Just hours after the release of dev beta 5 on Monday, Oct. 22, Apple released iOS 12.1 public beta 5 to software testers. The update came just one week after the company seeded the fourth 12.1 beta to developers and public testers alike, continuing the weekly update schedule established over the past few releases.
While we recommend all testers download and install iOS 12.1 public beta 5 as soon as possible, don’t be surprised when things appear the same. The update seems to offer only minor bug fixes and security patches, rather than any new features for testers coming from beta 4.
To download and update your iPhone to iOS 12.1 public beta 5, you first need to be a registered software tester with a valid configuration profile. If you have iOS 12’s new “Automatic Updates” enabled, you can let the software update overnight. To download the beta right now, however, launch the Settings app, select “General,” then “Software Update.” Tap “Download and Install,” then follow the on-screen prompts to download and install iOS 12.1 public beta 5.
Although no new features will appear with beta 5, public testers have early access to an assortment of awesome changes that are a part of iOS 12.1. New emoji, Group FaceTime, and more are available to all testers, so keep that in mind while installing minor updates like this one.
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Just updated your iPhone? You’ll find new emoji, enhanced security, podcast transcripts, Apple Cash virtual numbers, and other useful features. There are even new additions hidden within Safari. Find out what’s new and changed on your iPhone with the iOS 17.4 update.
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