Apple’s given iPhone users a chance to experience the future with the public release of iOS 18 Beta. Here’s a rundown of what you need to know before diving in, including how to download it.
Is Your iPhone Compatible?
Before getting excited, check if your iPhone can run iOS 18. It’s currently compatible with devices that can handle iOS 17, which means iPhone XR, iPhone XS, iPhone SE (2nd generation), and newer models. If you’re rocking an iPhone X, iPhone 8, or anything older, you’ll have to wait for the official release.
Back Up Your iPhone (Just in Case)
Before downloading any beta software, backing up your iPhone is crucial. Head to Settings > tap your Apple ID profile > tap iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now to create a safe copy of your data.
Downloading iOS 18 Beta
Here’s how to get your hands on the beta:
- Enroll your device on the Apple Beta Software Program website. You’ll need your Apple ID to log in.
- Once enrolled, launch the Settings app on your iPhone and tap General > Software Update.
- You should see a new option called “Beta Updates.” Tap on it and select iOS 18 Public Beta.
- The update should now appear on your Software Update screen. Expect it to be around 7GB, so downloading over Wi-Fi is recommended. You can choose to update now or schedule it for later.
A Word of Caution
Since this is a beta release, expect some bumps in the road. Beta software isn’t final, so you might encounter bugs and stability issues. The public beta should be more stable than the developer version, but for peace of mind, it’s wise to install it on a secondary phone if you have one. That way, if your essential apps don’t play nicely with iOS 18 Beta, your daily routine won’t be disrupted.
The final version of iOS 18 is expected to launch sometime in Q3 2024, just in time for the iPhone 16 lineup. By downloading the beta now, you can get a sneak peek at the features Apple has in store for the future of iPhones. You can read about iOS 18 and the other feature Apple announced at this year’s WWDC here.
