How to Install the iOS 18 Public Beta

While Apple developer account holders have been enjoying iOS 18 betas, the public beta is now available for everyone. Setting up the public beta is easier than the developer beta and it’s free. The process for iPadOS 18 is identical.

What to Expect with a Beta

Be aware that beta versions might not include all the new features right away; many will be added later. Beta testing can also bring stability issues and battery drain. In rare cases, betas might cause significant problems or even render your device unusable, so back up your device before installing the beta.

New Features in iOS 18

The standout update in iOS 18 is the Apple Intelligence suite of AI features, including AI photo editing and writing assistance. Additionally, an on-device “semantic index” can process requests using personal data, like finding details in your messages, emails, and calendars when you ask, “What time is dinner with Mom?” These features will be available in the beta this fall. Other updates include an overhauled Photos app and a more customizable Control Center and home screen.

 Devices Supporting iOS 18

Excluding the Apple Intelligence features — which require an iPhone 15 Pro, Pro Max, or iPads with M1 chips and up — iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 are compatible with:

 iPhones

– iPhone 15
– iPhone 15 Plus
– iPhone 15 Pro
– iPhone 15 Pro Max
– iPhone 14
– iPhone 14 Plus
– iPhone 14 Pro
– iPhone 14 Pro Max
– iPhone 13
– iPhone 13 Mini
– iPhone 13 Pro
– iPhone 13 Pro Max
– iPhone 12
– iPhone 12 Mini
– iPhone 12 Pro
– iPhone 12 Pro Max
– iPhone 11
– iPhone 11 Pro
– iPhone 11 Pro Max
– iPhone XS
– iPhone XS Max
– iPhone XR
– iPhone SE (second-gen or later)

iPads

– iPad Pro (M4)
– iPad Pro 12.9-inch (third-gen and later)
– iPad Pro 11-inch (first-gen and later)
– iPad Air (M2)
– iPad Air (third-gen and later)
– iPad (seventh-gen and later)
– iPad Mini (fifth-gen and later)

How to Install the iOS 18 Public Beta

Setting up the beta is simple, and the steps are the same for iPadOS 18.

1. Ensure your device is running at least iOS/iPadOS 16.4 by going to Settings > General > About.
2. Sign up for the Apple beta program using the same Apple ID as the device you want to run the beta on by visiting the beta program site and clicking Sign up.
3. After signing up, select the tab for the OS you want to test (iOS 18 or iPadOS 18) for further instructions.
4. To start the update, go to Settings > General > Software Update.
– If you’re familiar with beta updates, you might see the iOS 18 Beta (or iPadOS 18 Public Beta) right away. Otherwise:
5. Tap the new Beta Updates option.
6. Select the desired update for your Apple ID. If necessary, use a different Apple ID.
7. Choose iOS 18 Public Beta (or iPadOS 18 Public Beta).
8. Return to the previous screen and tap Update Now (or Update Tonight if you prefer to wait).

And you’re done! Enjoy exploring the new features.