Apple Seeds Eighth Beta of iOS 16 to Developers [Update: Public Beta Available]

Apple today seeded the eighth beta of an upcoming iOS 16 update to developers for testing purposes, with the update coming a week after Apple released the seventh developer beta.

ios 16 lock screen feature2
Registered developers can download the iOS 16 profile from the Apple Developer Center, and once installed, the beta will be available over the air. There is no iPadOS 16 update at this time as Apple has split iPadOS into iPadOS 16.1, which will be released after iOS 16.

iOS 16 introduces a revamped Lock Screen that offers a new level of personalization and customization through widgets, a notification redesign, and adjustable fonts and colors for the time. Multiple Lock Screens are supported, similar to watch faces, and can be associated with Focus modes.

Focus is easier to set up than before and more customizable, with Focus filters available to cut out distracting content within apps. The Messages app now features tools for editing an iMessage, unsending an iMessage, and marking messages as unread, plus it supports SharePlay, much like FaceTime.

The Mail app has improved search and tools that include undo send, schedule send, and follow up so you can get a reminder to check up on an email if you haven't gotten a response. Safari supports Shared Tab Groups and Apple is working to replace passwords with Passkeys, a more biometrically secure way to log in to accounts.

iCloud Photo Library allows users to more easily share photos with family members, and Live Text is supported in video. There's a neat new feature for lifting the subject from a background with a tap, which is part of Visual Lookup.

Dictation has improved, Maps now supports multi-stop routing, Apple Pay Later lets you split up purchase payments, and the Home app has been entirely overhauled with a new look. The fifth beta of iOS 16 added the battery percentage back to the status bar on iPhones that have a notch, plus it introduced new sounds for locating an iPhone via Find My or the Apple Watch.

There are tons of other new features in iOS 16 and iPadOS 16, with a full rundown on everything available in our dedicated roundup.

Related Forum: iOS 16

Popular Stories

iPhone 17 Pro Dark Blue and Orange

iPhone 17 Release Date, Pre-Orders, and What to Expect

Thursday August 28, 2025 4:08 am PDT by
An iPhone 17 announcement is a dead cert for September 2025 – Apple has already sent out invites for an "Awe dropping" event on Tuesday, September 9 at the Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California. The timing follows Apple's trend of introducing new iPhone models annually in the fall. At the event, Apple is expected to unveil its new-generation iPhone 17, an all-new ultra-thin iPhone 17...
xiaomi apple ad india

Apple and Samsung Push Back Against Xiaomi's Bold India Ads

Friday August 29, 2025 4:54 am PDT by
Apple and Samsung have reportedly issued cease-and-desist notices to Xiaomi in India for an ad campaign that directly compares the rivals' devices to Xiaomi's products. The two companies have threatened the Chinese vendor with legal action, calling the ads "disparaging." Ads have appeared in local print media and on social media that take pot shots at the competitors' premium offerings. One...
maxresdefault

The MacRumors Show: iPhone 17's 'Awe Dropping' Accessories

Friday August 29, 2025 8:12 am PDT by
Following the announcement of Apple's upcoming "Awe dropping" event, on this week's episode of The MacRumors Show we talk through all of the new accessories rumored to debut alongside the iPhone 17 lineup. Subscribe to The MacRumors Show YouTube channel for more videos We take a closer look at Apple's invite for "Awe dropping;" the design could hint at the iPhone 17's new thermal system with ...
iPhone 17 Pro Iridescent Feature 2

iPhone 17 Pro Clear Case Leak Reveals Three Key Changes

Sunday August 31, 2025 1:26 pm PDT by
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series on Tuesday, September 9, and last-minute rumors about the devices continue to surface. The latest info comes from a leaker known as Majin Bu, who has shared alleged images of Apple's Clear Case for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, or at least replicas. Image Credit: @MajinBuOfficial The images show three alleged changes compared to Apple's iP...

Top Rated Comments

SwiftArtery Avatar
39 months ago
Beta 7: 20A5356a
Beta 8: 20A5358a
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
DMG35 Avatar
39 months ago
Last beta was flawless for me. Not sure how much more they can improve it on my end.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Octavius8 Avatar
39 months ago
Let’s talk about “focus mode”. Why not just a simple “do not disturb button”?. Why make a simple thing complex then “easier” after some 2 years?.
Only hardcore users use it. Why the non -user friendly name?. My parents in law and my wife never know that “focus” is a “kind of semi Customizable do not disturb, with a name that does not make easy sense”. Really. Just name it after the intended function!!!: “do not disturb”!!!. Is it so hard?. Why put a “deep” name to a simple thing?.
This is not progress!.
So many clicks to customize a focus mode?, and even then, not really customizable. Not more ways to customize in ios16 than in 15.
And the dial pad still CAN’T edit a mistyped number???!!!
Is this a smart rock or what?. Nobody important uses iPhone as the common people.
Why make it ilegal to have the super nice features available by the “non official channels”???
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
srbNYC Avatar
39 months ago
These comments are almost all speculation and there's a speculation thread and this isn't a speculation thread and I'm very upset.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ct2k7 Avatar
39 months ago
This should be the last, right?

Hope for no more bugs ?

Attachment Image
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
AppleFan91 Avatar
39 months ago
Not seeing it just yet but, this looks like next week will be RC and then a week later is the launch!
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)