Apple iOS 16 is currently in its first public beta, so if you have a compatible iPhone and don't mind that the software is still in active development, you can get an early look at its features. iOS 16 adds several new features to your iPhone, including a customizable lock screen, intelligent cropping, and editable text messages.
Apple released the iOS 16 developer beta shortly after its developer conference in June, but only a limited number of people were eligible to download and install the software. Developer betas require an Apple Developer Program membership, which costs $100 per year, and are not recommended for daily use because they can contain bugs and make your phone more difficult to use.
Fortunately, iOS 16 Beta 1 is now available, which should be a little more stable than the developer version. To get the iOS 16 beta on your device, simply enrol it in the Apple Beta Software programme and install a configuration profile. This is how.
Here's a look at all of the best new features in iOS 16, as well as some of the cool hidden features you might not know about.
First you need to back up your iPhone
Prerelease software can be exciting, but there are some precautions you should take before updating. All beta software, including iOS 16, may contain bugs and other issues that make your device more difficult to use, which is why you should back up your device in case you want to revert to iOS 15.
By default, your iPhone should back itself up every time it's connected to power and Wi-Fi during your regular sleep hours. However, if this backup feature is disabled, you can follow these steps:
- Settings
- Your Name
- iCloud
- iCloud Backup
- Hit Back up your device
You can also backup your iPhone using the Finder on your Mac. Simply connect your device to your computer, launch Finder, select your device, and then backup. Apple also suggests archiving your backup to prevent it from being overwritten by other backups.
How to Sign up for the Apple Beta Software Program
After you've backed up your device, it's time to join the Apple Beta Software Program, which allows anyone to test out prerelease software for free and provide feedback to Apple on quality, usability, and issues. You can currently test out iOS 16 beta on any compatible Apple device (iPhone 8 and later).
How to Enroll in the Apple Beta Software Program:
1. Go to the Apple Beta Software Program website
2. Sign Up/Log in.
3. Read and accept the Apple Beta Software Program Agreement.
Scroll down to Get Started on the next page and tap enrol your iOS device, which should be hyperlinked in the paragraph that appears. This will take you to another page where Apple will explain how to download and install iOS 16 beta on your iPhone.
Install iOS 16 Beta Configuration Profile
You'll see a section called Install Profile if you scroll down this page. You must now install a configuration profile on your iPhone in order to download and install the iOS 16 beta.
A configuration profile, in essence, allows a third party, in this case, Apple, to manage your device. You may be concerned about whether or not this is a breach of privacy, but rest assured that this configuration profile simply allows Apple to deliver and manage the iOS 16 beta on your device.
To install the config profile,
1. Hit the blue Download profile button
2. Tap Allow in the pop-up.
3. Exit your web browser.
4. Go to the Settings.
5. Tap Profile Download.
6. Tap Install Profile.
7. Enter your passcode and then hit Install two more times.
8. Finally, tap Restart to get the over-the-air iOS 16 beta update.
How to Download and install iOS 16 beta
Once your iPhone boots back up, Follow these steps:
1. Go to Settings.
2. General.
3. Software Update.
4. Hit Download and Install. 5. Enter your passcode to begin the process of updating to iOS 16 beta.
If you don't see the Download and Install option, you might need to wait a few minutes or clear your memory to make space. You won't be able to download iOS 16 if you don't have enough space, so clear your memory by deleting large files and offloading large apps.
There should be a loading bar and an estimate of how long the download will take. When the download is finished, restart your device and wait for the iOS 16 beta to install. When your iPhone boots up, you should see the iOS 16 beta installed.
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