We can now enjoy Apple’s public betas: iOS 18, iPadOS 18, macOS Sequoia and watchOS 11

Apple’s public betas are not the same as developer betas. Unlike the ones released in early June, the ones just released are intended for anyone who isn’t willing to wait until September, and not just app creators.

While the trial software can be installed completely free of charge on compatible devices, there is a catch. These are not final versions yet, but beta versions, so not all the features are ready and you may experience some problems.

In fact, one of the most anticipated new features of the operating system is Apple Intelligence, which is not yet enabled. As the technology company explained at its WWDC 2024, we will not be able to enjoy artificial intelligence on its devices until after the official launch, in the fall. In other words, this new testing phase does not have an optimized Siri or the ChatGPT-4o version.

Meanwhile, Apple is inviting us to try out many other features they have prepared with their free public betas. For example, on iPhone and iPad we can place icons wherever we want and apply a universal tone to all apps, tablets finally have a built-in calculator, and on Macs we can duplicate the screen with a mobile phone running iOS.

How to install Apple public betas?

The process to install the trial version is very simple:

• First you will need to have your device updated to one of the latest versions of the software.
• Next, go to beta.apple.com and sign up or log in. When you do this, make sure you use the same Apple ID that you use on your phone, computer, tablet, or smartwatch.
• Once you’re done, just click on the name of the operating system you want to run.
• You will see all the available Apple software listed. Click on the one you are interested in (if you have an iPhone and a Mac, only those updates will work).
• The Apple brand’s own website will tell you all the steps to follow.
• It is important that you then activate the beta in Settings > General > Software Update. There, you will see a section called Beta Updates and you must click on iOS 18 Beta or the system you want to install.
• Apple will let you choose between Update Now or Update Tonight.

Apple devices supported by public betas

While many AI features are expected to be available only on the latest devices, there are other new features that users can take advantage of. And a few of them can already be tested in public betas.

If you have an iPhone, it is worth knowing that these are the models compatible with the iOS 18 beta:

• iPhone 15
• iPhone 15 Plus
• iPhone 15 Pro
• iPhone 15 Pro Max
• iPhone 14
• iPhone 14 Plus
• iPhone 14 Pro
• iPhone 14 Pro Max
• iPhone 13
• iPhone 13 Mini
• iPhone 13 Pro
• iPhone 13 Pro Max
• iPhone 12
• iPhone 12 Mini
• iPhone 12 Pro
• iPhone 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 11
• iPhone 11 Pro
• iPhone 11 Pro Max
• iPhone XS
• iPhone XS Max
• iPhone XR
• iPhone SE (2nd generation or later)

For tablets, the iPadOS 18 public beta only works on:

• iPad Pro (M4)
• iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later)
• iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and later)
• iPad Air (M2)
• iPad Air (3rd generation and later)
• iPad (7th generation and later)
• iPad Mini (5th generation and later)

Those who want macOS 15 Sequoia must have the following computers:

• Mac Pro (M2 Ultra)
• Mac Pro (2019)
• Macbook Air (M3)
• Macbook Air (M2)
• Macbook Air (M1)
• Macbook Pro (M3)
• Macbook Pro (M2)
• Macbook Pro (M1)
• Macbook Pro (2019)
• Macbook Pro (2018)
• iMac (M3)
• iMac (M1)
• iMac (2019)
• Mac Studio (M1)
• Mac mini (M2)
• Mac mini (M1)
• Mac mini (2018)

If you want to take full advantage of the new features of watchOS 11, you’ll need to have an iPhone XS or later running iOS 18. And, of course, the smartwatch will have to be one of the latest models:

• Apple Watch SE (2nd generation)
• Apple Watch Series 6
• Apple Watch Series 7
• Apple Watch Series 8
• Apple Watch Series 9
• Apple Watch Ultra
• Apple Watch Ultra 2