Apple issues its third current-gen operating system developer betas for testing

Developers who are participating in Apple's beta program can get the new builds through the Apple Developer Centeror by updating their iPhone or iPad already running the betas using the Settings app. Public beta versions typically arrive shortly after the developer versions.

The betas are for current-generation versions of Apple's operating systems, including iOS 17.6, iPadOS 17.6, tvOS 17.6, watchOS 10.6, and macOS Sonoma 14.6. The Apple Vision Pro also gets a beta for visionOS 1.3.

The second round of the current-gen betas were issued on July 1, with the first-gen out on June 17.

The new build numbers are:

• iOS 17.6 & iPadOS beta 3 - 21G5066d
• macOS 14.6 beta 3 - 23G5066c
• macOS 13.6.8 release candidate 3 - 22G813
• macOS 12.7.6 release candidate 3 - 21H1313
• tvOS 17.6 beta 3 - 21M5059b
• visionOS 1.3 beta 3 21O5761a
• watchOS 10.6 beta 3 - 21U5565c

Apple is holding two beta test cycles simultaneously. As well as the current-gen builds, it's also testing out the fall builds, including iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, watchOS 11, tvOS 18, and macOS Sequoia.

This late in the product lifecycle, it is very unlikely to see major feature changes, as the focus for them will be in the next-gen versions.

AppleInsider and Apple strongly recommends users don't install test operating systems or other beta or RC software on "mission-critical" or primary devices, as there is the small 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 builds? Reach out to us on Twitter at @AppleInsider or @Andrew_OSU, or send Andrew an email at andrew@AppleInsider.com.