Malcolm Owen
The third developer betas of iOS 16.4, iPadOS 16.4, tvOS 16.4, and watchOS 9.4 are now available for testing.
Developers taking part in the beta can download the latest builds via the Apple Developer Center, or by updating hardware already running the beta operating systems. Public beta versions are usually provided a short time after the developer counterparts, and the public can try them out via the Apple Beta Software Program.
The third betas follow the second, which landed on February 28. The first betas of iOS 16.4, iPadOS 16.4, watchOS 9.4, tvOS 16.4, and HomePod software version 16.4 arrived on February 16.
The latest features include more Shortcuts actions, more always-on display controls, and Mastodon rich previews in iMessage for users of that social platform.
Starting with iOS 16.4 and the other releases, users can no longer install profiles to control beta access. Apple has instead made it so that devices have to be registered to the Apple ID for beta updates to show up in Settings.
The third iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4 betas have build number 20E5229e replacing build 20E5223e. The third beta of watchOS 9.4 has build number 20T5239f, replacing build 20T5233d. The new tvOS 16.4 and HomePod software version 16.4 build number is 20L5480g, up from 20L5474e.
AppleInsider and Apple strongly advise users don't install beta operating systems, or beta software in general, on to "mission-critical" or primary devices, as there is the chance of issues that could result in the loss of data. Testers should instead use secondary or non-essential hardware and ensure they have sufficient backups of their critical data at all times.
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.
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2 Comments
"Starting with iOS 16.4 and the other releases, users can no longer install profiles to control beta access. Apple has instead made it so that devices have to be registered to the Apple ID for beta updates to show up in Settings."
A bit strange, as a participant in the public beta I can choose the developer beta update in settings. So I just installed the Developer Beta on a spare iPad, while I am not a developer...