APPLE fans can download an pre-release of the latest operating system – as long as they’re brave enough.
The tech giant unveiled iOS 18 at its developer’s conference in June. While it has yet to be formally released, a public beta is available for download on your iPhone.
Beta releases are software programs that are given to a large group of users to test in real-world conditions.
However, there’s a catch. Pre-releases are often full of bugs and do not function as smoothly as commercially released software.
Users who are interested in being among the first to preview iOS 18 can access the download in their phone’s Settings.
The device must be running iOS 16.4 or later.
Before downloading the beta, it is worth backing up your iPhone in case the release is too unstable to use. This step will allow you to restore your phone to a previous version.
Begin by signing in with your Apple ID at beta.apple.com. Then, open the Settings app and navigate to General.
Tap Software Update, followed by Beta Updates. You should be provided with a list of different pre-release software programs.
Select iOS 18 Public Beta and proceed to downloading and installing the software as prompted.
If the Beta Updates section doesn’t appear on your device, it’s likely because your Apple ID hasn’t been enrolled into the Public Beta program.
Make sure you’re using theApple ID associated with your device before repeating the process again.
Apple intends to collect feedback from its users to determine what, if anything, needs to be changed ahead of the program’s official release.
While iOS 18 has yet to go mainstream, a handful of users tested the beta version and shared their reactions on social media.
A common complaint on Reddit seemed to be the bold new design.
“I personally hate the colored brightness and volume dial, is there a possible way to turn that off?” one user asked.
However, others disagreed, claiming the vibrant display was the breath of fresh air the software needed.
“Unpopular opinion but the visuals alone look far better than what we have now,” another user wrote.
“Looking back at iOS 7 and seeing how flat and dull everything looks in comparison to what we have now is how I feel about this.”
The user claimed the most recent official release, iOS 17.5.1, “looks more lifeless” due to a “lack of color,” and professed: “Can’t wait for iOS 18.”
Apple has yet to lay out an official timeline for the iOS 18 release, simply saying it will debut “this fall.”
The new operating system comes equipped with an AI assistant called Apple Intelligence that can generate images and writing suggestions.
If your iPhone could get iOS 17, it'll also be able to get iOS 18.
Here’s the full list:
