Per week after iOS 18 was introduced throughout the WWDC 2024 keynote, Apple launched iOS 17.6 beta 1. That is probably the final main iOS 17 software program replace earlier than iOS 18 is launched. In the meanwhile, it’s unclear what the adjustments are for this model, though Apple is probably going simply including safety patches and stability enhancements.
iOS 18 will embody a number of adjustments, reminiscent of a redesign of the House Display screen and Management Heart, Apple Intelligence, and different adjustments for its core apps. Nonetheless, a number of options aren’t out there with beta 1.
That mentioned, builders may strive iOS 17.6 beta 1, as Apple is about to finish its iOS 17 growth cycle. With iOS 17.5, Apple introduced a couple of new options and adjustments:

Pleasure wallpapers: To have a good time Pleasure 2024, Apple brings “daring, symbolic shade to Apple Watch, iPhone, and iPad. Signaling hope, energy, and fellowship to LGBTQ+ communities, the beams of sunshine glow towards a darkish background and stack on high of one another to characterize the eternal impression of LGBTQ+ activism and its position in illuminating the trail to better equality for future generations.”
Podcasts widget change: The Podcasts widget has a brand new dynamic shade that adjustments relying on what you’re listening to.
Monitoring Notifications: Cross-platform monitoring detection delivers notifications to customers if a suitable Bluetooth tracker they don’t personal is shifting with them, no matter what working system the gadget is paired with.
Apple Information+: For Apple Information+ (or Apple One subscribers), customers can have a brand new offline mode that provides entry to the Right now feed and Information+ tab even once they don’t have an web connection.
Alongside iOS 17.6 beta 1, Apple can also be releasing the primary testing variations of iPadOS 17.6, watchOS 10.6, macOS 14.6, tvOS 17.6, and visionOS 1.3. We’ll let you understand if we discover something new on this beta cycle.