The beta release schedule for iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 appears to be accelerating, with iOS 15 beta 6 and iPadOS 15 beta 6 released for testing. The new builds come just a week after the prior beta versions.
Typically a developer beta version rolls out first and the same build arrives soon after as a public beta release.
The sixth beta pulls support for SharePlay FaceTime screen sharing and video sharing features, and offers an option to combine the Safari tab bar into the top similar to prior versions of iOS.
How to Download iOS 15 Beta 6 / iPadOS 15 Beta 6
Be sure to backup iPhone or iPad before installing beta system software updates.
- Open the “Settings” app
- Go to “General”
- Go to “Software Update”
- Download and install the available beta 6 update
The device must reboot to complete installation.
While the initial release is available for developers, a public beta build of the same version should arrive soon after. Any user can install public beta of iOS 15 on iPhone, or install iPadOS 15 public beta on iPad but due to the nature of beta system software it is best reserved for advanced users. If you do install the beta and decide you’re not happy with the experience, downgrading from iOS 15 beta is possible if you have a backup made from iOS 14.
iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 includes some new features, changes, and other adjustments to the iPhone and iPad operating systems, including a redesigned Do Not Disturb mode called Focus, redesigned Notifications, the ever-changing Safari interface, Safari tab grouping feature, Safari Extensions, Live Text for selecting text within images, along with many changes to apps like Maps, Health, Photos, Music, and Weather. The iPad also gains abilities to place widgets anywhere on any home screens, and refined multitasking capabilities. iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 also include new anti-child abuse features that scan your pictures for illegal content and reports them to authorities if offending material is found. The FaceTime Screen Sharing and SharePlay features will apparently arrive in a later iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 update.
Apple has said the final versions of iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 will be released in the fall.