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iOS 16.1 beta 1 now available as Apple continues rolling out new features

Just two days after the release of iOS 16 to the general public, Apple has now released iOS 16.1 to developer beta testers. There are still a number of features still to come that were announced at WWDC this summer, and the expectation is that iOS 16.1 will include at least some of these new features.

Here are some of the features still to come to iPhone users this year:

  • Live Activities: Live Activities help you stay on top of things that are happening in real-time, right from your Lock Screen;
  • Live Activities API: Follow an ongoing sports game or track the progress of your ride or order with just a glance. Glance at Live Activities from your favorite third-party apps with the new developer API;
  • Matter support: Matter is a new smart home connectivity standard that will enable compatible accessories to work together seamlessly, across platforms;
  • iCloud Shared Photo Library: A new way for families a new way to share photos seamlessly with a separate iCloud library that up to six users can collaborate on, contribute to, and enjoy. Users can choose to share existing photos from their personal libraries, or share based on a start date or people in the photos
  • Clean Energy Charging: Clean Energy Charging aims to decrease the carbon footprint of the iPhone by optimizing charging times for when the grid is using cleaner energy sources

Developers can update their iPhone to iOS 16.1 by heading to the Settings app, choosing General, then choosing Software update. The build number is 20B5045d. Apple has also released new developer profiles that can be installed on the iPhone 14 devices as well.

Spot any changes in today’s release of iOS 16.1 beta 1? Let us know in the comments below or on Twitter @9to5Mac. Stay tuned for our full hands-on coverage with the new releases right here at 9to5Mac today and throughout the rest of the week.

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Avatar for Chance Miller Chance Miller

Chance is an editor for the entire 9to5 network and covers the latest Apple news for 9to5Mac.

Tips, questions, typos to chance@9to5mac.com