Apple recently unveiled iOS 17 public beta, making it available to testers. This means that iPhone users now have the opportunity to experience the forthcoming software through the public beta version, which is free and offers a sneak peek before the official release. Keep reading to discover the new features and improvements iOS 17 brings to the iPhone, along with instructions on how to download iOS 17 public beta on your device.
Everything new in iOS 17 public beta
- Contact Posters: Personalize how you appear when calling others, similar to customizing the lock screen.
- Live Voicemail: Get real-time transcription of voicemails, allowing you to decide if you want to answer the call.
- FaceTime Enhancements: Share voice and video messages, use interactive effects during calls, and extend FaceTime to Apple TV with Continuity Camera.
- Messages Improvements: Enhanced search, swipe to reply, transcribed audio messages, improved location sharing, and Check In feature.
- NameDrop: Share contact information with nearby iPhones conveniently.
- Keyboard Enhancements: Improved predictions, accurate autocorrect, and contextual understanding.
- Journal App: Promotes reflection and gratitude with personalized prompts and secure journaling features.
- Standby Mode: Full-screen landscape experience with customizable widgets and Siri integration.
- Siri Improvements: No longer requires “Hey Siri” for activation and supports consecutive commands.
- Safari Privacy: Enhanced protection for private browsing and advanced tracking prevention.
- Health App: New mental health features, Screen Distance for eye health, and offline maps in Maps app.
- AirTag and AirPods Updates: Shared AirTag access, Adaptive Audio, Personalized Volume, and Conversation Awareness for AirPods.
- Other Features: Collaborative playlists in Apple Music, enhanced Home app, Visual Look Up, Privacy updates, and accessibility enhancements.
iOS 17 public beta compatible iPhone models
iOS 17 public beta is compatible with the following iPhone models:
- 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 SE (2nd generation)
- iPhone SE (3rd generation)
Download and install iOS 17 public beta
Start by registering for the Apple Beta Software Program using the Safari web browser on your iPhone. Membership is free, and you’ll be required to log in using your primary Apple ID associated with your phone. Enroll your device in the program by following the prompts.
- Navigate to Settings.
- Tap on General.
- Select Software Update. Look for the new Beta Updates option located below Automatic Updates.
- Confirm that the displayed Apple ID at the bottom matches the one you used to join the beta program.
- From this screen, you should see the option to install the iOS 17 Public Beta. Return to the previous screen, and you will be presented with the option to download and install the beta version. Make sure your iPhone has over 50 percent of battery life and is plugged in.
Please be aware that as this is beta software, it is possible to encounter crashes, performance issues, and bugs. It is advised to proceed with caution during installation and ensure that you have a backup of your device stored on iCloud.
