How to Submit iOS Feedback When You’re Not Running Beta Software

Did you know there's a hidden Feedback Assistant app installed on your iPhone, even when you aren't running beta software? Here's how to find it.

When you’re not running beta software on your iPhone or iPad, the Feedback Assistant app that lets you report bugs and suggest changes disappears. Fortunately, there are still three simple ways to submit software feedback to Apple and help make iOS and iPadOS better.

Here’s how to send your iOS and iPadOS feedback to Apple, even when you’re not running a beta release.

Visit the Apple Product Feedback Website

User feedback is one of the main reasons Apple’s beta releases are important, but what if you need to submit feedback and you’re not running a beta release? You can do it right from a web browser.

Apple’s Product Feedback website makes it easy to submit feedback on hardware, software, and services from an iPhone, iPad, or desktop computer.

This method doesn’t require you to sign in; you only have to provide your name and email address.

To submit general iOS feedback, follow these steps:

1. Open the Product Feedback website and choose iPhone from the list of hardware devices.
2. Then, fill out the required personal information.
3. Next, write a descriptive title in the Subject line and add detailed comments in the Comments field.
4. Select the version of iOS you’re running.
5. Finally, check the box acknowledging that you’ve read Apple’s Unsolicited Idea Submission Policy and tap Submit Feedback.

If your feedback is for a specific Apple app or service, choose that category instead of the more general iPhone category.

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Use the Feedback Assistant Web App

You can also sign in to the Apple Feedback Assistant web app, which lets you view drafts, read release notes, and respond to replies from past submissions.

To send bug reports and suggestions using the Feedback Assistant web app, follow these steps:

1. Open the Feedback Assistant website and sign in using your Apple ID.
2. Tap the Compose New Feedback button.
3. Select iOS & iPadOS from the list of categories.
4. Enter a descriptive title, choose the appropriate problem area, and select a feedback type.
5. Next, write a detailed description of your feedback. If it’s a bug, include steps to reproduce the bug.
6. Attach relevant screenshots or screen recordings from your photo library or the Files app using the file picker.
7. Finally, tap Submit to send your feedback.

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Use the Hidden Feedback Assistant App

The Feedback Assistant app, which lets you easily submit iOS beta feedback, is only visible on your iPhone when you’re running beta software. However, the app is still there, hidden, when you’re not on the beta. To access it, simply open the following URL in Safari: applefeedback://.

This URL scheme will open the app and prompt you to sign in using your Apple ID.

Then, you can view your inbox, respond to requests for more details, and follow the steps above to compose a new feedback message.

Using Shortcuts to Open the Feedback App

You can even create a simple shortcut to launch the hidden app using the Shortcuts app and add that as an icon on your Home Screen. Here’s how:

1. Create a new shortcut in the Shortcuts app and add a URL action.
2. Paste the URL "applefeedback://" into the URL field.
3. Then, add an Open URL action below it.
4. Tap the Details button and choose Add to Home Screen.
5. Finally, give the shortcut’s Home Screen icon a name and tap Add.

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Let Apple Know What You Think About Your iPhone

Apple’s feedback systems make it simple to report bugs and make suggestions about its software. Whether you use the website or the hidden app, you can help make iOS and iPadOS better even when you’re not running beta software.

And if you’re thinking about installing the next iOS or iPadOS beta release, it’s a good idea to learn the differences between Apple’s Developer Beta and Public Beta programs first.

About The Author

Tom Twardzik (34 Articles Published)

Tom writes about tech and how to make the most of it. You'll also find him covering music, movies, travel, and a variety of niches across the web. When he's not online, he's building iOS apps and claims to be writing a novel.

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