Apple has provioded developers the fifth beta builds of iOS 16.1 and tvOS 16.1, as well as the sixth beta for iPadOS 16.1.

The newest builds can be picked by developers taking part in the beta-testing program via the Apple Developer Center, or as an over-the-air update for any hardware that's already running the beta builds. Public beta versions of the releases generally arrive a short while after their developer counterparts, available through the Apple Beta Software Program website.

The fifth betas of iOS 16.1 and tvOS 16.1, and the sixth of iPadOS 16.1, land after the respective fourth and fifth, which appeared on October 4th, which in turn replaced the previous generation from September 27. The betas are out of lockstep due to Apple's decision to skip iPadOS 16's release in favor of 16.1 as the first public release of iPadOS.

The new iOS 16.1 and iPadOS 16.1 beta build number is 20B5072b, replacing build 20B5064c. The fifth tvOS 16.1 and HomePod Software Version 16.1 build number is 20K5068a, in place of 20K5062a.

Both AppleInsider and Apple itself strongly advise users don't install beta operating systems, or beta software in general, on to "mission-critical" or primary devices, as there is the chance of issues that could result in the loss of data. Testers should instead use secondary or non-essential hardware, and to make sure they have sufficient backups of their important data at all times.

Source: Appleinsider