How to download the iOS 12 public beta

TEST RUN

Ever since WWDC 2018, you’ve wanted all those fab new iOS 12 features for yourself. But Apple cruelly hasn’t supplied you with a TARDIS app, so you can zip to September and install it. Bah. But wait! Because by way of the Apple Beta Software Program, anyone can get iOS 12 on to their iPhone or iPad right now. But how? Here’s how.

1. MAKE SURE YOUR DEVICE IS COMPATIBLE

Before you do anything, you’ll need to make sure your device is compatible. If it’s already running iOS 11, it will be. (In short, you need an iPhone 5s or newer, an iPad touch 6th generation, any iPad Pro, an iPad mini 2 or newer, or an iPad 5th generation or newer.)

2. BACK IT UP

Back-up the device you intend to install the beta on to, in case of disaster. Or don’t, but in that case don’t say we didn’t warn you.

3. GET WITH THE PROGRAM

Head to beta.apple.com on the relevant device, and sign up to the program. Or if you’re already signed up, sign in using your Apple ID.

4. GET TAPPY

Tap the ‘Get started’ link and scroll down to the Get Started section of the iOS page. Tap ‘enroll your iOS device’.

5. DOWNLOAD AND INSTALL

5. Because you’ve already backed-up your device (right?), tap ‘Download profile’. You’ll be prompted to download a profile that will install into Settings.

6. REBOOT AND COMMIT

Once you’ve installed the profile, you’ll be asked to reboot. On doing so, go to Settings > General > Software Update and you’ll see the current beta available for download. This is it: your last chance to back out.

7. PLUG IN AND POWER UP

Ensure your device is connected to a power source. Tap Download and Install, Agree, and – once the whopping installer’s downloaded – Install Now. Depending on your Wi-Fi speed and how many lucky stars are stashed about your person, you should be rocking iOS 12 within half an hour or so.

8. REFLECT

If you decide you’ve made a terrible error at some point, plug your device into iTunes and restore from the back-up you took, although be mindful any non-cloud data added to your device since that point will be lost forever. Alternatively, if you’re happy with the beta, but want to get off the pre-release software train when the final version of iOS 12 yomps on in, you can do so. Install the final release of iOS 12 (before the next set of betas starts), then go to Settings > General > Profile, tap the installed profile and then tap Remove Profile.