How to install the iOS 18 public beta on your iPhone

❘ Updated: 2024-09-03T10:20:53

iOS 18 features are shown on various iPhones.

Apple

Apple has announced loads of new features in iOS 18. If you want to try out the software before the public release, install the public beta version of the software on your iPhone.

Apple announced iOS 18 during its WWDC keynote on June 10. The new software is one of the biggest iOS updates we’ve seen, bringing many new features and changes. It introduces new AI features, home screen customizations, app updates, and more.

The full release of the update is expected to be shortly after the iPhone 16 launch on September 9, but you don’t have to wait for that. Apple has already released the public beta of iOS 18. The most recent version is the iOS 18 Beta 8, which is available for both public testers and developers. Below are the steps to install it on your iPhone.

How to install the iOS 18 beta on iPhone

Apple has made it easier than ever to install beta releases of iOS. But before you get started, note that the beta version is not the most stable version of the software and you might experience some issues.

To join the public beta, go to Apple’s beta software program website on your device’s Safari browser. Sign up using the main Apple ID associated with your device.
Once done, go back to Settings and tap General.
Select Software Update. You should now see a new Beta Updates option under Automatic Updates. Select Beta Updates.
Select iOS 18 Public Beta under Beta Updates.
Go back one screen to Settings then General.
Tap Software Update. You should see your iOS 18 Beta update there. Select Download and Install and follow the instructions from there.

Screenshots showing steps to install iOS 18 public beta on iPhone

Which devices support iOS 18?

Wondering if your iPhone supports the new update? According to the company, you can download iOS 18 on the following models:

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 generation or later)

iOS 18 features

As we mentioned, iOS 18 is a big software update. There are numerous changes throughout the software. Key updates include an AI-powered Siri, that can do much more than it does now. It can help you summarize notifications, and news articles, and translate text in real time.

The new Siri is a part of the Apple Intelligence features, which are still under testing and may not be announced with the initial iOS 18 release.

The update brings new home screen customization options, like theming app icons and placing them anywhere you want. Dark mode can now automatically tint your icons, too.

On the lock screen, you can swap out the flashlight and camera icons with new controls. The Control Center also got a makeover, with more customization and different widget groups to play around with.