iCloud Private Relay (in Dutch ‘Private transfer’) is a kind of VPN, but with slightly different properties. Apple wants to introduce it in iOS 15 and iPadOS 15. However, the latest iOS 15 beta shows that it is not yet ready for a general rollout and that there are still some bugs. Instead, iCloud Private Relay will be released as a public beta. This test will be used to collect additional feedback and improve compatibility with websites. Only then will it be officially available. So you don't have to install a public beta version of iOS 15, but you can use it right away. But Apple doesn't promise it will work perfectly yet.
Some websites may still experience problems, such as showing content for the wrong region, or requiring additional steps to log in somewhere. iCloud Private Relay ensures that your exact location and IP address cannot be found, but does take the region into account.
Apple writes in the release notes of the beta:
< p>Private Relay is currently in beta. Some websites may have issues, like showing content for the wrong region or requiring extra steps to sign in.
With iCloud Private Relay, your Safari traffic becomes more secure as it is encrypted through two separate 'internet relays'. Companies can then not link personal information such as IP address, location and browser activity to you and thus also not build a profile. iCloud Private Relay is part of iCloud+, the paid iCloud storage that will give you some extra functions from 2021.
Apple has made even more minor changes in the latest beta, including VPNs. For example, VPN apps will now connect even if they use a private API that no longer exists in iOS 15. In Apple Maps, you can now properly zoom in on the Bay Bridge, and you can now use Siri in all Focus modes, not just Do Not Disturb.
Apple is in the process of finalizing the beta's and as a result, previously announced features may not immediately be included in the first release. We've got an overview of deferred iOS 15 features that won't be available until later.