Missing Features

Apple aims to impress with its new systems, prompting users to eagerly await and install features as soon as possible. However, it's important to recognize that not all features are available immediately upon installation. Some may only appear in later beta versions, while others could take up to six months post-public release to become functional. Additionally, even when features are present, they may not operate as intended right away.

Poor Performance and Battery Life

A common downside of beta versions is diminished battery life and overall performance. Often, the introduction of new features can overload system resources, leading to these issues. For instance, with iOS 16, the new lock screen feature may negatively impact both performance and battery endurance. Furthermore, the system itself might not be fully optimized, exacerbating these problems.

Application Compatibility Issues

Many of us rely on specific applications for our daily tasks. When these crucial apps stop functioning correctly after installing a beta version, it can be quite disruptive. Compatibility issues may arise simply due to a clash between an app and the new operating system. To avoid such frustrations, it's advisable not to install beta versions on devices you depend on for work or personal use.

Rolling Back is Complicated

Many users assume that reverting to a previous version is straightforward if problems arise after installing a beta. Unfortunately, this is often not the case. Once you upgrade to a new major version, rolling back without data loss can be challenging. The system won’t provide an option for downgrading, and you may need to completely reinstall it, resulting in potential data loss unless a backup is available. Notably, downgrading watchOS is impossible once upgraded.

Risk of Device Malfunction

Some beta versions can be so unstable that they render your device inoperable. I experienced this firsthand with my Apple Watch, which I couldn't use for two months due to a beta issue. In our newsroom, we’ve seen an iPhone and a Mac become non-functional after beta installations, requiring complete reinstalls and loss of data. There’s no guarantee your device won’t fail entirely, so it’s wise to avoid installing beta versions on devices you rely on daily. Even secondary devices come with the risk of becoming non-operational after a beta installation.

Here’s a video discussing the differences between the official iOS and the beta version.

This video explains why you should think twice before upgrading to iOS 17.