Apple today released updated builds of iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 developer beta 3 a week after seeding the original third beta. The updated developer beta 3 comes with the build number 21A5277j, compared to the beta released a week ago which carried the build number 21A5277h. Apple also released an updated developer beta 3 build for macOS Sonoma.
It is still unclear why Apple opted to release an updated beta 3 build instead of releasing a new fourth beta, but the company could be preparing to release the first public beta of iOS 17 and other major software releases. Public betas are usually released in July, and Apple last week briefly took down its Beta Software Program website for server-side maintenance likely in preparation for public betas.
iOS 17 introduces several major new features and changes to iOS, including a complete redesign of the call screen for friends and family, Messages and FaceTime enhancements, interactive widgets, all-new keyboard autocorrect, and more. Registered developers with the Apple Developer Program and those who signed up with their Apple ID on the Apple Developer website can now install iOS 17 on supported devices before its public launch in the fall.
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We will keep this article updated with any additional changes found in iOS 17 beta 3 rerelease, including references to new features or unreleased products. Find something new in this beta? Send us over an email or just tag us on Twitter!
How to download iOS 17
With iOS 16.4 released in March, Apple introduced a new method to install developer betas. Now, devices enrolled with a linked Apple Developer Program account or those who signed up with their Apple ID on Apple Developer will see a new menu within General -> Software Update in Settings that allows users to opt into receiving beta updates. Devices that aren’t enrolled and linked to an Apple Developer account won’t see the menu and therefore aren’t able to install the upcoming versions of iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS before their public debut.
Last month, it was revealed that Apple changed how to get access to developer betas. Previously, only those who enrolled as part of the Apple Developer Program were able to get their hands on developer betas after paying a $99 annual program fee. The changes made last week mean anyone who signs up on the Apple Developer website also gets access to developer betas. Signing into the Apple Developer website without enrolling in the Developer Program is free, effectively opening up developer betas access to everyone.
Apple also does a public beta program, which is free and open to anyone who wishes to join. Public beta program members are likely to get access to iOS 17 and the rest of the new updates sometime this month, once the software has been tested with developers and deemed satisfactorily stable.
