This story is part of WWDC 2022, CNET’s full coverage of and from Apple’s annual developers conference.
Apple’s iOS 16 is currently in its developer beta stage after being unveiled at WWDC 2022. The iPhone maker’s latest mobile operating system is only available to members of the Apple Developer Program, but you can download it now if you want.
New iOS 16 features announced so far include a redesigned lock screen for the iPhone, the ability to send or edit text messages, and improvements to Apple Maps. And while the upgrade isn’t scheduled for a general release until September, we’ll just tell you how to get your hands on iOS 16 — before it enters its public beta phase.
Although iOS 16 is easy to download and install, keep in mind that this prerelease is not intended for general use, specifically because, like all developer beta releases, iOS 16 may currently contain unfinished features. These early beta releases are intended for developers to help them keep their apps up to date as well as provide early access to the latest features.
All this to make it clear that if you really want to see this version of iOS 16, you probably shouldn’t be installing it on your main device, but maybe an additional iPhone running iOS 16 (iPhone 8 or) instead. New enough to work with. Later). If you want to take these steps, we’ll also show you what you need to do if you need to revert to the stable version of iOS 15.
Playing now: Watch this: iOS 16 introduces live events to your lock screen
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If you want to know more about iOS 16, check out the iOS 16 reveal during WWDC, how iOS 16 is bringing a big change to the iPhone lock screen and the new look of Apple Maps that will debut in iOS 16.
Before Downloading iOS 16, Here’s What You Should Know
Since iOS 16 is an early pre-release version, the software will be full of bugs and other problems.
Again, If you’re planning on downloading iOS 16, do so on a backup or secondary phone, if available, Issues with iOS 16 beta preview can cripple your phone and make it difficult to use, disabling phone calls or text messages, or making it extremely buggy. However, if you only have your main phone or tablet available, make sure to Back up your device on iOS 15 before updating to iOS 16, That way you have the option of returning to iOS 15 if the new OS has too many issues.
In addition, you must have a iPhone 8 or later running iOS 16, The next mobile software update will not apply to the iPhone SE (2016), iPhone 6S, iPhone 6S Plus, iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus.
Enroll in the Apple Developer Program if you haven’t already
The first step to get iOS 16 on your iPhone or iPad is to enroll in the Apple Developer Program if you’re not already a member. If you’re on your iPhone or iPad, here’s how you can enroll:
1, Download the Apple Developer App from the App Store.
2, Launch the app, go here account and tap enroll now,
3, Sign in with your Apple ID credentials.
4, Read the various benefits and instructions, enter your personal information and scan your ID to verify your identity.
5, Once this information is submitted, you must select your entity (personal for most people) and agree to the Program License Agreement.
6, Lastly, pay the Apple Developer subscription fee (with Apple Pay), which is $99 (about £80 or AU$140) per year.
After you have made a successful payment, you will be redirected to your account page in the Apple Developer app. Here you can verify that you are enrolled now, and you can also check your subscription expiration date for the next year.
Download iOS 16 with Over-the-Air Updates on Your iPhone or iPad
The easiest way to download iOS 16 is with an over-the-air update, the same way you would update to any other new software release on your device. This way:
1, On your iPhone or iPad, go to the Apple Developer Program download page, tap install profile For iOS 16 beta (iPhone) or iPadOS 16 beta (iPad) and hit to allow.
2, Next, open the Settings app, tap Profile downloaded and hit establish When it appears in the top right. Enter your passcode when prompted, and then tap establish Twice more. Your phone will need to be restarted.
3, Once your phone is back up, connect it to power, make sure you’re on Wi-Fi and go to Adjustment , General , software update, If you don’t see an update available right away, wait a few minutes and check again.
4, finally hit Download and install , establish And enter your passcode to update your device.
After your phone reboots, you should have access to the latest iOS 16 developer beta.
You on your Mac. You can also download iOS 16 using
Over-the-air updates require a certain amount of storage, and if you don’t have that available, using your computer is the only way to update to iOS 16 without really freeing up space.
1, On your Mac, go to the Apple Developer Program download page, find and click iOS 16 beta or iPadOS 16 beta download restore images,
2, Download the iOS beta software restore image for your specific device.
3, Next, connect your device to your computer and enter your device passcode or hit trust this computer If indicated.
4, Open Finder and click on your device in the sidebar places,
5, In general, next to Software, you’ll see the latest software running on your device.
6, hold down alternative key, click let’s check Updates And choose the iOS 16 beta software restore image that you just downloaded from the Apple Developer page.
The iOS 16 beta software will be installed on your device. Wait a few minutes and when your phone reboots, you should have access to iOS 16.
