Apple has released iOS 17 beta 8 for iPhone, and iPadOS 17 beta 8 for iPad, for users who are engaged in the developer beta testing program.
Typically a developer beta comes out first, and is soon followed by the same build matched as a public beta release. iOS 17 beta 8 carries a build of 21A5326a.
Beta system software is intended for developers and advanced users, but any user can install iOS 17 beta on any compatible iPhone, or iPadOS 17 beta onto iPad on any compatible iPad.
Additionally, Apple has released new betas for tvOS 17, watchOS 10, while a new beta for macOS Sonoma beta is not yet available.
How to Download iOS 17 Beta 8 & iPadOS 17 Beta 8
If you’re already running a beta version of system software, updating to beta 8 is simple:
- Open the “Settings” app on the iPhone or iPad
- Go to “General”
- Choose “Software Update”
- Select to “Download and Install” for iOS 17 Beta 8 / iPadOS 17 Beta 8
Installing the updates requires the iPhone or iPad to restart.
Though Apple is moving along quickly with the beta system software, it’s still buggier and less stable than final versions of iOS and iPadOS. You may experience poor performance, reduced battery life, app incompatibility, and other bugs and quirks.
iOS 17 for iPhone includes new features like interactive Home Screen widgets, support for FaceTime Video Voicemail, Live Voicemail, customized Contact Posters, NameDrop contact sharing, Safari Profiles, Standby mode which turns your iPhone into a display clock when charging horizontally, and more.
iPadOS 17 for iPad includes new features like a customizable lock screen, FaceTime Video Voicemail support, Namedrop, interactive Home Screen widgets, Safari Profiles, Stage Manager improvements, and more.
Apple has said that the iOS 17 release date will be in the fall. Typically Apple releases new iOS versions along with a new iPhone, while sometimes new iPadOS versions arrive at the same time, or a little later.
