All of the new features Apple unveiled at its WWDC 2024 keynote will be available to you when iOS 18 releases later this year, most likely around the time of the iPhone 16 models. To personalize your home screen, view the redesigned Photos, or test out any of the other new iOS 18 features, you can download a beta version of the software right now if you can’t wait until fall.
This would be the iOS 18 developer beta, which is officially only available to participants in the $99 annual Apple Developer Program, which grants access to the company’s entire toolkit for creating apps that run on its platforms. However, the developer program also offers a free tier that you can access by simply logging in with your Apple ID. This tier grants you access to things like software betas, such as the one for iOS 18 that is currently accessible.
Though first, we need raise a few red lights. We can demonstrate how to obtain the iOS 18 developer beta. This version are still in the early stages of development and may have many errors, some of which may be game-ending. They also lack finished functionality and polished edges. A beta version of an operating system might not support all of the apps you depend on. Additionally, reports that surfaced before the release of the iOS 18 preview cautioned that the early betas of the software would have more bugs than usual.
Here’s how to try out iOS 18 right now.
What you’ll need is an iPhone with an Apple ID from the Apple Developer program running iOS 16.5 or later. Additionally, a model that is more recent than the iPhone X is required.
Sign Up for the Apple Developer Program:
Register for the Apple Developer Program by visiting the website, then entering your Apple ID to log in. You can register for the Apple Developer Program’s free tier if you’re not already a member. You’ll be able to obtain software betas like the iOS 18 beta thanks to this.
Download the iOS 18 Beta:
Go to Settings > General > Software Update on your iPhone. Select the iOS 18 Developer Beta option by tapping on Beta Updates.
Install the iOS 18 Beta:
When the new “iOS 18 Developer Beta” option displays, tap Download and Install. After agreeing to the terms and conditions and entering your passcode, watch for the update to install. This should take ten to fifteen minutes.
Which smartphones can run iOS 18?
You must have an iPhone XS or later—that is, any iPhone with the A12 Bionic chip or later—in order to download iOS 18. By the way, iOS 17 and those device requirements are the same. Here is a complete list of iPhones that are compatible with iOS 18:
- 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 (2nd and 3rd generation)
