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Everything new in iOS 17 developer beta 6

Developer beta 6 of iOS 17

The sixth developer beta of iOS 17 is out, and includes plenty of changes, including reverting a major UI change that caused plenty of user backlash.

As we approach the released date of iOS 17, Apple continues to refine the massive iPhone operating system. There aren't any massive new features found in this update but a few final touches worth noting.

We installed the newest beta of iOS 17 on our iPhone 14 Pro and while it's too soon to denote any changes to performance, we haven't noticed any glaring issues.

The sixth beta update package is build number 21A5312c, replacing the fifth, 21A5303d. Our build tipped the scales at 766.6 MB, though you mileage may vary by device.

Changes in iOS 17 developer beta 6

In the Photos app, Apple has a new splash screen touting the new features coming in iOS 17. None of the features are a surprise and Apple uses these popover screens to help educate new users.

Their addition usually comes towards the end of a beta cycle as the full list of shipping features is locked in.

What's new in Photos What's new in Photos

Noted features include albums in the Photos widget, pets albums, pinch to crop, and more customizable memories. You can see all the changes to Photos in our in-depth coverage.

Audio toggle Toggling the audio

Apple has removed the haptic feedback from the mute toggle in this beta. Now you see the change in the Dynamic Island, but there's no other feedback.

This could be a precursor to the new Action Button rumored to be coming to the iPhone 15 Pro models that would replace this toggle.

Weather is now an impacting factor for your mood Weather is now an impacting factor for your mood

When logging your state of mind in the Health app, "weather" is now an option.

The end button is back in the center The end button is back in the center

Finally, Apple has acquiesced and reverted the location of the end button during a phone call. After previously trying to move it to the bottom-right corner, it is now back in the center.



3 Comments

Skeptical 183 comments · 8 Years

Seriously, is this news. A button movement makes the news? If this is a really big deal we are all doomed as a society. 

solardinghy 1 comment · 2 Years

Skeptical said:
Seriously, is this news. A button movement makes the news? If this is a really big deal we are all doomed as a society. 

You realise the headline of this article states 'Everything new in iOS 17 developer beta 6'

Also this isn't 'the news' it's a specific blog about Apple's physical and digital products, of course they're going to talk about the UX of a button.

macgui 2471 comments · 17 Years

Skeptical said:
Seriously, is this news. A button movement makes the news? If this is a really big deal we are all doomed as a society. 

No it's not news. Why would you even think so. It's merely an update about the latest dev beta. Or didn't you read the title.

As to the actual merit of moving the button, it wasn't "broke" but Apple decided to fix it anyway. It put the button in awkward place for lefties, is especially if they had a big phone and small hands or had a physical impairment. The central position, as it is in 16, is a good compromise.

It's good that Apple moved it back. The initial move to the right corner seemed like one of those Apple 'let's change it to be changing it' moves accomplishing nothing really beneficial. They seem to do that with some of the Systems Preferences / Settings icons every update.