Apple just released the third beta version of iOS 17.

Historically, this means that the first public beta is probably imminent.

In addition, this year’s betas are some of the most stable in years.

Several screens of iOS 17

Apple

But is it worth installing them already?

Are there any features that are so compelling you just have to have themright now?

And what’s this about anyone being able to use the developer betas already?

iPad)S 17 on an iPad

Apple

“Battery life is perfection.

We’ve never seen lasting power like it on a beta.

Significantly impressed,” saysthe Is iOS 17 Stable?

Three screens of iOS 17 on an iPhone

Apple

Only let down by a few bugs."

Then, in the fall, the final version gets released, usually to coincide with new iPhone hardware.

Running a beta on your main machine will always be a risk.

Often, battery life is much worse, and you may get constant crashes.

So see to it you have good, recent, and tested backups before beginning.

And there’s one other big risk.

Is It Worth Installing the iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 Betas?

With these risks in mind, is it still worth it?

Yes, because these betas are the most stable in years.

And no, because there’s not that much to see.

And the iPhone getsStandby, aka nightstand mode, andLive Voicemail.

There’s more than this, of course, but it’s mostly polished with incremental improvements.

These are very welcome but not necessarily worth risking a beta for.

And there is another reason that a beta might not be as neat as it seems.

And this year, there’s one more twist.