iOS/iPadOS 16.2 beta gives us the first look at Apple’s brand-new Freeform app

With the complete release iOS 16.1 & iPadOS 16.1Apple is now testing the next version. iOS 16.2 and iOS 16 will bring the new Freeform app, along with improvements to Stage Manger (like the return external display support) and other tweaks and fixes. We’re still waiting on SharePlay gaming support and the Satellite Emergency SOS feature on the latest iPhones, too.

What’s new in iOS 16.2?

Here’s what we know is new in the latest iOS 16.2 beta. We’ll update this section as new features and changes are discovered.

App Freeform:iOS 16, iPadOS 16 and macOS 13 have the latest betas. They also include Freeform, a digital whiteboarding app that was first revealed at WWDC this autumn. Freeform is a productivity app for the iPhone, iPad, and Mac that lets you collaborate with friends, family, and coworkers on a digital whiteboard sharing sketches, notes, files, web links, documents, photos, video, and audio.

New Home architecture:iOS 16.2 users now have the option to upgrade their Home to a different architecture. Apple promises that this will make it more efficient and reliable. All Home hub devices such as Apple TV, HomePod, and HomePod must be upgraded to 16.2.

What’s new in iPadOS 16.2?

iPadOS 16.2 will include the same features as iOS 16.2 except where noted.

Stage Manager external display support:iPadOS 16.2 has the ability to support external displays for iPads equipped with the M1 and M2 chips. It allows iPad users to hook their tablet up to a secondary display with resolutions up to 6K using Stage Manager.

When will iOS 16.2 go live?

iOS 16.1 has been released and most of the key features of iOS 16 have been made available. Apple is aiming to release iOS 16.2 in November, so we expect the iOS 16.2 development process to be a little shorter. The actual release date of iOS 16.2 has not been revealed.

How to install iOS 16.2 Public Beta

This version of iOS 16.2 will be used by most users before the official launch.

When the public beta of iOS 16 does come out, you’ll be able to install it using the following instructions.

1. Click here to sign up Apple Beta Page and register with your Apple ID.
2. Log in to the Beta Software Program.
3. Click Register your iOS device. (If you signed up for a previous version’s beta last year you may need to uninstall the profile for that and then re-enroll for the new one.)
4. Go to beta.apple.com/profile on your iOS device.
5. Install the configuration profile.
6. To enable your profile, you may need to go to Settings. Go to General > VPN and Device Management and tap on the iOS 16 beta profile there.
7. That will make the beta version available in the Settings app, under General > Software Update.

How to install iOS 16.2 Developer beta

Each stage of iOS 16.2’s development cycle will be rolled out to developers first, and then to public beta testers afterwards (typically within a day or so). If you’re a developer and need to test your apps against the most up-to-date version of the OS possible, this is the version to run.

First, ensure that your device has the correct compatibility. Take a look at these guidelines. What iPhones or iPads can receive iOS 16?

You’ll need to be registered as an Apple developer. Join the Apple Developer Program costs $99 a year.

You are all set? Okay! Here’s how to install the iOS 16.2 developer beta, in eight easy steps:

1. Safari for your iPhone or iPad: Go to developer.apple.com and log in using your Apple ID.
2. Go to the Downloads section (you’ll find it in the lefthand menu), scroll down to iOS 16 or iPadOS 16 beta and tap Install your ProfileThen, Accept.
3. You can open the Settings app. You should see Profile Downloaded at the top of the main screen—tap this. If you can’t see it, go to General > VPN and Device Management and tap on the iOS 16 or iPadOS 16 beta profile there.
4. Tap Install in the top-right to install the iOS or iPadOS 16 beta profile.
5. Read the developer consent form and (assuming you’re happy with the terms) give your consent.
6. Restart your iPhone.
7. Now go to Settings > General > Software UpdateYou will see the iOS 16 beta available at this link. Tap Download and install.
8. Wait for the iPhone update to complete downloading, then tap Install when prompted.

Your iPhone will now be running iOS 16 beta, if all goes well.

Precautions and risks

First, betas are the test versions of future software. These betas are not finished and should contain most of the features in the final product. However, there may be some cosmetic differences and bugs that will have to be addressed during development.

In other words, don’t expect a perfect user experience. You might find that some apps, including those you rely on, may not be compatible with the new version. You may find your device bricked by beta. This could make it impossible to use until the next beta is released. It’s not uncommon for early beta software to exhibit problems like excessive battery drain as well.

We can expect more features and polish to be added to iOS 16.2 betas as we near the launch. The counter to that, of course, is there will be less time left to wait for the official launch, so you won’t be gaining as much by installing a beta.

Assuming you decide to go ahead, we can’t stress enough how important it is to Backup your iPhone before you install a beta on your device, or better still, use a secondary device rather than your main iPhone or iPad. You won’t lose everything if something goes wrong while the beta is installing, and you’ll be able to Go back to the previous version should you find that you don’t like the new software after all, or that it’s too buggy.