Apple has released the first betas of iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 to public beta testers, allowing the general public to experience the new software for the first time since the Worldwide Developers Conference in June. If you’re interested in trying out the beta software, here’s how you can prepare your device and install it.
To sign up for the iOS 17 or iPadOS 17 beta, you can enroll your iPhone or iPad in Apple’s free Apple Beta Software Program. The steps to install the software on your device will be provided later in this article, but before you proceed, there are a few things you should consider.
First, check if your iPhone is compatible with iOS 17. Note that iOS 17 only supports the iPhone XS and newer models. Support has been dropped for the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X. Here is a full list of iPhone models that iOS 17 supports:
– 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
Next, you should decide whether to install the iOS 17 public beta. It’s important to note that Apple does not recommend installing beta software on your main iPhone. Beta software often comes with bugs and issues that can affect the proper functioning of your device. If you’re concerned about potential problems, it’s best to wait for the final stable release from Apple later this year. If you have a secondary device, it may be a good option to use for testing the beta software.
Before installing the beta, it’s crucial to make an archived backup of your iOS device. This will allow you to revert back to iOS 16 in case anything goes wrong during the installation process. To create an archived backup, follow these steps:
1. Connect your iPhone to your Mac using the supplied cable.
2. Click “Allow” in the dialog prompt to connect the accessory.
3. Open a Finder window by clicking the Finder icon in the Dock.
4. Click your iOS device’s name in the sidebar.
5. If this is your first time connecting the device to your Mac, click “Trust” in the Finder window.
6. Tap “Trust” on your device when prompted, then enter your passcode to confirm.
7. In the General tab, click the circle next to “Back up all of the data on your iPhone to this Mac.”
8. If you want to encrypt the backup, check the box next to “Encrypt local backup” and enter a password. Otherwise, click “Back Up Now.”
9. Once the backup is finished, you can find the date and time of the last backup in the General tab. This backup will not be overwritten in future backups, so you can restore it at any time.
Now that you’ve prepared your device and made a backup, here’s how you can download the iOS 17 public beta:
1. On your iOS device, open up Safari and go to the Apple Beta Software Program website.
2. Tap the “Sign up” button and enter your Apple ID credentials. If you’ve previously signed up for a beta test, sign in with your Apple ID.
3. Agree to the terms and conditions of the Apple Beta Software Program if required.
4. After signing in, you’ll see a main screen that acts as a guide for public betas. Click on “iOS” or “iPadOS” if you’re installing on an iPad.
5. Read through Apple’s instructions carefully, and then click on the link in the “Get Started” section to enroll your iOS device.
6. Before proceeding with the installation, make sure to create an archived backup of your current version of iOS using Finder or following Apple’s instructions.
7. On your iOS or iPadOS device, go to “Settings” -> “General” -> “Software Update” -> “Beta Update,” then select the iOS 17 public beta you want to install.
8. Once the beta update is downloaded, tap “Install Now” to begin the installation process. Your iPhone will restart, and you’ll be up and running with iOS 17.
If your device is running iOS 16.3 or earlier, you’ll need to download the iOS 17 configuration profile after enrolling. Follow these steps:
1. On your iPhone, go to beta.apple.com/profile to download the configuration profile.
2. Once the profile has been downloaded, your iPhone will notify you.
3. Open “Settings,” tap the profile, and follow the onscreen instructions to allow installation.
iOS 17 comes with several new features and improvements. Some highlights include a customized look for each person that calls, a StandBy feature that turns your iPhone into a mini home hub, interactive widgets on the Home Screen, improved AirDrop with a NameDrop function, SharePlay compatibility with CarPlay, a journaling app coming later in the year, AirPlay in select hotel rooms, enhancements to AirPods Pro 2 with Adaptive Audio, offline Maps, Siri activation without “Hey,” and improvements to search and spotlight.
Keep in mind that iOS 17 is still in beta, and the final public release is expected in the fall.