Debuted at WWDC 2022, iOS 16 introduces numerous new features, such as a customizable lock screen, iCloud Shared Photo Library, Focus filters, and more. Apple revealed its next-gen mobile OS alongside iPadOS 16, watchOS 9, and macOS Ventura, followed by the release of the iOS 16 developer beta. If you possess an Apple developer account, you can install the iOS 16 developer beta on your iPhone now. Continue reading to begin.
Installing iOS 16 Developer Beta (2022)
Pre-Requisites for Installing iOS 16 Developer Beta
While there is no denying that beta testing is fun, proceed with caution. Like any pre-release software, iOS 16 developer beta could be buggy, with unexpected issues like bricking, rapid battery drain, overheating, and sluggishness. Be fully prepared to deal with the after-effects.
The best way to participate in beta testing is to install the software on a secondary device. This ensures your daily driver remains unaffected. Even if you encounter bugs and issues in the beta build, your daily usage won’t be impacted.
To avoid data loss, back up your iPhone before installing any pre-release beta software. The backup will also facilitate downgrading to iOS 15 without data loss. Here’s how to quickly back up your iPhone data:
Back Up Your iPhone with iCloud
1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone and tap on your profile at the top.
2. Tap “iCloud” and select iCloud Backup.
3. Ensure “iCloud Backup” is enabled and tap “Back Up Now“. This action will back up your iPhone data to the cloud. The time required depends on your internet speed and storage space. Ensure a strong, reliable internet connection.
Local Backup: iPhone on Mac or Windows PC
Creating a local backup on Mac or Windows PC is straightforward. To ensure your iPhone backup includes health data, Wi-Fi settings, website history, and call history, encrypt your local backup.
1. Connect your iPhone to your computer via USB cable. Open Finder on macOS Catalina or later, or iTunes on Windows PC.
2. Select your iPhone in Finder’s sidebar or the top-left window on Windows.
3. To encrypt the backup, enable “Encrypt local backup” and click “Back Up Now“.
iOS 16 Compatible iPhone Models
- iPhone 14 series (pre-installed)
- iPhone SE 2 and SE 3
- iPhone 13 series (mini, Pro, Pro Max)
- iPhone 12 series (mini, Pro, Pro Max)
- iPhone 11 series (Pro, Pro Max)
- iPhone X series (Xs, Xs Max, XR)
- iPhone X
- iPhone 8 series (8, 8 Plus)
Downloading and Installing iOS 16 Software Beta Profile
1. Launch Safari on your iPhone and visit developer.apple.com. Tap the hamburger menu at the top left and sign in to your Apple developer account via “Account”.
2. Find the iOS 16 section and tap it. Then, hit “Download” in the top-right corner.
3. Next, a pop-up might appear on the screen stating, “The website is attempting to open Settings to display a configuration profile.” Tap Allow -> Close.
4. Then, launch the Settings app on your iPhone and select “Profile Downloaded” from the options below your profile.
5. Afterwards, tap “Install” at the top right and input your device passcode.
6. You may need to tap “Install” a few more times to install the iOS 16 beta software profile. Then, tap “Restart” to reboot your iPhone.
Installing iOS 16 Developer Beta on Your iPhone
1. After your iPhone restarts, navigate to the Settings app and select “General“.
2. Select “Software Update“ and choose “Download and Install” under iOS 16 Developer Beta.
3. Agree to Apple’s terms and conditions, and the update will begin downloading. Once downloaded, which may take 5 to 15 minutes depending on your internet speed, click “Install”.
After your device reboots, iOS 16 will be running on your supported iPhone. Customize the lock screen and explore other new features.
Download and Install iOS 16 Developer Beta via Finder
If unable to download the iOS 16 beta directly on your iPhone, use Finder to install it.
1. Start by logging into the Apple Developer website and navigate to the “Downloads” section. There, download the iOS 16 beta software restore image for your supported iPhone.
2. Then, connect your iPhone to the Mac using a USB cable. Launch Finder on your Mac and choose your iPhone from the left sidebar.
3. In the Summary panel, hold down the Option key and click “Restore iPhone.”
4. Now, select the iOS beta software restore file and open it. Finally, click “Restore” to begin the iOS 16 developer beta installation.
How Long Does Downloading and Installing iOS 16 Take?
If your Wi-Fi connection is strong and there are no issues affecting Apple’s servers, downloading the iOS 16 developer beta should take 5 to 15 minutes. Installation usually requires 10 to 20 minutes, with an additional 5 to 10 minutes for setup, resulting in a complete update process of 20 to 45 minutes.
| iOS 16 Update Process | Time |
|---|---|
| iOS 16 Download Time | 5 to 15 minutes |
| iOS 16 Install Time | 10 to 20 minutes |
| Set up iOS 16 | 5 to 10 minutes |
| Total Update Time | 20 to 45 minutes |
Easiest Way to Install iOS 16 Beta on Your iPhone
The iOS 16 developer beta installation process is straightforward. Now that you know how to try out all the new iOS 16 features before others, explore hidden features and stay tuned for detailed guides and explanations. Share your thoughts on this update in the comments below.
Pritam Chopra is a seasoned IT professional and a passionate blogger hailing from the dynamic realm of technology. With an insatiable curiosity for all things tech-related, Pritam has dedicated himself to exploring and unraveling the intricacies of the digital world.
