Installing the iOS beta software is your ticket to experiencing Apple's newest software innovations before they go live for everyone as a part of an official release, and it's perfect for those who are eager to get their hands on the latest iOS features. You can essentially get your hands on the new software as a part of Apple's developer and public beta programs, which give enthusiasts the chance to test pre-release builds and report any bugs.

While exciting, it's important to remember that beta software can be unstable, and it may affect your iPhone's stability, battery life, and performance overall. If you're ready to risk it, then you can download and install the latest iOS beta build available by following the steps below.

Backing up your iPhone

A crucial prerequisite

First things first: Backup, backup, backup! Most of the time, installing the betas works smoothly, so nothing should be erased, but that doesn't make them foolproof. If you find yourself starting from scratch, you'll want to make sure you have a backup of all your important data.

  1. Open Settings on your iPhone, and tap your name at the top.
  2. Head to iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now.
    Screenshot of iCloud backup
  3. If you'd rather have a local backup, you can back up your iPhone with Finder or iTunes.

How to install the iOS 18 beta

Over-the-air (OTA)

This is the easiest and most straightforward way of installing the iOS beta. To do it:

  1. Launch the Settings app on your iPhone, and go to the General section.
  2. Tap on Software Update.
  3. Go to the Beta Updates section.
  4. Choose iOS 18 Developer Beta. The former program delivers new builds faster than the latter but requires a $99 per year subscription.
  5. Go back to the Software Update page, and the latest iOS 18 beta build available should appear as an available software update.
  6. Tap on Download and Install.
  7. Make sure your iPhone remains connected to a power source until the installation process concludes.

Using an iOS beta restore image

Apple also makes full images available for each device. This method is more complicated, but it's an option.

  1. Go to Apple Developer > Develop > Downloads.
  2. Under the iOS section, click Download Restore Images.
  3. Select your device from the list.
  4. Using a Lightning/USB-C cable, connect your iPhone to a Mac or Windows PC.
  5. You might have to choose to Trust This Computer on your iPhone and to Trust iPhone on the computer if you haven't already.
    Screenshot of Mac asking to trust iPhone
  6. After that, you'll find the device in Finder or iTunes. Select the iPhone on the side.
    Screenshot of iPhone in Finder
  7. While holding Option, press either Check for Update or Restore iPhone. If you press the former, this will work as an update, and you'll keep all of your data. If you choose the latter, it will erase everything when it installs the iOS beta.
  8. Select the iOS beta image that you downloaded in the file dialog that appears.
    Screenshot of file dialog selecting iOS 15 image
  9. Wait for the process to be completed before unplugging the iPhone.
    Screenshot of message saying iPhone is about to be updated to iOS 15

Proceed with caution when it comes to beta software

iOS beta builds can be exciting for those who don't want to wait for a stable release, but it's worth keeping in mind that apps or certain system features may not work as expected, if at all. So refrain from installing the beta if you depend on your iPhone for sensitive and serious tasks. You could switch back to the stable iOS version if you have a lot of issues, but it's recommended that you at least wait for some reviews or public opinion/feedback on the beta software you are about to install.