Apple has rolled out the first public beta of iOS 18, just weeks after its announcement at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024. This new beta version, now accessible to over 20 different iPhone models, allows Apple fans to explore upcoming features ahead of the official release. Alongside iOS 18, Apple has also unveiled public betas for iPadOS 18, macOS Sonoma, tvOS 18, watchOS 11, and HomePod Software 18.
In case you were wondering, to participate in the iOS 18 public beta, you must register at beta.apple.com. After joining the programme, you can install the beta by navigating to Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates on your iPhone and selecting iOS 18 Public Beta.
However, this author strongly advises you to maintain caution.
Should You Install iOS 18 Beta?
Let's understand what exactly is the function of a beta version of any software.
Beta software is designed for those experienced in testing pre-release software and providing feedback to help refine the final product. It is primarily meant for experienced testers who intend to use beta to find bugs and flag them to the primary developer through official sources.
In the case of the iOS 18 beta as well, testers are expected to reach out to Apple via official channels to flag bugs, so that they can get rectified before the final public rollout of iOS 18 can commence after a few months. The beta version helps Apple crease usage issues.
Now, beta software isn't for everybody. If you have a single device that is your daily driver, you MUST NOT install any beta, unless you are a professional tester.
Why? Well, for starters, installing a beta can lead to potential issues such as device bricking, malfunction of phone sensors, screen discolouration (a friend of mine faced a weird bug in an earlier version where half of the screen got discoloured), and most importantly - data loss.
Betas are not final products and are intended to help identify and resolve bugs before the official release.
"Running beta software just because you think it’s cool is lame. Don’t be that guy," wrote technical writer and software developer Callidus Auctor on Reddit. "Wait until it’s ready for release." Now that's a solid advice.
Auctor added, "If you’re not a developer, you’re just wasting everyone’s time by doing so - especially if you complain online about bugs in the beta rather than reporting them through Apple’s official method."
"Getting closer to release, it will make a lot more sense to try it. Not the first beta," iOS app developer Steven Fisher posted. "There’s a very real chance you’ll have to figure out how to roll back to iOS 17, and a non-zero chance you won’t be able to without Apple’s help."
So, the situation is pretty simple. If you are an experienced beta tester and you have multiple devices to run your test, go ahead and install iOS 18 beta. If you are not, and only wish to download iOS 18 beta so that you can show off some "expertise" on social media channels and probably complain on shortcomings of an unfinished product, it's best to avoid installing a beta as you may just end up bricking your precious phone.