Apple has seeded the third beta of iOS 18.1 to get ready for next weeks release of its new iPhone 16 models. iOS 18.1 beta 3 for the iPhone 16 has a build number of 22B5034o, up from the 2B5034e version released for other devices.
As reported by MacRumors, Apple seeded iOS 18.1 beta 3 for the iPhone 15 Pro models back in August.
By making a version of iOS 18.1 available for the iPhone 16 models, Apple will allow users that currently have iOS 18.1 beta installed on their iPhone 15 Pro to be able to transfer their iCloud backups to their new iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, or iPhone 16 Pro Max with no hassle. (When restoring a backup to an iPhone, both devices must be running the same version of iOS, which can be a pain in the neck for users running betas on their device.)
The early release of the iOS 18.1 beta 3 will also allow media sites that already have their grubby little paws on an iPhone 16 to have an easier time setting up their new devices.
iOS 18 will be released on Monday, September 16, although the iOS 18.1 beta testing process will continue for several more weeks.