iOS 11 public beta 4 launches

Apple on Tuesday released a fourth public beta of iOS 11 to members of its Beta Software Program. Available over the air via the Software Update mechanism, the new public beta has the same features like a fifth beta for developers which dropped yesterday.

Everything new in iOS 11 public beta 4

With the new beta, Apple continues to refine iOS 11 ahead of its launch this fall.

Some app icons have been redesigned slightly in the new beta. Moreover, iOS 11’s much-improved Control Center continues to be refined with functional changes.

Note that the ability for the Messages app to sync your entire chat archive across devices through iCloud has been temporarily removed from this beta.

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Andrew’s hands-on video covers the following changes:

Messages

  • Messages in iCloud is unsupported in this beta, will be coming back later

Camera

  • New Portrait mode splash screen on iPhone 7 Plus

Icon tweaks

  • Two horizontal lines have been removed from the Camera app icon
  • The Settings app icon has been slightly darkened

Control Center

  • New icon on the Music widget to quickly change audio sources
  • Animates as well when devices are near
  • New text displays when activating toggles

Home screen, Notification Center & Lock screen

  • White dots instead of black for PIN or custom passcode
  • iOS music player now displays Device – Artist – Album
  • New slide-to-clear/open animation
  • Swiping “Open” from an alert launches the app now

Files app

  • You can finally save files locally on the Files app, but only in the folders that already exist as the app still lacks the option to create new folders

Miscellaneous

  • Splash screens explaining iOS 11’s new iPad-only features
  • Limited Health data sharing (opt-in)
  • Background App Refresh toggle for Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi and Cellular
  • Generic artist icon updated in the Music app
  • Folder names slowly fade in
  • When enabling the Smart Invert accessibility option, the screen goes grey for a moment
  • Horizontal View is fixed for many devices
  • New FaceTime ringing tone
  • Slight change to the animation when iPhone is raised
  • Quintuple click power key to call emergency services

Installing iOS public beta

You’re recommended to perform a full backup of your iOS device before installing the beta.

Don’t install the public beta on your daily driver due to bugs, crashes and battery drain. Apple will optimize iOS 11 for speed and power consumption ahead of its scheduled fall launch.

Before you can install the iOS public beta, sign in with your Apple ID at beta.apple.com.

Next, visit beta.apple.com/profile in iOS Safari to download Apple’s configuration profile, which permits your device to receive over-the-air public beta software updates.

Lastly, go to Settings → General → Software Update to install the latest iOS public beta.

To report bugs to Apple, use the included Feedback Assistant app.

Will you take iOS 11 public beta for a spin?

Originally released as a developer-only preview at WWDC in June, iOS 11 includes all-new iPad multitasking features with an interactive Dock, drag and drop and more.

TUTORIAL: How to switch from iOS beta to official release

All supported devices can take advantage of a customizable Control Center, a redesigned App Store, a brand new Files app with cloud storage support, AirPlay 2 with multi-room audio, additional Siri capabilities, visual refinements in stock apps with Apple Music-like bolder headings, a redesigned app drawer in the Messages app and more.

What’s your favorite new thing in iOS 11 public beta 4?

Don’t be shy, tell us in comments!

iOS 11 will release this fall for the supported iPhone, iPad and iPod touch models.