iOS 16.1, iPadOS 16.1, tvOS 16.1, watchOS 9.1 developer betas now available

By Wesley Hilliard

Apple has resumed the beta cycle with iOS 16.1, tvOS 16.1, and watchOS 9.1 joining iPadOS 16.1 on the latest developer testing release.

iPadOS 16.1 includes Stage Manager and external monitor support

The newest builds can be downloaded via the Apple Developer Center for those enrolled in the test program, or via an over-the-air update on devices running the beta software. Public betas typically arrive within a few days of the developer versions, via the Apple Beta Software Program website.

Apple released iOS 16, tvOS 16, and watchOS 9 to the public on September 12. Now, only two days later, Apple has brought these operating systems back into the beta cycle alongside iPadOS 16.1 for a release later in the fall.

Release notes for these initial betas mention only bug fixes and software improvements.

The second beta for iPadOS 16.1 is build number 20B5045d, replacing build 20B5027f. The first beta for iOS 16.1 also uses build number 20B5045d, replacing the iOS 16 build 20A362.

The first tvOS 16.1 beta build number is 20K5041d, up from 20J373. The watchOS 9.1 build number is 20S5044e, up from 20R361.

AppleInsider, and Apple itself, strongly advises that users avoid installing betas on to "mission-critical" or primary devices, as there is the remote possibility of data loss or other issues. Instead, testers should install betas onto secondary or non-essential hardware, and to ensure there are sufficient backups of important data before updating.

Find any changes in the new betas? Reach out to us on Twitter at @AppleInsider or @Andrew_OSU, or send Andrew an email at andrew@AppleInsider.com.