everything you need to know before installing the public beta

After several weeks since WWDC, Apple has finally released the first public beta of iOS 17 and iPadOS 17. Unlike the developer betas, this version is deemed stable enough for everyday use. As for the final version, it is still expected for this fall.

Apple has deployed the first public beta of iOS 17 and iPadOS 17. First of all, it is imperative to back up your data before installing iOS 17 or iPadOS 17.

Installing Apple’s betas is easy

Installing Apple’s betas is made easy with a streamlined procedure. Simply sign up for Apple betas on Apple’s website: beta.apple.com. Thereafter, go to “Settings” on your device, then click on “General” and “Software Update”.

A “Beta Updates” menu should then appear. Then just select iOS 17 Public Beta, return to the previous menu and check for updates. It’s the same for your iPad.

The new features of iOS 17: continuous improvement

The changes in iOS 17 aren’t revolutionary, but they provide continuous improvement to the user experience. The Messages app, for example, has improved search and a better experience with audio messages. Borrowing ideas from WhatsApp, Apple now allows swiping on a bubble to reply to a specific message in a conversation.

The feature called standby is one of the main new features of iOS 17. Prepare to say goodbye to your old clock radio, StandBy is likely to take its place on your bedside table.

Apple Maps fans will be delighted to learn that the application finally allows you to download offline maps. So even without a cellular signal, you will still be able to use the app. To do this, search for a city in the app settings, select the exact area you want to cache on your device and press the download button. While Google Maps has offered offline maps for years, it’s nice to have this feature back in Apple Maps.

Another major iOS 17 feature accessible in this beta is the ability to adjust the distance between you and your iPhone while playing or watching a video. This feature uses the TrueDepth (Face ID) camera to estimate the distance between your eyes and the screen.

iOS 17 introduces a new way to connect with your network: creating and sharing contact cards via the function NameDrop. You stick the two smartphones, the contacts are exchanged from one phone to another.

iOS 17 focuses on improving the user experience. Sharing passwords and access keys is now easier. Autocorrect and dictation have received an update, and the new text suggestion system might prove more intuitive. When you start a song or video, iOS 17 automatically suggests compatible AirPlay devices nearby. And finally, Apple’s voice assistant has become more accessible than ever, going from Say Siri to simply Siri.

As for iPadOS 17, there’s the redesign of Stage Manager to make the iPad look like a computer. But also if the arrival of the personalized lock screen and the addition of interactive widgets are really interesting.

The first public beta of iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 therefore brings its share of new features, certainly far from revolutionary. It’s still better than nothing, and it shows above all that iOS is a mature operating system.