Now that it’s available, you can test Apple’s iOS 18 public beta before the software launches. official arrival this fall. Here’s everything you need to know about building iOS 18 ( iPadOS 18 and watchOS 11) beta.
First, keep in mind that, as its name “beta” suggests, this is a pre-release program that will reveal itself in ways that will frustrate and frustrate you. Some third-party apps may break (especially banking apps), and many Apple features may be incompatible or buggy until the company fixes the bugs in future updates.
We don’t recommend installing it on any device you use as your primary device – or at least unless you’re willing to accept some of the risks and trade-offs.
iOS 18 supported devices
You need a new iPhone to try the public beta. For iOS 18, this means the following models:
If you own one before then, you’re out of luck. But given that this year’s firmware covers models stretching back to 2018, you’d have to have a pretty old phone not to opt out.
How to install iOS 18 public beta
Installing the beta is easier than ever. First, if you’ve never installed an iOS public beta before, you’ll need to visit the Apple Beta Software Program website and register your Apple account.
After that, go Settings > General > Software Update on the iPhone. Select the “iOS 18 public beta” option. Then return to the Software Update screen and you should see an option to install the beta software.
iPadOS 18 supported devices
Here are the supported models for iPadOS 18 beta:
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iPad Pro (M4)
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iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later)
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iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and later)
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iPad Air (M2)
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iPad Air (3rd generation and later)
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iPad (7th generation and later)
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iPad mini (5th generation and later)
How to install iPadOS 18 public beta
If you haven’t already signed up for it above, you’ll need to visit the Apple Beta Software Program website and register your Apple account. (If you’ve ever signed up for the public beta, you can probably skip this step.)
Then, go Settings > General > Software Update on the iPad. Select the “iPadOS 18 public beta” option. Then return to the Software Update screen and you should see an option to install the beta software.
watchOS beta: Attention
The Apple Watch beta program carries more risks. If something isn’t working well and you want to downgrade to watchOS 10, you’re out of luck because you’re stuck there. If you downgrade a paired iPhone to iOS 17, your Apple Watch won’t work properly with your phone until you roll back to iOS 18. (However, if your phone is on iOS 18, you can leave the Apple Watch on watchOS 10. The route is less risky.)
In other words, don’t upgrade to watchOS 11 if you’re not sure you’re comfortable with the risk of being without a working Apple Watch for months. Then think twice.
watchOS 11 supported devices
To run watchOS 11 beta, you’ll need one of the following models:
How to install watchOS 11 public beta
If you’re comfortable with the risks for Apple Watch and want to install watchOS 11 beta, you’ll need to update your paired iPhone to iOS 18 beta first (see above).
After that, make sure your Apple Watch is connected to your iOS 18 phone and open the Watch app on your iPhone. Then go to it General > Software Update, and select watchOS 11 public beta. After doing this, the beta software should be available for download.
