Apple introduced iOS 16 and iPadOS 16 back in June, during the keynote for this year’s Worldwide Developers Conference. Right after that event wrapped up, the company seeded the first developer betas for the upcoming software updates. Which means public beta testers have had to wait until July to get their chance with the prerelease software. The good news is, the wait is over.
Today, Apple has seeded the first public betas of iOS 16 and iPadOS 16 to public beta testers. As is par for the course, these betas are available to folks who have signed up for the public beta program. Which is free. But, users will need to follow the steps to set everything up properly.
Sign up for the public beta here.
There’s a lot new, of course, because it’s the next major updates for both iOS and iPadOS. (Apple is also releasing macOS Ventura, tvOS 16, and watchOS 9 later this year.) That includes starting with a brand new, redesigned Lock Screen. This includes customizable wallpapers, brand new widgets, and more. Notifications will also now scroll up from the bottom of the display when showcased on the Lock Screen, making them easier to interact with.
Another big update is iCloud Shared Photo Library, which makes it even easier to share photos and videos with select individuals. Those same people can also add new content that is automatically shared with the group, and also edit and/or delete content.
Messages is also getting some new features. That includes the oft-requested ability to edit and delete messages. Users will also be able to mark messages as unread. SharePlay also works in Messages.
So, for public beta testers ready to try out the prerelease software, now’s the time.
Apple also seeded the first public betas of macOS Ventura, watchOS 9, tvOS 16, and HomePod Software 16.