Innovation is infused in every new version that Apple cooks up for iOS. This year, the thrill seems to percolate through iOS 18, currently in its public beta-testing phase. So, if you can't wait to find out what's ahead, this guide will walk you through the process of downloading and installing the iOS 18 public beta on your iPhone.
Public betas mean you get to use our next big software update with all the new great features and not-so-great new bugs that come bundled in. You may be affected by bugs, crashes, or even incomplete and not-fully-developed features. Bonus includes a beta release that has the potential to slow down your device and drastically lower your battery life.
Backup Your iPhone This one has to be the most critical step. A backup lets you revert to the old iOS version if anything should go wrong. You can back up to iCloud or your computer using iTunes or Finder. Check for Compatibility Not all iPhones are made equal. Make sure that your model iPhone can run the public beta version of iOS 18 by checking Apple's official page.
Expect the unexpected: Beta software is a work in progress. Be ready to stutter just a little bit and see a lot less perfection than a final, public release.
Ready to dive in? Let's go!
Step 1: Enroll Your Apple ID in the Apple Beta Software Program
From your Safari browser, open beta.apple.com.
Log in with your Apple ID.
Tap "iOS," then "Enroll your device."
Read the agreement, then tap "Accept."
Step 2: Download the iOS 18 Public Beta Configuration Profile
On the beta.apple.com site, in the section entitled "iOS," locate the "Download Profile" button.
A pop-up will show up. Click "Allow" to download the configuration profile.
Step 3: Install the Configuration Profile on Your iPhone
Open the "Settings" app on your iPhone.
Tap "Download and Install." You can also be prompted for your security—enter your passcode or use Face ID/Touch ID to authenticate.
You will see details of the profile; hit "Install." You may need to enter your passcode again for verification of the same.
On your iPhone, restart. This step is very important to let the changes that the profile has made take effect.
Step 4: Download and Install the iOS 18 Public Beta
When your iPhone has restarted, open the "Settings" app again.
Tap "General" then "Software Update."
You should now see the listing for the iOS 18 Public Beta. Tap "Download and Install."
Note: Beta updates can be pretty big. It's a good idea to connect your iPhone to a stable Wi-Fi network and plug it into a power source before starting.
When the download is complete, tap "Install Now" to update your software. You will see a progress bar on your iPhone; it may automatically restart when the update is complete.
When it is installed, your iPhone will boot up with the all-new iOS 18 public beta. Take some time to play around with the features and help shape future iOS releases by sending in your feedback using Apple's Feedback Assistant app.
Report Issues: If you run into bugs or other unexpected behavior, report them using the Apple Feedback Assistant app to help make the final release even better.
Staying Updated: Apple will come up with new beta updates quite often; these are used to fix any bugs and have further refinements. Keep checking for updates in the "Software Update" section of your iPhone's Settings app.
If the above issues are just too much for you, or you just want to go back to a more stable version of iOS, this is, unfortunately, doable but requires you to fully restore your iPhone using iTunes or Finder on your Mac. As all data will be erased, ensure creating a recent backup before doing so.
The capability to be customized adequately stands very high on Apple's priority list with iOS 18. Here is what one can expect:
1. Granular control over widgets: Resize and reshape widgets everywhere on your home screen.
2. Icon Theming (Some call it): Your way of changing the look of your app icons can give a completely different approach to how they should look.
3. Augmented Reality (AR) Integrations: iOS 18 would finally bring another layer of augmented reality features.
4. Real-Time Translation in AR/VR: Small on-screen translations in real-time within the AR or VR environments which allow smooth conversations in different languages.
5. Messaging Improvements: The details here are a few and far between, but there's room to speculate on messaging features such as:
RCS Messaging: Possible RCS support messaging support with iMessage, so there may finally be a bridge between using an iMessage feature and sending other text messages from an Android device.
6. Performance and Security Upgrades: With all its updates, some features that Apple ensures are:
Better System Performance: This simply means that your system could operate more fluently and with quicker response times.
Enhanced Security: New security measures with iOS 18, protect you and your data.
With all of the details under embargo, iOS 18 will look to bring much change. Being in control over your iPhone experience; having new cutting-edge AR features; and maybe, addressing long-standing limitations with messaging will be very major steps Apple will take with iOS 18, and push how consumers interact with iPhones.
Downloading and installing the iOS 18 public beta is a view into using the bleeding edge of iPhone software. Following these steps, you're going to jump right into the future with iOS; however, bear in mind that you do so at your own risk. That means being extra cautious and ready to occasionally encounter one small hiccup. Enjoy exploring iOS 18!
A public beta for iOS 18 is the pre-release of the prospective update made available to the general public in the iOS to test it. Users get to try the new features and send their feedback to Apple before the release of the official version.
Generally quite stable, public betas can still be a little buggy and rough around the edges compared with the final version. You might experience the occasional crash, weird behavior, or some features that just don't seem to work all that well. It's best to back up your device before installation and prepare for any problems.
Performance may sometimes be affected because betas include ongoing optimizations. While Apple improves stability in this area, you may notice slower performance or diminished battery life.
Generally, Apple posts a note about supported devices on their site. Go there to see if your particular iPhone model supports running iOS 18.
Make sure you have enrolled your device in the Apple Beta Software Program and installed the configuration profile. Actually, the update may take some time to show up after enrolling. This can also be checked through Settings > General > Software Update.
Lists of specific features aren't officially confirmed yet, but leaks and rumors include customization options, AR integrations, and messaging improvements.
Apple provides an app called Feedback Assistant for testing users to report bugs in the beta software and give feedback on their experience.