Introduction

At WWDC 2024 event Apple introduced iOS 18, the first developer beta update. This release builds on the updated guidelines established last year, maintaining the same installation process. For those interested in experiencing new features before the official public release, this guide offers a step-by-step approach to downloading and installing iOS 18 on your iPhone and iPad (iPadOS 18).

iOS 18 Status and Release Date:

The release cycle for iOS 18 mirrors that of iOS 17 from the previous year. Following the announcement at WWDC, Apple promptly released the initial developer beta. This early beta is designed for developers and testers to explore new functionalities and provide feedback.

The next significant milestone is the public beta, which became available on July 15th. This phase allows a broader audience to test the software and preview upcoming features. The stable release of iOS 18 is anticipated to coincide with the launch of the iPhone 16, expected in the fall.
Throughout this development period, smaller beta updates may be issued leading up to the final public release.

iOS 18 Developer Beta: Available from June 10, 2024
Apple Released iOS 18 Public Beta on July 15, 2024
iOS 18 Stable Release: Expected between September and October 2024

How to activate or Install the iOS 18 Beta on iPhone:

Public beta releases are generally more stable than early developer versions, though they may still have some bugs. The iOS 18 public beta provides an early preview of features that will be included in the final release. By this stage, most core development tasks, including API work, are complete. However, there may still be adjustments to the user interface and the introduction of new features.

If you have an extra device available for testing, follow these steps:

Step 1:

Make sure the back up your iPhone, before installing any beta software. Use iCloud or your computer with iTunes to create a backup. This ensures that your data is protected in case you encounter issues during the installation process.

Step 2:

• 1. Go to the Safari app on your iPhone and

• 2. In the search bar for "Apple's Beta Software Program Website."

• 3. Sign in or sign up using your Apple ID.

Follow the instructions to enroll in the beta program. This typically involves downloading a configuration of your profile

After downloading, Go to Settings > General > Profile on your iPhone. Tap on the profile and follow the prompts to install it.

Step 3:

• Restart your device after that, Go to Settings > General > Software Update and check for available updates.

• If the iOS 18 public beta is available, Tap on ‘Download and Install.’ to start the downloading.

• Once the download is completed, then press ‘Install Now’ to start the installation process. Ensure your iPhone is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network and is either fully charged or connected to a power source.

• Your iPhone will verify the update and proceed with the installation. After the installation, restart your iPhone, Then You can unlock your device and start exploring the iOS 18 public beta.

Step 4:

Once the iOS 18 public beta installation is completed, you can explore the new features and improvements.

New Features and Enhancements: iOS 18 brings various improvements, such as redesigned user interfaces, enhanced privacy controls, and performance optimizations.

Tips for using the iOS 18 Public Beta:

Engaging with the iOS 18 public beta can be an exciting experience. However, consider the following tips to ensure a smooth testing process:

Regular Backups: Frequently back up your iPhone to iCloud or your computer to safeguard your data in case of issues with the beta software.

Monitor Battery Performance: Beta software may affect battery performance. Observe your iPhone’s battery usage and performance after installation.

App Compatibility: Some third-party apps may not initially be fully optimized for the iOS 18 beta. Developers will likely release updates to improve compatibility as the official release date approaches.

Give Feedback to report any bugs, performance issues, or suggestions. Your input is valuable in helping Apple enhance its software. Ensure that the update will only install once the device has been rebooted. Verify that your iPhone has at least 50% battery life or is connected to a charger before initiating the update.

How New iOS Versions Are Developed

Apple’s development process for iOS has some differences from Google's approach to Android. Both systems receive major annual updates, but iOS often includes significant changes between version updates.

For iOS and iPadOS, Apple offers beta versions for incremental updates, such as 17.1 or 17.2. These are available for a few weeks before the final stable version is released. In contrast, Google follows a different approach to~ Android updates. It conducts a single, extensive testing phase over several months before releasing its annual update, which usually occurs in the latter part of the year.

Apple’s approach allows for incremental updates and feedback throughout the year, facilitating continuous improvement based on user experiences. This method helps ensure a more polished final release, as user feedback informs refinements and adjustments.

Conclusion

The release of iOS 18 marks a significant enhancement to Apple's mobile operating system, introducing numerous new features and improvements. By participating in the public beta, users can access and experience these features before the official launch and provide crucial feedback to Apple.

However, engaging with the iOS 18 public beta requires careful attention. Users should ensure they have proper backups. Ideally, use a secondary device, and monitor performance closely. Providing feedback during this phase is vital for refining the software and aiding Apple in delivering a more stable and user-friendly final version.