Beta 1 of iOS 17.6, macOS Sonoma 14.6, iPadOS 17.6 Released for Testing

Apple may be beta testing the next major system software releases with MacOS Sequoia beta and iOS 18 beta, but concurrently they’re also continuing to beta test upcoming system updates for existing iOS and macOS versions. Specifically, Apple has just released the first beta versions of iOS 17.6, MacOS Sonoma 14.6, iPadOS 17.6, watchOS 10.6, and tvOS 17.6.

If you’re a beta tester, you likely have jumped ahead and already installed iOS 18 beta or installed MacOS Sequoia beta, and those users won’t be eligible to get the iOS 17.6 beta or macOS 14.6 beta unless they downgrade first.

What is new in betas for iOS 17.6, iPadOS 17.6, macOS Sonoma 14.6?

It’s unlikely that any major new features are coming in iOS 17.6, iPadOS 17.6, or macOS Sonoma 14.6, and these updates are more likely to be focused on bug fixes and security patches.

Given that it’s the first beta version, it’s always possible that this will change as the beta development cycle advances.

How to Download iOS 17.6 beta 1, iPadOS 17.6 beta 1, macOS Sonoma 14.6 beta 1

Your Apple ID must be enrolled in the beta testing programs to be able to access the new beta system software.

iOS 17.6 beta and iPadOS 17.6 beta can be downloaded by:

1. Go to Settings app, then to “General”
2. Go to “Software Update”, and then choose to install the iOS 17.6 beta

macOS Sonoma 14.6 beta is can be downloaded by:

1. Go to  Apple menu, and select System Settings
2. Go to “General”, and then to “Software Update”
3. Choose to install macOS Sonoma beta

Beta versions of tvOS and watchOS can be downloaded through those respective software update mechanisms.

While anyone can install betas onto their devices, it’s iportant to remember that most users should avoid beta releases because they are buggier and less stable than public final versions.

What is the most recent non-beta versions of Apple system software then?

The latest stable builds available of Apple system software are currently macOS Sonoma 14.5 for Mac, iOS 17.5.1 for iPhone, iPadOS 17.5.1 for iPad, watchOS 10.5.1 for Apple Watch, tvOS 17.5 for Apple TV, and visionOS 1.2 for Apple Vision Pro.