By Jennifer | Last Updated
Eager to experience the new features of iOS 18? Apple’s beta program lets you experience the latest updates before the public release. However, installing a beta version requires caution to avoid potential issues.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to download and install iOS 18 beta on your iPhone safely. We’ll also cover preparation tips, troubleshooting common errors, and reverting to the stable version if needed.
The iOS Beta is a pre-release version of Apple's upcoming operating system, available to developers and the public for testing purposes. It allows users to explore new features and give feedback to Apple to help refine the final version.
However, it should be emphasized that Beta is not as stable as the official version, and it may contain some system bugs, such as iPhone runs slowly, draining the battery so fast, or over heating up.
Before you decide to install iOS 18 Beta, make sure you know these necessary preparation steps to avoid possible problems.
1. Backup your data. iOS 18 Beta is not an official release and it may have crash or other malfunctioning errors, such as iPhone shutting off with battery left. This precaution will help you restore your files anytime if something goes wrong during or after the installation process. Thus, backup your iPhone with iTunes or iCloud in advance.
2. Check device compatibility. Not all older devices support the new iOS version, it is verified that the first generation iPhone SE, iPhone X and earlier versions is supported. If your iPhone is not compatible with iOS 18 Beta, it's all for nothing.
3. Make sure your device is fully charged. iPhone can easily brick if it runs out of battery during the software upgrade. Make sure your device has enough power or stay connected to a power source during the installation process.
4. Stable Internet connection. Downloading Beta firmware requires a stable internet connection.
After getting a basic understanding of downloading and installing iOS 18 Beta, if you still want to get a head start on exploring its new features, we're going to provide five easy ways to get iOS 18 Beta, including the free and paid methods, , and you can choose one of them according to your preference.
iSunshare iOS Repair Genius is a reliable and multifunctional tool that offers the option to downgrade and upgrade iOS with a single click. It does not require users to register for a any account, simplifying the process of downloading and installing iOS 18 Beta. Apart from this, the tool has options to fix iOS bugs, iTunes errors, and Apple USB Driver issues.
Step 1: Visit the official iSunshare website to download and install iOS Repair Genius on your computer and then run it.
Step 2: Click "iOS Upgrade/Downgrade" from the main menu and select "Upgrade iOS" option.
Step 3: Connect your device to the computer with a USB cable and click "Next".
The software will automatically detect your device model and download the corresponding iOS 18 Beta firmware, click "Download" to get it.
Step 4: After that, click the "Start" button to begin the installation and upgrade process. Wait for the process to complete and your device will reboot.
Joining the Apple Developer Program is one of the traditional and official ways to get a sneak peek at iOS Beta. In the past, only developer accounts that paid $99 per year could access iOS Beta, but with the launch of iOS 17 beta last year, regular users now can also experience iOS Beta by joining the Apple Developer Program at no extra cost.
Note: If you have other needs for premium features and services, such as distributing the app, you'll need to pay $99 per year.
Step 1: Visit the Apple Developer website and sign in with your Apple ID with dual-authentication enabled.
Scroll down and navigate to "Apple Developer Programs" and click the "Download" button.
Step 2: Read the Apple Developer Agreement and then click the "Submit" button after confirming.
Step 3: You will be redirected to the "Operating Systems" page. After downloading and installing the iOS 18 beta profile, your device will receive a push message if there is an update to the iOS 18 beta.
For those who don't want to join the Apple Developer Program or want a more stable beta, the "Apple Beta Software Program" is another way to experience the iOS 18 new features. Apple's public beta will be more stable than its predecessor, but its release will generally be later than the developer beta.
Step 1: Visit the Apple Beta Software Program website to register or sign in to your account.
Step 2: Once you've registered, for devices running iOS 16.4 or later, go to your device's "Settings" and navigate to "General" > "Software Update" > "Beta Updates" and select the "Public Beta" option.
Step 3: Then, your iPhone will has the iOS 18 Beta installation option on the "Software Update" page.
Step 4 (Option): For devices running iOS 16.3 and earlier, you'll need to head over to idmsa.apple.com to download the configuration file and follow the instructions to update.
If you don't want to register or log in to any of your accounts, downloading iOS Beta profile from a trusted source such as https://betaprofile.dev/ is one of the optional options to upgrade to iOS 18 Beta. However, you need to choose the source carefully to avoid security risks such as malware, virus attacks and fake files.
Step 1: Download the iOS 18 Beta configuration file from betaprofile.dev to your iPhone or iPad.
Step 2: Open "Settings" > "General" > "Profiles" on your device and install the downloaded profile.
Step 3: Go to "Software Update" and then you can get iOS 18 Beta.
You can also download the iOS 18 beta IPSW file on your computer and install it on your iPhone via iTunes or Finder.
Step 1: Select your device on https://ipswbeta.dev/ and choose its model number.
Step 2: Then select OS beta and click "Download" to get the corresponding IPSW file on your computer.
Step 3: Run iTunes or Finder on your computer, click "Check for Update" button to select the iOS 18 Beta IPSW file you just downloaded, and install it on your iPhone or iPad.
If you encounter problems in downloading or installing iOS 18 beta, try these fixes:
Pro Tip: Use a professional iOS repair tool, like iSunshare iOS Repair Genius, to resolve installation errors without data loss.
If you experience issues with iOS 18 beta, you can downgrade to the latest stable version. But downgrading will erase all data, so ensure you have a backup.
Just connect your iPhone to the computer and run iTunes/Finder. After selecting your iPhone, click the Restore iPhone button and it will restore your iPhone to a stable iOS 18 version.
With iOS 18 Beta, users can get an early taste of the new features and improvements it brings, but they also need to take on some possible system bugs. if you're ready to install and download iOS 18 Beta on your iPhone, you can choose one of the five methods provided in this article. Get started now and have a great time exploring.
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