iOS 16 Beta 7 & iPadOS 16.1 Beta 1 Available for Testing
Apple has issued iOS 16 beta 7 for iPhone beta testers, along with iPadOS 16.1 beta 1 for iPad beta testers.
Typically the developer beta build arrives first, and the same build comes soon after as a public beta release.
The jump to iPadOS 16.1 beta from iPadOS 16 beta 6 is due to Apple delaying the launch of iPadOS 16, which will apparently now debut as iPadOS 16.1 when it comes later in the fall.
Anyone actively enrolled in the beta testing program can download iOS 16 beta 7, and iPadOS 16.1 beta 1 from an iPhone or iPad by going to Settings app > General > Software Update.
iOS 16 for iPhone features a customizable lock screen complete with widgets for glancing at things like weather and stock prices, new Focus mode features that can also change the lock screen depending on the Focus state, the ability to unsend emails as well as to schedule email sending in the Mail app, the ability to edit messages in Messages app, new iCloud Photo Library capabilities, and various other smaller changes and features.
iPadOS 16.1 for iPad includes the new Stage Manager multitasking feature for M1 equipped iPad models, and otherwise features most of the same capabilities as iOS 16 but minus the ability to customize the lock screen.
While beta system software is mostly aimed at advanced users, and developers, technically anyone can install the beta builds on their compatible devices. If you are interested in doing so, the easiest way is by installing the iOS 16 public beta on iPhone or installing the iPadOS 16 public beta on iPad.
Whether you intend to run the beta or wait for the final versions, you can review iOS 16 supported iPhones and the iPadOS 16 supported iPads to check and see if your device is compatible.
Apple has said that iOS 16 will be released this fall, with most speculation pointing to a public release around the time that the iPhone 14 is due (which is rumored to be announced on September 7). Meanwhile, Apple has said that iPadOS 16 (now iPadOS 16.1) will be finalized and released later in the fall.
