iOS 17.6 beta 2 arrives for testing as next iPhone update nears release

It’s not uncommon for Apple to release two iOS betas at once during the summer. While the longer-term iOS beta scheduled for the fall is rolling out (iOS 18 this year), a smaller version of the current version is being tested for a more immediate release (iOS 17).

So yes, all the cool new stuff is in the iOS 18 beta, but Apple is also testing the next version of iOS 17, iOS 17.6. The final version will likely arrive before August, well before iOS 18’s scheduled release in September. Here’s what you need to know about the new features.

Update July 2: Apple has released the second beta of iOS 17.6.

iOS 17.6: New Features

The beta community hasn’t noticed any significant changes in iOS 17.6, and we don’t expect to see any. We’re not expecting any late iOS 17 features, so it’s unlikely that anything significant will come with the update.

This release is likely intended to fix minor bugs in apps and keep up with necessary security updates. Apple does not publish release notes before the release candidate, and security updates are often released after the final version is released. The developer release notes only mention a very minor Bluetooth audio bug and a limited camera issue with two specific iPad models.

iOS 17.6: how to install the public beta

If you want to be among the first to install iOS 17.6, you can sign up for the public beta and get the release candidate right now. The process for installing a beta has changed in iOS 16.4. Here’s how the new process works now:

1. Click Sign Up on the Apple Beta page and sign up with your Apple ID.
2. Log in to the beta software program.
3. Click on Register your iOS device.
4. Open the Settings application, press GeneralSO Software update.
5. In the Beta Updates section, select the iOS public beta.

It may take a few moments after registration for the beta option to appear in the software update.

iOS 17.6: how to install the developer beta

You must be registered as an Apple developer. Starting with iOS 17, you don’t need to be enrolled in the $99 per year developer program to access the developer beta. A free developer account will do the trick. You can get one through Xcode or the Apple Developer app in iOS. Here’s how to do it through the Apple Developer app:

1. Download the Apple Developer app from the App Store.
2. Open the app.
3. Tap Account.
4. Sign in using your usual Apple ID.

Registered developers can choose to get the public beta by selecting iOS Public Beta in the Software Update screen. It may take some time after registering as a developer for the option to appear in Software Updates.

Find out everything you need to know about iOS 17 in our iOS 17 superguide.