IF you want to try the latest iPhone features first, there’s a clever trick you need to know.
It’s the perfect time to learn as a major new iPhone update lurks just around the corner.
1
We’re talking about the iOS beta on iPhone.
That’s a test version of iOS that lets you trial new updates before they roll out more generally.
We may be just weeks away from iOS 16.1, and it’ll soon arrive on the beta.
So if you want to try all of its new iPhone hacks, you’ll want to join the iOS beta as soon as possible.
It’s not all sunshine and rainbows, though.
You definitely need to consider whether installing an iOS beta is right for you.
Ultimately it’s still test software, so you can encounter bugs – sometimes very serious.
So if you only have one iPhone, it might be frustrating to use a new iOS.
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That said, the iOS public beta is usually fairly stable so you shouldn’t find too many devastating issues.
You’ll also want to make sure you’ve backed up all of your data before installing a new iOS.
How to join iOS 16 beta
To join the iOS beta, you simply need to head over to the Apple website.
You can sign up for the iOS 16 beta here.
“Help make the next releases of iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, watchOS and HomePod software our best yet,” Apple explained.
“As a member of the Apple Beta Software Program, you can take part in shaping Apple software by test-driving pre-release versions and letting us know what you think.”
You’ll need to sign up and enrol your devices, which will give you the opportunity to test the latest iOS 16 features once the public beta is live.
The beta will also feature a special app called Feedback Assistant where you can report any issues you find.
You’ll need a valid Apple ID, and that’s it – no fees or compensation involved.
Installing the beta also won’t affect your hardware warranty.
And you can leave the beta at any time.
iOS 16 supported devices
Sadly, not all iPhone models can upgrade to iOS 16 (and therefore join the beta).
Apple can’t support all iPhones forever – so very old iPhone models often lose access to updates.
Sometimes these old iPhones don’t have the power to support new features, or not enough people are using them to warrant providing an update.
Now the iPhone 6S, iPhone 7 and 1st-generation iPhone SE will be cut off by Apple.
These handsets were compatible with 15.6.1, but won’t get iOS 16.
If you’re using older iPhones than that, you’re already cut off, so you should upgrade to a newer model immediately.
Here’s the full list of iOS 16 supported devices:
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 mini
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone Xs
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone XR
- iPhone X
- iPhone 8
- iPhone 8 Plus
- iPhone SE (2nd generation or later)
Not being able to get the latest iOS means you’ll lose access to the most up-to-date security fixes.
These are vital patches that close holes used by hackers to access your systems.
So using a very old iPhone that can’t be updated could put you at risk.
If you can’t update to iOS 16, consider upgrading your iPhone sooner rather than later.
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This post first appeared on Thesun.co.uk
