devices. With the release of iOS 16.4 and above, there is an easy way to enable iOS betas in the Settings app. This guide will show you how to enable iOS beta updates on iPhone in a simple and straightforward way.

What is the Apple Beta Program?

Betas are pre-release versions of Apple’s operating systems that give users the opportunity to test future features and improvements before they are released to the public. For example, while iOS betas are a work in progress, users can provide valuable feedback that can help shape the future of the platform.

Benefits of participating in Apple Beta Programs include:

  • Early testing of the latest features, as well as helping to find and report any bugs before they are published.
  • Users have access to new features and APIs that can be used to create apps and games that can be released after the official version is released.
  • With the iOS beta, the latest version of the software will become more valuable.

Want to try the iOS betas? If so, you have two options:

  1. Developer Beta—The Developer Beta allows registered Apple developers to access and install beta versions of iOS that are used to test and develop apps. This version can be installed on a limited number of devices, but it provides the broadest access to the latest features and updates.
  2. On the other hand, public beta helps the public to access future versions of iOS. It’s open to anyone with an Apple ID, and iOS betas can be installed on multiple devices. This release is for those who want to learn about future versions of iOS but don’t want to sign up for the Apple Developer Program.

NBA: You can sign up for the public beta for free on your iPhone. However, opting for the public beta after signing up for the developer beta doesn’t give you your money back.

Enroll in the Apple Software Beta Program

Once you’ve ticked all the checkboxes for the requirements, it’s time to dive into the Apple Developer Program enrollment process.

  1. Visit the official website Apple Developer Program.
  2. Click “Register” located in the upper right corner.

    Click Enroll in the Apple Developer Program.

  3. Check the prerequisites and instructions that will be given to you.
  4. After confirmation, select “Start Recording”.

    Click Start Enrollment in the Apple Beta Software Program.

  5. Enter your credentials when connecting and proceed accordingly.

Now that you’re signed up for the Apple Developer Program, let’s move on to enabling the Developer Beta on your iPhone.

Make sure your iPhone is using the same Apple ID that you used to sign up for the Developer Program. Then do the following:

How to enable iOS beta updates in Settings from 16.4 or later

  1. Launch the Settings app.
  2. Go to the “General” → “Software Update” option.
  3. Click on the new Beta Updates button.
  4. You now have the option to choose between iOS Developer Beta and iOS Public Beta.
  5. Select the Developer Beta option if you want to test exclusive features released by Apple.

    Enable iOS beta updates in Settings from 16.4 and later.

Troubleshoot common problems

Having trouble accessing the iOS beta on your iPhone? Don’t worry; I got you covered. Here are some of the most common troubleshooting steps that you can take to resolve the issue:

  • Make sure you’re using the correct Apple ID and password when trying to launch the beta. If you are using two-factor authentication, you will need to enter an additional verification code to continue.
  • Remember to make sure you have enough space on your device to install the beta.
  • If the above steps do not resolve the issue, try restarting your device and/or router. You can also try signing out of your Apple ID and then signing in again.
  • Finally, if the problem persists, you may need to contact Apple Support for assistance.

By following these tips, users can be sure that the process was successful and that their devices remain intact.

Instructions

What precautions should I take before enabling the iOS beta on my device?

Before enabling iOS betas on your device, it’s a good idea to backup your device data so that you don’t lose any important information. It is also recommended that you only install the trial version on an additional device or test environment, as the trial software may not be stable enough for daily use.

Can I go back to a previous version of iOS after enabling the beta?

Yes, you can downgrade iOS after enabling the beta. However, it is important to note that downgrading may lead to loss of data and settings, so it is recommended that you backup your device before proceeding.

Test and play!

The ability to enable beta versions of iOS from the Settings app in 16.4 and later is a great feature that brings users the latest features and platform improvements ahead of the official release. Being able to test critical features before the public release is pure bliss. By enabling iOS betas in the Settings app, you can share your valuable input and point Apple in the same direction.

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