Download: First public beta of iOS 17 is now available for iPhone

Today, Apple has seen fit to release the first public beta version of its upcoming iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 updates. We previously noted that the company may release the iOS 17 public beta sometime this week. After seeing a revised developer beta of iOS 17 and beta 5 of iOS 16.6, the company finally released iOS 17 public beta for all compatible iPhone models.

Apple keeps its promise and has finally released the iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 public beta

If you refrained from installing the developer beta, you can now download and install the first public beta version of iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 on iPhone and iPad. As for the developer beta, the platform is running in its third beta cycle. We can safely assume that the first public beta of iOS 17 is the same update with a different name. If you've signed up for Apple's public beta testing program, you can download iOS 17 right now.

To download the first public beta of iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 on your iPhone or iPad, simply go to Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates > then select the iOS 17 or iPadOS 17 Public Beta option. The update will be available to you over the air. Apple has also eliminated the need to install the configuration profile for the updates. However, make sure your Apple ID is linked to the account you used to sign up for the beta testing program.

iOS 17 is a big update considering the number of additions it brings to the table. At release, we expect a new StandBy option that turns your iPhone into a smart display when connected to a charger and placed horizontally. Widgets will be available on the lock screen and home screen, which is more than a welcome addition.

Furthermore, the widgets are interactive, meaning you don't need to open the specific app to see additional information. AirDrop also gets new features, such as NameDrop for faster contact sharing and contact posters. You can check out more details about iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 in our dedicated announcement post.

Apple will release subsequent public and developer betas in the future for testing purposes, allowing the company to perfect the platform before the final release. As for the final release, the iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 release will be available for download on all compatible iPhone and iPad models sometime in September, along with the new iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 models.