iOS 16 caused quite a stir on the internet long before its public release. It is expected to launch in September 2022 and there is still plenty of time for that. But can you download and install iOS 16 on your iPhone right now? Fortunately, it is possible to do this with the iOS 16 Public Beta version.
Apple has officially released the public beta of its upcoming iOS 16 update and it's available for download on compatible iPhone models. You can enjoy all the new features of iOS 16 by installing its beta version on your iOS device. In this article, we have shared a complete detailed guide on how you can safely install iOS 16 Public Beta on your iPhone without losing data.
Installing the beta version has as many disadvantages as advantages. You get the benefits of enjoying new features before they are released to other users, but there are major risks, such as losing your iPhone data, some apps may not work, you may experience bugs and errors, etc. We will cover all the pros and cons of installing iOS 16 Beta later in this article.
List of iPhone models compatible with iOS 16 Beta
iOS 16 will be compatible only on the following iPhone models –
- iPhone 8
- iPhone 8Plus
- iPhone X
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone XR
- 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 SE 2
You will only be able to install the iOS 16 public beta if you have an iPhone 8 or later.
How to Install iOS 16 Public Beta on iPhone
To install iOS 16 Public Beta, you will first need to join the Apple Beta program, then you can download the configuration profile to your iPhone. After that, you just need to install this configuration profile and the beta software update will be available for your iOS device. Here is a detailed step-by-step guide to this process –
1. Open Safari browser on your iOS device. Note that you should use Safari browser only. If you use any other like Chrome, it won't work.
2. Go to the Apple Beta Program website at beta.apple.com.
3. Sign Up for Apple Beta Program - If you're a new member, tap the Join button. You will get a dialog asking you to sign in with your Apple ID. Press the Continue button. After that, your Face ID will be verified for security purposes. If you have already joined Apple's beta program, you can use the sign in option instead.
4. Read the Apple Beta Software Program Agreement (if desired), then press the Accept button to continue.
5. Click on the "Register your iOS device" link under the Start heading.
6. Archive Backup - You will now be advised to take a backup of your iOS device. Before installing beta versions on your iPhone, it is important to back up your photos, videos, documents and other important files so that even if something goes wrong, you can return to the previous state. To take a complete backup of your iPhone, you can use iTunes.
7. Download Configuration Profile – Press the Download Profile button under the Install Profile heading. You will get a pop-up window asking you to allow the configuration profile download. Click the Allow option to continue.
8. Install the configuration profile - Once the configuration profile is downloaded, open the Settings app on your iPhone and click on the downloaded profile at the top. Tap on the Install option and enter your password for security. Double tap the Install option again. You will be asked to restart your device. This is not necessary, so you can choose the Not Now option to skip this step.
9. Download and install iOS 16 Beta – Go to Settings > General > Software Update. Now your iPhone will check for new software update. You will see the iOS 16 public beta. Tap the Download and Install option. Complete the installation process and your iPhone will be upgraded to iOS 16 beta.
How to uninstall iOS 16 Beta from your iPhone
Being in the development and testing phase, beta versions are considered unstable and may have compatibility issues, bugs, errors, and other issues. If you encounter any issues with the iOS 16 public beta, you can restore your iPhone and downgrade it to the normal iOS version at any time. This will give peace of mind to anyone trying beta software for the first time.
If you want to uninstall iOS 16 Public Beta from your iPhone, you will need to remove the configuration profile and then install the regular iOS update. To do this, go to Settings, tap on General and select VPN and device management. Under Configuration Profiles, select iOS 16 and iPadOS 16 Beta Software. Now click on Delete Profile option and enter your password for verification. Click on the Delete option again to continue.
Once you have successfully deleted the configuration profile, go to Settings > General > Software Update. Now your iPhone will check for a new iOS update (not the beta version). If an update is available, download and install it on your iPhone immediately. If there is no new update, you will have to wait for some time until it is available. There is another way to uninstall the iOS Beta update by restoring your iPhone using a Mac or PC.
How to Install iOS 16 Developer on iPhone
If you are a developer and you need to test your apps with the new iOS 16, you can install its developer version. Note that this version is designed for developers, so normal users should only use the public beta. The installation steps for the developer version of iOS 16 are slightly different. Here is what you need to do -
1. Open Safari and visit the Apple Developer website at developer.apple.com
2. iOS 16 and tap the Download button on the following webpage.
3. Now you need to sign in to your Apple Developer. Provide your Apple ID and password. After that, enter the verification code displayed on your screen. Once logged in, you can choose to trust the browser so that you are not prompted for a verification code the next time you log in.
4. Accept the Apple Developer Agreement by checking the box and then clicking the Submit button.
5. On the Downloads page, you will see the development software available for your download. Download the configuration profile to your iPhone.
6. After that, you will need to install this setup. Just go to the Settings app and tap on the Downloaded Profile option. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the installation.
7. Once you have successfully installed the configuration profile, go to Settings > General > Software Update. Let your iPhone search for the available developer version. Finally, download and install it as you would normal iOS updates.
Benefits of Installing iOS 16 Beta
- You will be able to use the new iOS 16 before its public release.
- You can try out new features that will be available to other users in the future.
- The iOS Beta software download is free.
- You can always downgrade to the normal public iOS version at any time.
- You can give your valuable feedback to Apple and report bugs and fixes.
Cons of Installing iOS 16 Beta
- Some apps may have compatibility issues with the beta version.
- If something goes wrong, you risk losing everything on your iPhone.
- There may be performance issues.
- As the beta version is still in the development phase and not stable, it may also have security issues.
- Some financial and banking applications may not work for security reasons.
