Going from Beta to Public OS

[Fatyank]

This is my first time using Beta OS. It’s on all my devices (iPad Pro 3rd gen, iPhone 11 Pro Max and Ultra watch). When these betas are done and the OS goes full public, how do I convert from Beta to Public OS? Do I need to remove Beta or does the public release replace the beta version?

 

[Howard Ellacott]

When the release versions come out you turn off the beta toggle in settings, before the next beta comes out. You can do it before, and the device will update to the next official release.

 

[Fatyank]

Thank you Howard. Just to be sure I understand, if I turn off beta today I won't get anymore updates but the Beta OS will remain on my devices and when the official update is released I will update as usual?

 

[fwmireault]

You can't (easily) downgrade, so if you disable beta, you'll get the next public release of any newer OS version (meaning that if you run iOS 17 Beta, you will not get access to iOS 16.6 when it's release in a few weeks, even if you disable beta software).

If you turn off beta today, your next public release will likely be iOS 17.0 in mid to late September. You will indeed stay on the same beta version you are on right now, and will not be offered new beta versions.

If you wait until the public release, just know that the last beta (called Release Candidate) usually has the same built number as the public release, because it is effectively the same software. So if you install the release candidate on your iPhone, you will only be offered a new update if it's a different build number or a superior OS version

 

[JCCL]

You can't (easily) downgrade, so if you disable beta, you'll get the next public release of any newer OS version (meaning that if you run iOS 17 Beta, you will not get access to iOS 16.6 when it's release in a few weeks, even if you disable beta software).

If you turn off beta today, your next public release will likely be iOS 17.0 in mid to late September. You will indeed stay on the same beta version you are on right now, and will not be offered new beta versions.

If you wait until the public release, just know that the last beta (called Release Candidate) usually has the same built number as the public release, because it is effectively the same software. So if you install the release candidate on your iPhone, you will not be able to access the public release version. They are effectively the same software so it makes no difference regarding the software experience, but you will be 'stuck' in the beta cycle until 17.0.1 or 17.1 is released.

Your last statement isn't true, you do not get stuck in the beta cycle if you install the release candidate version. You just disable Beta updates once you install the release candidate version (typically released the day of the event and new iPhone announcement). If the build number of the general release is higher, then the system will offer it for you. If they are the same, then no action for you, you're already on the general release version which has none of the beta diagnostic processes running.

 

[fwmireault]

Your last statement isn't true, you do not get stuck in the beta cycle if you install the release candidate version. You just disable Beta updates once you install the release candidate version (typically released the day of the event and new iPhone announcement). If the build number of the general release is higher, then the system will offer it for you. If they are the same, then no action for you, you're already on the general release version which has none of the beta diagnostic processes running.

My apologies, I didn't recall correctly the last time I've been on an RC version apparently. I'll fix my comment. Thanks!

 

[gwhizkids]

I wish we could pin this thread because this question is going to be asked a thousand times as we approach the release of the Release Candidate (Sept 12th or 13th, most likely).