The closer we get to the final launch and iOS version, the more polished and feature-complete we can expect the available betas to become. It’s not uncommon for early beta software to exhibit problems like excessive battery drain, too. In extreme cases you may even find that your device is bricked by the beta, and cannot be used until the next beta comes along and hopefully fixes the problem. In particular, don’t expect existing apps (including ones that you may rely on) to work perfectly with the new version.

In other words, don’t expect a perfect user experience.

The glitches and problems are why Apple bothers to beta-test iOS in the first place. They are by definition unfinished, and while they should include most or all of the features in the finished product, there will be cosmetic differences and, inevitably, some glitches and problems that will need to be fixed.

Note first of all that betas are test versions of upcoming software. Both types go through multiple versions-probably half a dozen-before a major launch. There are developer betas (for registered software developers only), and public betas (for anyone who’s keen). Every iOS update goes through the beta phase before it’s officially launched, from small tweaks such as 15.5.1 to the full-version game-changers like iOS 16.

What’s a beta?īetas are pre-release testing versions. To use a different Apple ID for beta access than is used throughout the rest of iOS, open Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates and select the Apple ID at the bottom of the screen. Some developers have an Apple ID registered for developer access that is different from the Apple ID associated with their personal Apple account and data.

Apple beta profile