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iOS 16.1 beta 5 now available ahead of public release later this month [U: Public beta]

Following the release of iOS 16.0.3 to all users on Wednesday, Apple is now rolling out iOS 16.1 beta 5 to developers. The new beta update, which adds new features to the iPhone operating system, comes ahead of the official iOS 16.1 release to the public expected later this month.

Today’s build number is 20B5072b, compared to the previous build 20B5064c. Developers and public beta testers can now install the iOS 16.1 beta 5 update by going to the Software Update menu within the Settings app on an iPhone or iPad enabled to get beta updates.

In addition to iOS 16.1 beta 4, here’s what else Apple is rolling out today:

  • iPadOS 16 beta 12
  • macOS Ventura beta 11
  • tvOS 16.1 beta 5

What changes with the update?

iOS 16.1 enables battery percentage for iPhone XR, 11, 12 mini, and 13 mini. Apple has tweaked the battery indicator so that it now has a dynamic icon when the percentage is enabled. The update also adds a Clean Energy Charging option, Live Activities API, and early support for the Matter protocol. For iPad users, iPadOS 16.1 brings Stage Manager for the 2018 and 2020 iPad Pro.

Here’s a detailed roundup of some of the major changes in iOS 16.1 so far:

  • Live Activities: Live Activities help you stay on top of things that are happening in real-time, right from your Lock Screen;
  • Live Activities API: Follow an ongoing sports game, track the progress of your ride, or order with just a glance. Glance at Live Activities from your favorite third-party apps with the new developer API;
  • Apple Wallet app can be deleted: iOS 16.1 now lets users delete the Wallet app for the first time. As you’d expect, deleting the Wallet app means you won’t be able to use a number of different features, including Apple Pay, Apple Cash, and Apple Card;
  • Matter support: Matter is a new smart home connectivity standard that will enable compatible accessories to work together seamlessly, across platforms;
  • iCloud Shared Photo Library: A new way for families to share photos seamlessly with a separate iCloud library that up to six users can collaborate on, contribute to, and enjoy. Users can choose to share existing photos from their personal libraries or share based on a start date or people in the photos;
  • Clean Energy Charging: Clean Energy Charging aims to decrease the carbon footprint of the iPhone by optimizing charging times for when the grid is using cleaner energy sources.

When will iOS 16.1 be available to the public?

According to a recent report by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple plans to release iOS 16.1, iPadOS 16.1, and other software updates to the public the week of October 24. The software updates should come in time for the launch of new products, such as the rumored 10th generation iPad, iPad Pro with M2 chip, and updated MacBook Pros.

Spot any changes in today’s release of iOS 16.1 beta 4? Let us know in the comments below or on Twitter @9to5Mac. Stay tuned for our full hands-on coverage with the new releases right here at 9to5Mac today and throughout the rest of the week.

iOS 16.1 beta 5 update.

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Avatar for Filipe Espósito Filipe Espósito

Filipe Espósito is a Brazilian tech Journalist who started covering Apple news on iHelp BR with some exclusive scoops — including the reveal of the new Apple Watch Series 5 models in titanium and ceramic. He joined 9to5Mac to share even more tech news around the world.

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