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The iOS 16 public beta is here, and now anyone with a compatible iPhone<\/span> can now download it and try it out on their iPhone. It’s fairly simple to install it, and it’s free, too. If you’re excited to try out any of iOS 16’s new features<\/span> (like Lockdown Mode<\/span> or customizable lock screens<\/span>), your wait is over.<\/p>\n In June, Apple released the iOS 16 developer beta around its developer conference<\/span>, but not many people were eligible to download and install the software. Developer betas require an Apple Developer Program membership, which is $100 a year, and they’re also not recommended for everyday use, unless you’re a developer testing out software, because developer betas can be super buggy, and make your phone more difficult to use.<\/p>\n Apple has now released the public beta for iOS 16, which should be a little more stable. All you need to do is sign up for the Apple Beta Software program, enroll your device and install a config profile to get iOS 16 beta on your device. Here’s how.\u00a0<\/p>\n For more, here’s a look at the redesigned and customizable lock screen<\/span> on iOS 16, and a couple of the new Apple Maps features<\/span>.<\/p>\n Getting your hands on prereleased software can be exciting, but there are precautions you should take before updating. All prereleased software like iOS 16 beta may contain bugs and other issues that can make your device more difficult to use, which is why you should back up your device in case you want to revert back to iOS 15.<\/p>\n By default, your iPhone should back itself up every time it’s connected to power and Wi-Fi during your regular sleep hours. However, if this backup feature is disabled, you can go to Settings<\/strong> Your Name<\/strong> iCloud<\/strong> iCloud Backup<\/strong> and then hit Back Up Now<\/strong> to back up your device.<\/p>\n You can (and should) also back up your iPhone on your Mac.<\/p>\n <\/span> Additionally, you can back up your iPhone via Finder on your Mac. Simply connect your device to your computer, open Finder, choose your device and then create a backup. Apple also recommends archiving your backup, so that it’s not overwritten by other backups.<\/p>\n Once your device is backed up, it’s time to sign up for the\u00a0Apple Beta Software Program<\/a>, which allows anyone to try out prereleased software for free, to provide feedback to Apple on quality, usability and issues. Currently, you can test out iOS 16 beta on any compatible Apple device<\/span> (iPhone 8 and later).<\/p>\n To enroll in the Apple Beta Software Program:<\/p>\nBefore you start, back up your iPhone<\/h2>\n
\n Screenshot by Nelson Aguilar\/CNET
\n <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nSign up for the Apple Beta Software Program<\/h2>\n