Apple announced the new operating system, iOS 16, at its WWDC 2022 keynote last Monday. And if you want to install the system before the official launch date, you can download it to your iPhone right away – but you should know that it is currently a developer beta (you may see some bugs during launch), available only to members of the Apple Developer Program.
Among the new iOS 16 features announced so far are a redesigned lock screen for the iPhone, the ability to cancel or edit text messages, and improved Apple Maps.
In this article, we will guide you on how to download and install iOS 16 now before the public beta.
Although it is very easy to download and install iOS 16, you should be aware that this beta version is not for general use, like all developer betas, iOS 16 may currently contain incomplete features.
These beta versions are intended for developers, to help them keep their apps up to date while providing early access to new features being created.
Before you download iOS 16, here’s what you should know
Since iOS 16 is a beta version, the software will be full of bugs and other issues.
Again, if you are thinking of downloading iOS 16, do it on a backup or secondary phone. iOS 16 beta preview issues can make your phone difficult to use, disable phone calls or text messages, or make it very slow.
However, be sure to back up your device on iOS 15 before upgrading to iOS 16. This way you have the option to go back to iOS 15 if there are a lot of issues with the new operating system.
Also, you must have an iPhone 8 or later to run iOS 16. The next mobile software update will not apply to iPhone SE (2016), iPhone 6S, iPhone 6S Plus, iPhone 7, or iPhone 7 Plus.
The first step to getting iOS 16 on your iPhone or iPad is to sign up for the Apple Developer Program if you’re not already a member. If you’re using an iPhone or iPad, here’s how to sign up:
1. Download the Apple Developer app from the App Store.
2. Launch the application, go to the account and click on Register Now.
3. Sign in with your Apple ID credentials.
4. Read the various instructions, enter your personal information and upload your ID to verify your identity.
5. Once you provide this information, you must choose your own entity (an individual for most people) and agree to the Software License Agreement.
6. Finally, pay the Apple Developer Membership Fee (with Apple Pay), which is $99 per year.
After the payment is made successfully, you will be redirected to your account page in the Apple Developer app. Here you can check that you are registered now, and you can also check the expiration date of your membership next year.
The easiest way to download iOS 16 is by updating over the air, the way you update to any other new software version on your device. Here’s how:
1. On your iPhone or iPad, go to the Apple Developer Program download page, click Install Profile for iOS 16 beta (iPhone) or iPadOS 16 beta (iPad) and tap Allow.
2. Next, open the Settings app, tap on Profile Downloaded and tap Install on the top right when it appears. Enter your passcode if prompted, then tap Install two more times. Your phone will need to restart.
3. Once your phone is back up, plug it in, make sure you’re connected to Wi-Fi and go to Settings > General > Software Update. If you don’t see an update available right away, wait a few minutes and check again.
4. Finally, tap on Download and Install > Install and enter the passcode to update your device.
After your phone finishes restarting, you should have access to the latest iOS 16 developer beta.
You can also download iOS 16 using your Mac
Remote updates require a certain amount of storage, and if you don’t have that available, using your computer is really the only way to update to iOS 16 without freeing up space manually.
1. On your Mac, go to the Apple Developer software download page, search for iOS 16 beta or iPadOS 16 beta and click Download Restore Images.
2. Download the iOS beta software recovery image for your selected device.
3. Next, connect your device to your computer and enter your device passcode or tap on Trust This Computer if prompted.
4. Open Finder and click on your device in the sidebar under Locations.
5. In general, next to the software, you will see the latest software that your device is running.
6. Press and hold the Option key, click Check for update and choose the iOS 16 beta software recovery image you just downloaded from the Apple Developer page.
iOS 16 beta software will be installed on your device. Wait a few minutes and when your phone restarts you should have access to iOS 16.