At this year’s WWDC, Apple unveiled its iOS 12 operating system. The public beta doesn’t launch until later in the summer and the final version won’t be released until Fall. But for those who can’t wait that long, we have another option — the developer beta. Here’s how to download the iOS 12 beta.
At this year’s Worldwide Developer Conference, Apple unveiled its latest mobile operating system — iOS 12. While it’s mainly focused on delivering a faster and more responsive OS across all its devices, users will still be able to take advantage of a slew of features. Ranging from new Animojis (along with Memojis you can create of yourself), ARKit 2.0, group FaceTime, and more, there’s plenty of new things to try in iOS 12.
As usual, the public beta doesn’t launch until later in the summer and the final version won’t be released until Fall. But for those who can’t wait that long, we have another option — the developer beta. Here’s how to download the iOS 12 developer beta.
You’ll first need to make sure that your device is capable of running the iOS 12 beta. As with iOS 11, it’s only compatible with 64-bit devices — which means 32-bit devices like the iPhone 5 won’t be able to run the update.
Here’s which iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch devices are supported by iOS 12:
To download the iOS 12 beta, you’ll have to purchase a membership for Apple’s Developer Program. You can enroll either enroll as a single person or with an organization. Either way, you’ll need to provide basic personal information such as your legal name and address. The membership does come at a cost though — you’ll have to shell out $100 per year.
Included in the membership are software and tools — you’ll have the ability to download and install the latest beta OS releases. This includes iOS 12, macOS Mojave, watchOS, and tvOS. For those looking to develop their own apps, you’ll also have the ability to invite users to try them via TestFlight Beta testing before releasing them on the App Store, and more.
Once you’ve created your account, you’ll have to register your devices on Apple’s Developer site. After entering your login and password information, you’ll then be able to access the Developer portal
Before you update to the iOS 12 beta, you should make sure to back up your device’s data. That way, if you lose anything while downloading the new OS, it’ll be easy to restore things back to the way they were.
You can choose to back up your data on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch via iCloud or via iTunes on a PC or Mac.
Here’s how to back up an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch using iCloud:
If you choose to back up your device using a computer, you can use the built-in backup function via iTunes.
Here’s how to back up an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch using iTunes:
To download the beta, go to developer.apple.com while on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch and click on the Downloads section. You’ll then be brought to a list of all different betas — you’ll want tap download next to iOS 12. Once you agree to the terms and services, you’ll be able to tap Install followed by Restart in order to finalize the download on your device.
Once your device restarts, head over to Settings > General > Software Update. You’ll then be able to tap Download and Install, which will prompt you to enter your passcode. After agreeing to the Terms and Conditions, your device will begin to download the beta.
After the download is complete and your device reboots one more time, you’ll officially be running iOS 12.
