Apple iOS 17.6 Beta release notes, how to update, eligible iPhones, and more

The first iOS 17.6 Beta, tvOS 17.6 Beta, and iPadOS 17.6 Beta have started rolling out for developers to fine-tune apps and games, ensuring they run well on the upcoming software version. You can now download and install it to check out the new features and stability. Do note that you will need to be a part of the Apple Developer program to access this early build.

17.6 might be the last iteration of this year's Apple software. At WWDC, we were introduced to iOS and iPadOS 18, which have promised a list of new features, including Apple Intelligence. This patch won't add any significant new features. However, support for more smart home devices is expected with some bug fixes.

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iOS 17.6 Beta and iPadOS 17.6 Beta release notes

iOS 17 introduced a host of features when it launched in 2023 (Image via Apple)

For now, we don't have any official news on the exact changelog with the latest iOS and iPadOS versions. As mentioned, they are expected to bring minor changes.

If you find any major updates being introduced, comment and let us know so we can update this article, while we await an official patch note from Apple for the latest information.

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How to update to iOS 17.6 Beta

iOS 17.6 Beta is now available for download (Image via Apple)

iPadOS and iOS 17.6 Beta updates have started arriving in the Software Update section for users with an Apple Developer account. Do note being registered as a developer is necessary to get access to the download.

The latest version is a 6.33 GB download. Follow these steps to get it once you have met the Developer criteria:

1. Go to Settings → Software Update.
2. From Beta Updaes, choose iOS 17 Developer Beta.
3. Click on the blue Update Now button to download the version.

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Which iPhones support iOS 17.6 Beta?

The same set of devices that support iOS 17 will have the latest iOS 17.6 Beta. The full list is as follows:

1. iPhone XS
2. iPhone XS Max
3. iPhone XR
4. iPhone SE second generation
5. iPhone SE third generation
6. iPhone 11
7. iPhone 11 Pro
8. iPhone 11 Pro Max
9. iPhone 12
10. iPhone 12 Mini
11. iPhone 12 Pro
12. iPhone 12 Pro Max
13. iPhone 13
14. iPhone 13 Mini
15. iPhone 13 Pro
16. iPhone 13 Pro Max
17. iPhone 14
18. iPhone 14 Plus
19. iPhone 14 Pro
20. iPhone 14 Pro Max
21. iPhone 15
22. iPhone 15 Plus
23. iPhone 15 Pro
24. iPhone 15 Pro Max

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Which iPads support iPadOS 17.6 Beta?

iOS 17 introduced NameDrop (Image via Apple)

For iPads, the supported device list remains the same. These include:

1. iPad mini (6th generation)
2. iPad (10th generation)
3. iPad Air (4th generation)
4. iPad Air (5th generation)
5. iPad Air 11-inch (M2)
6. iPad Air 13-inch (M2)
7. iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation)
8. iPad Pro 11-inch (2nd generation)
9. iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation)
10. iPad Pro 11-inch (4th generation)
11. iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)
12. iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation)
13. iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th generation)
14. iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th generation)
15. iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th generation)
16. iPad Pro 13-inch (M4)
17. iPad mini (5th generation)
18. iPad (6th generation)
19. iPad (7th generation)
20. iPad (8th generation)
21. iPad (9th generation)
22. iPad Air (3rd generation)
23. iPad Pro 10.5-inch
24. iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2nd generation)

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The iOS 17.6 Beta dropped at the same time as iOS 18 Beta. You can now preview both versions of the iPhone operating system. However, changing beta programs can be a bit challenging. If you have a supported device, I recommend sticking to the superior iOS 18 version.