Apple seeded the iOS 16.1 release candidate the developers on Tuesday. This is generally the last stage before an operating system upgrade is introduced to the public.
The iPadOS 16.1 release candidate also went to devs at the same time. As did the macOS 13 Ventura RC, the watchOS 9.1 RC and the tvOS 16.1 RC.
iOS 16.1 is almost here
iOS 16 launched in September, bringing new customization options for the iPhone Lock Screen plus new ways to manage notifications. But at this point, less than half of iPhone users have installed it. It’s possible they’re waiting on the first major update, which will include new features and bug fixes.
And the debut of the iOS 16.1 release candidate means that update is almost here. Release candidates are what Apple used to call golden masters, and give beta testers an opportunity to test the final version of operating systems before they’re introduced to average users.
One advantage of RCs is that give an advance look at the release notes for updates. The one for iOS 16.1 says, “This update introduces iCloud Shared Photo Library making it easy to keep your family photos up to date. This release also adds support for third party apps in Live Activities, support for Apple Fitness+ on iPhone even if you don’t have an Apple Watch, and includes other features and bug fixes for your iPhone.”
The exact date for the iOS 16.1 debut is not yet known, but it’ll almost certainly launch on October 24 along with the iPad version.
And iPadOS 16.1, macOS Ventura, too
iPadOS 16.1 is a very significant update after Apple decided to not release version 16. So this will be the first replacement for iPadOS 15.x. It includes plenty of new features, including Stage Manager for many recent iPad models.
The exact release date for iPadOS 16.1 is no mystery. Apple said Tuesday it will launch October 24.
Don’t forget watchOS 9.1 and tvOS 16.1
While the Apple Watch and Apple TV software updates are expected soon – probably also on October 24 – these are fairly minor and there’s less anticipation.
Still, the watchOS 9.1 release candidate and the tvOS 16.1 equivalent are important to users of these devices.
