Apple has released iOS 18.1 RC to beta testers as well as developers ahead of the general public release of iOS 18.1 next week. The release will bring Apple Intelligence features to the masses, not just early adopters. However, you can download it before then.
This public beta of iOS 18.1 brings many AI features, including a revamped and smarter Siri, writing tools to help you proofread and edit your writing, priority email notifications, text message summaries, replies smart and more.
Read more: What is Apple Intelligence? Everything you need to know about iPhone 16 AI features
It is very simple to download and install iOS 18.1. All you have to do is sign up for Apple’s Beta software program website and you’ll be on your way to becoming a beta tester from the comfort of your couch.
You’re probably aware that iOS 18.1 beta has been available to developers since July. Not everyone wants to run the developer beta because it’s for developers and is usually less stable than a public beta. Ultimately, both beta versions are not as stable as the general release of iOS 18.1.
iOS 18, which is available to everyone, brings several major new features and tweaks to iPhone, including a completely redesigned photo album, satellite text messaging, a dedicated password app, more customization good for your home screen, a revamped control center and support for RCS messages. iOS 18.1, which is a smaller patch update, features Apple Intelligence, a revamped Siri, Genmoji, and more.
Here’s everything you need to know about downloading iOS 18.1 public beta on your iPhone.
Look: How to Download iOS 18.1 Developer Beta on Your iPhone
Check this out: iOS 18: My 5 favorite features
First, does your iPhone support iOS 18.1?
You can download iOS 18.1 on any iPhone that supports iOS 18 (full list below), but unfortunately, Apple Intelligence is exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and the entire iPhone 16 series. However, you can take over other non-AI features.
Here is the complete list of iPhones that support iOS 18.1
Then, a warning…
A public beta is usually more stable than a developer beta, but it’s still a beta, which means you can deal with bugs and other critical issues that can negatively affect your phone. If you have a spare iPhone in your drawer somewhere, use it to run any beta version of iOS 18.1, whether it’s the developer version or the public version.
In my personal experience, it’s usually best to run a public beta on your main phone. You might run into a bug here and there, maybe a feature in a third-party app doesn’t work exactly as intended because it’s not yet optimized for some iOS beta software. It’s never crippling, just maybe a little annoying, and if you don’t mind, running the iOS 18.1 public beta on the iPhone you use every day shouldn’t be a big deal.
Also, before you consider updating to iOS 18.1, first update to the latest version of iOS 18 (currently 18.0) and then back up your device. Go to SETTINGS > your name > iCloud > iCloud backup and hit Book now. You should check out our story on how to archive a backup on your computer in case you want to roll back to iOS 18.
If you don’t have enough cloud space for a backup, use your computer.
How to download iOS 18.1 public beta on your iPhone
Now that you’ve backed up your phone, you can download the iOS 18.1 public beta. Here’s what you need to do:
1. On your iPhone, go to the Apple Beta Software Program website and sign up (if you’re already a member) or sign up for the program. Of course, you need an Apple ID. If you are registering for the first time, follow the instructions.
2. Next, tap on the iOS tab and you should see more information about the iOS 18.1 public beta.
3. Under Get Started, hit blue register your iOS device connection.
4. Now go to Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates and select iOS 18.1 public beta to install.
5. Finally, go to Settings > General > Software Update and install the iOS 18.1 public beta.
The iOS 18.1 public beta download is over the air.
After your phone reboots, you should be running the iOS 18.1 public beta.