iOS 17 beta: How to download the newest iPhone software

iOS 17
(Image credit: Apple)

The iOS 17 beta is here, and anyone can now install the latest iPhone software without waiting for the official release later this year.

iOS 17 is proving to be a huge hit with the addition of StandBy, interactive widgets, and new customization features for your Phone and Messages app.

I have been using iOS 17 beta for the last month, and the latest public beta appears to be stable. I've loved using iOS 17 so far; if you want to try out the latest iOS 17 beta, here's how to download and install it.

iOS 17 beta is here and it's great

The iOS 17 beta brings amazing new additions to your iPhone without waiting for the fall when the software will officially launch. These features include the likes of StandBy, a dedicated widget hub when you place your device on charge, interactive widgets, which allow you to interact with widgets without opening apps, and Contact Posters, the ability to customize your own personal caller ID.

It's worth noting that iOS 17 is still in development, so there will still be bugs here and there, but since updating to the latest public beta, I've found the performance on par with iOS 16.

Download iOS 17 beta on devices running iOS 16.4 or later

Beta software, also referred to as a preview, seed, or release candidate, is a version of software that’s still under development and not yet released to the public. This software is intended only for installation on development devices registered under your Apple Developer Program membership. Registered development devices can be upgraded to future beta releases and the public version of the software. Attempting to install beta software in an unauthorized manner violates Apple policy and could render your device unusable and necessitate an out-of-warranty repair. Make sure to back up your devices before installing beta software and install only on devices and systems that you’re prepared to erase if necessary.

With iOS 16.4 and later, Apple has made downloading betas as easy as ever. It takes no time at all to download the iOS 17 public beta if you're already on iOS 16.4 or iOS 17 beta 2.

A grid of iPhones running iOS 17

(Image credit: Apple)
  1. Open Settings
  2. Tap General then Software Update
  3. Select Beta Updates

It's that simple. You can choose between the developer beta and the public iOS 17 beta under the Beta Updates tab. I highly recommend avoiding the developer beta ›Once you've downloaded the iOS 17 beta 

The wonders of iOS 17 await

iOS 17 Standby

(Image credit: Apple)

The wonders of iOS 17 await

The new changes to beta installations make downloading and installing iOS 17 beta easier than any other developer or public beta before it.

Now that you know how to install iOS 17, go forth and enjoy the latest features Apple has to offer.

My personal favorite feature so far has been the inclusion of Find My across Maps and widgets, it has made the feature far more useful than ever before. 

What's your favorite iOS 17 beta feature? Let us know on the iMore forums, and leave a comment below.

John-Anthony Disotto
How To Editor

John-Anthony Disotto is the How To Editor of iMore, ensuring you can get the most from your Apple products and helping fix things when your technology isn’t behaving itself.

Living in Scotland, where he worked for Apple as a technician focused on iOS and iPhone repairs at the Genius Bar, John-Anthony has used the Apple ecosystem for over a decade and prides himself in his ability to complete his Apple Watch activity rings.

John-Anthony has previously worked in editorial for collectable TCG websites and graduated from The University of Strathclyde where he won the Scottish Student Journalism Award for Website of the Year as Editor-in-Chief of his university paper. He is also an avid film geek, having previously written film reviews and received the Edinburgh International Film Festival Student Critics award in 2019. 

John-Anthony also loves to tinker with other non-Apple technology and enjoys playing around with game emulation and Linux on his Steam Deck.

In his spare time, John-Anthony can be found watching any sport under the sun from football to darts, taking the term “Lego house” far too literally as he runs out of space to display any more plastic bricks, or chilling on the couch with his French Bulldog, Kermit.