Apple has finally released the public beta of iPadOS 16, allowing those who are not registered developers to install the next version of the software.
As with any beta software, we advise you to exercise caution when installing on your primary device and back up your files before beginning the process below.
But if you’re happy to take the risk, installing iPadOS 16 software on your iPad lets you try out some of the new features before others.
What you will need:
- An iPad supporting iOS 16, we used a 12.9-inch iPad Pro
- An Apple ID
The short version
- Open the Apple Public Beta website
- Login
- Choose the iPadOS beta
- Register your iPad
- Download profile
- Install profile
- Restart the iPad
- Download and install iPadOS 16
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1On your iPad, go to the Apple beta site
This whole process is done from your iPad, so get the device ready and fully charged. Now open Safari and go to Apple’s beta software program site. You can find the link you need here.
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2Sign in to your Apple account
You’ll need an Apple ID to continue with this process, which you’ll most likely have if you have an iPad. Tap the Sign In option if you do, or the Sign Up option if you don’t. You will be asked to sign in, which may require 2FA authentication if you have it enabled.
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3Choose the iPadOS beta
Once logged in, you will find yourself on a landing page. Find the iPadOS option and tap on it.
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4Register your iPad
Next, scroll down to the Getting Started section and tap the “Please register your device” link. You will now be redirected to another landing page.
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5Download iPadOS 16 Profile
The next step is to install the required profile which will allow you to install iPadOS 16. Scroll down to ‘2. Install Profile,” then tap the blue button that says “Download Profile.” A pop-up window will appear, asking if it’s okay for the iPad to download the profile. Tap “Allow”.
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6Open settings
The rest of the setup process is done through the Settings apps. Once you open the settings, you will see a new option at the top that says “Downloaded profile”. Click on it.
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sevenInstall the iPadOS 16 profile
Another screen now appears and this is where you install the profile. To install the profile, tap on “Install” as shown in the image below. You will need to enter your password, then agree to some terms and conditions, before hitting the “install” option again.
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8Restart your iPad
Once the profile is installed, you will be asked to restart your iPad. Once your iPad has turned back on, return to the Settings app.
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9Download Setup and Beta
Once back in the Settings app, go to General, then Software Update. The iPadOS 16 beta should be visible. Click the Download and Install button. You will need to re-enter your password and accept other terms. Once the beta version is downloaded (it’s almost 5 GB), it will install automatically.
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tenEnjoy iPadOS 16
Once the installation process is complete, your iPad will reboot and boot into iPadOS 16.
Repair
Big features in iPadOS 16 include Stage Manager for improved multitasking, support for external monitors, and updates coming to iPhone, like a new Messages app.
Apple will release multiple versions of the iPadOS 16 beta before the full release. You don’t need to repeat the above process every time, as newer versions will install automatically.
