iOS 16 Public Beta Guide for iPhone and iPad

The upcoming iPhone and iPad operating system release is scheduled for this fall. The public beta of iOS 16 is already open for testing. This article explains which devices are compatible and provides clear, step-by-step instructions for applying updates.

Should iOS 16 public beta be installed now?

The official release of iOS 16 is planned for September. Following the WWDC 2022 announcement, Apple users with newer iPhone and iPad models can access the latest beta builds at no cost, allowing a broad audience to trial the software before its final launch. This testing phase is designed to gather feedback and catch issues early.

Although Apple regards this beta as stable enough for public testing, it is wise to install it on a backup device. Many apps may behave differently or fail during beta testing. It should be noted that Apple support may be limited until the final version is released.

Which devices work with iOS 16?

iOS 16 requires an iPhone 8 or newer. Older models such as the iPhone SE (gen 1), iPhone 6s and 6s Plus, and iPhone 7 family are not supported on this update.

iPhone models that will run iOS 16 include the following:

• iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus
• iPhone XR, iPhone X
• iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max
• iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max
• iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max
• iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Max, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max
• iPhone SE 2 (2020)
• iPhone SE3 (2022)

iPad models that support iOS 16 include:

• iPad Pro 9.7, iPad Pro 10.5, iPad Pro 11, iPad Pro 12.9
• iPad 5 and later
• iPad Air 3 and later
• iPad mini 5 and later

How to install the iOS 16 public beta

Before starting, back up data and files. This makes it possible to revert changes if anything goes wrong. The backup can be stored on Apple devices or on a computer.

Open Safari on the iPhone or iPad, navigate to the beta program page, and sign in or register. After enrolling, simply follow the on-screen prompts. An Apple ID is all that is required.

Once logged in and the device registered, select the appropriate option for iOS 16 or iPadOS 16. In the next paragraph, choose Install Profile and confirm the prompt.

Proceed to the Settings app, tap View Profile, and then install. A password may be required, and a warning about possible beta instability will appear. Confirm to begin the installation.

When the files are ready, you may be asked to reboot. Ensure the device is connected to a power source, as the process can take some time.

After reboot, return to Settings, choose General, and select Software Update. In the dialog that opens, tap Download and Install and enter the device password if prompted. A final restart will place the device on the public beta of iOS 16.

The beta updates available under Settings > Software Update enable installation of the listed OS versions as they roll out to testers.

What’s new in iOS 16: Lock Screen, Maps, and more

iOS 16 was introduced during the annual Worldwide Developers Conference in June. The update brings personalized lock screens, the ability to edit iMessages, and new Wallet and Tap to Pay features for mobile payments. It also adds iCloud Family Sharing enhancements for file sharing.

Other notable enhancements include:

• Live Activities on the lock screen
• New options for widgets, typography, and visual filters
• Spatial audio for AirPods now adapts to the wearer using the device’s TrueDepth camera
• Updated video player design

iOS 16, along with iPadOS 16, watchOS 9, macOS 13, tvOS 16, and HomePod 16, is planned for release in September of the year the announcement was made.