Apple Releases Second Public Beta of iOS 17.6

Apple today seeded the second betas of upcoming iOS 17.6 and iPadOS 17.6 updates to public beta testers, with the betas coming two weeks after the initial iOS and iPadOS 17.6 developer betas.

iOS 17
Public beta testers can get the beta by opening up the Settings app, going to the Software Update section, tapping on the "Beta Updates" option, and toggling on the iOS 17 or iPadOS 17 Public Beta. Signing up on Apple's beta testing website is required.

The new additions Apple promised for iOS 17 have all been implemented at this point, so it is not clear what will be included in iOS 17.6, and no features were discovered in the developer betas.

With Apple now shifting its focus to iOS 18, it is likely that iOS 17.6 will include bug fixes and other under-the-hood improvements.

Apple has also seeded the second public betas of upcoming watchOS 10.6 and tvOS 17.6 updates.

Related Roundup: iPhone 17
Buyer's Guide: iPhone 17 (Neutral)
Related Forum: iPhone

Popular Stories

Apple Logo Zoomed

Tim Cook Teases Plans for Apple's Upcoming 50th Anniversary

Thursday February 5, 2026 12:54 pm PST by
Apple turns 50 this year, and its CEO Tim Cook has promised to celebrate the milestone. The big day falls on April 1, 2026. "I've been unusually reflective lately about Apple because we have been working on what do we do to mark this moment," Cook told employees today, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. "When you really stop and pause and think about the last 50 years, it makes your heart ...
wwdc sans text feature

Apple Rumored to Announce New Product on February 19

Thursday February 5, 2026 12:22 pm PST by
Apple plans to announce the iPhone 17e on Thursday, February 19, according to Macwelt, the German equivalent of Macworld. The report, citing industry sources, is available in English on Macworld. Apple announced the iPhone 16e on Wednesday, February 19 last year, so the iPhone 17e would be unveiled exactly one year later if this rumor is accurate. It is quite uncommon for Apple to unveil...
Finder Siri Feature

Why Apple's iOS 26.4 Siri Upgrade Will Be Bigger Than Originally Promised

Friday February 6, 2026 3:06 pm PST by
In the iOS 26.4 update that's coming this spring, Apple will introduce a new version of Siri that's going to overhaul how we interact with the personal assistant and what it's able to do. The iOS 26.4 version of Siri won't work like ChatGPT or Claude, but it will rely on large language models (LLMs) and has been updated from the ground up. Upgraded Architecture The next-generation...
iOS 26

iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 Will Add These New Features to Your iPhone

Tuesday February 3, 2026 7:47 am PST by
While the iOS 26.3 Release Candidate is now available ahead of a public release, the first iOS 26.4 beta is likely still at least a week away. Following beta testing, iOS 26.4 will likely be released to the general public in March or April. Below, we have recapped known or rumored iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 features so far. iOS 26.3 iPhone to Android Transfer Tool iOS 26.3 makes it easier...
iphone 17 pro dark blue 1

iPhone 18 Pro Max Rumored to Deliver Next-Level Battery Life

Friday February 6, 2026 5:14 am PST by
The iPhone 18 Pro Max will feature a bigger battery for continued best-in-class battery life, according to a known Weibo leaker. Citing supply chain information, the Weibo user known as "Digital Chat Station" said that the iPhone 18 Pro Max will have a battery capacity of 5,100 to 5,200 mAh. Combined with the efficiency improvements of the A20 Pro chip, made with TSMC's 2nm process, the...

Top Rated Comments

Jimmy Bubbles Avatar
21 months ago

With iOS 18 public beta just around the corner, there won’t be many takers for this one, I guess. ?
Oh man, you’re waiting for the PB‽ ?
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Reverend Benny Avatar
21 months ago

Anyone know what's included in 17.6? Seems weird to have a beta for an OS version that does nothing
Guessing now but I would at least expect a good pile of security updates. Usually that's not listed in advance.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Jimmy Bubbles Avatar
21 months ago

Yep, the plan is to put iOS 18 DB3=PB1 on my main gear. ?✌️
I’ve BEEN DB since day 1. Don’t be scared, just back up your shtuff.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
one more Avatar
21 months ago
With iOS 18 public beta just around the corner, there won’t be many takers for this one, I guess. ?
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
one more Avatar
21 months ago

Oh man, you’re waiting for the PB‽ ?
Yep, the plan is to put iOS 18 DB3=PB1 on my main gear. ?✌️
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
BeeeRick Avatar
21 months ago

I’ve BEEN DB since day 1. Don’t be scared, just back up your shtuff.
I wanted to do it, but the number of bugs users are posting on reddit, seems a little to risky for my tastes.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)