iOS 16 GM Released to Download for iPhone Beta Testers
Apple has released the iOS 16 GM candidate for all users in the beta testing programs, days ahead of the planned public release. GM builds are typically the finalized beta version of system software that matches what is released to the general public.
The iOS 16 GM update is available to download right away for both Developer Beta and Public Beta testers.
Downloading iOS 16 GM for iPhone
Any user in the beta program can download iOS 16 GM now:
- Go to the Settings app on iPhone enrolled in the beta testing program
- Go to “General” and then to “Software Update”
- Find iOS 16 available to download and install
Because it’s a GM or release candidate build, the update arrives full size, weighing in around 5GB. As usual, the device will need to reboot to complete installation.
iOS 16 for iPhone features a new lock screen that is customizable with unique fonts, and widgets that can show things like weather, sunset and sunrise, stock prices, Apple Watch activity, and more. Additionally, new Focus mode features are able to change the lock screen depending on what Focus mode is activated on the device. Mail app includes new handy features like the ability to schedule emails and unsend sent emails. Messages app has gained new features like the ability to edit sent messages. There’s also new iCloud Photo Library features that make it easier to share photos through iCloud, but that feature has been delayed and won’t appear in the final version upon initial release of iOS 16. There are many other small changes to iOS 16 as well.
The iOS 16 GM build is likely to match the final version of iOS 16 that is set to be released next Monday, September 12, unless some critical bug or issue is discovered in the coming days anyway.
If you’re impatient and want to get it right now, you can install the iOS 16 public beta onto your iPhone. You will need to make sure your iPhone supports iOS 16, however.
Additionally, new GM builds of tvOS 16 and WatchOS 9 are available to download as well for testers in those programs. MacOS Ventura and iPadOS 16 are on a later release schedule, and are not yet in GM or release candidate builds.
