ios 12 iconApple today released the first public beta of iOS 12 for compatible iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch models, enabling users who aren't signed up for the Apple Developer Program to test the software update ahead of its official release in the fall.

While iOS 12 introduces several new features, it is designed to work on all iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch models that can run iOS 11, and the company says it has focused on bringing performance improvements to both old and new devices.

That said, iOS 12 is pre-release software, so installing the Public Beta on a secondary device is highly recommended. The stability of beta software cannot be guaranteed, as it often contains bugs and issues that have yet to be ironed out, so installing it on your day-to-day device isn't advised.

Installing the Public Beta shouldn't take longer than half an hour, but first you should create a backup of your device's contents and settings. The following step-by-step instructions are given for iPhone, but apply to iPad and iPod touch just the same.

How to Create a Backup of Your Device in iTunes

  1. Connect your iOS device to a Mac or PC using a Lightning to USB cable.

  2. Open iTunes.

  3. Click the device's icon in the top-left menu.
    backup ios device 1

  4. Under Backups, click This computer.

  5. Tick the Encrypt iPhone backup checkbox if you want to back up your login credentials and any Health and HomeKit data.
    backup ios device 2

  6. Click Back Up Now.

  7. Click iTunes -> Preferences… in the macOS menu bar.

  8. Click the Devices tab.
    backup ios device 3

  9. Right-click (or Ctrl-click) the new backup, and select Archive from the contextual dropdown menu.

How to Enroll in the Apple Beta Software Program

Now that you've backed up your device, you're ready to download the iOS 12 Public Beta. To do so, you must enroll your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch in the free Apple Beta Software Program.

  1. Open Safari on your iOS device and navigate to the Apple Beta Software Program.

  2. Tap the Sign up button, or sign in if you're already a member.

  3. Enter your Apple ID credentials and tap the Sign in button.

  4. Agree to the Apple Beta Software Program terms and conditions if necessary.

  5. A Guide for Public Betas screen will appear. Select the iOS tab, scroll down to the Get Started section and tap enroll your iOS device.

  6. On the Enroll Your Devices screen, with the iOS tab selected, scroll down and tap the Download profile button. ios12installbetaprofile

  7. Tap "iPhone" or "iPad" when prompted to choose a device.

  8. Tap Allow.

  9. Tap Install and follow the prompts to install the iOS Beta Software Profile. ios12betaprofileiphone

  10. Restart your device after installing the profile by tapping the restart popup.

How to Install the iOS 12 Public Beta

Once you're enrolled in the Apple Beta Software Program, you can install the iOS 12 Public Beta on your iOS device just as you would a regular software update.

  1. Launch the Settings app on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.

  2. Tap General.

  3. Tap Software Update.

  4. Tap Download and Install.ios12publicbetainstall

  5. Tap Install Now.


If you come across any issues installing the iOS 12 Public Beta, it may help to clear any previous profiles lingering on your device. You can find these in the Settings app under General -> Profile.

Related Forum: iOS 12

Top Rated Comments

0947347 Avatar
98 months ago
Now to find an older device... anybody have experience of speed increases on older hardware?
5s feels like a new phone. Not the same speed as iOS 7 but pretty good
- battery also last longer
- tiny little stutter while scrolling really fast

but I am not a heavy user, so do not know how it is under heavy stress
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
saudade Avatar
98 months ago
I’m not installing this as it will be full of bugs.
Dud r u da kind of men who safely remove a pendrive from a computer too?

Be a man like me and install thiz. Who cares if a female or the ios12 is full of bugs. Just do it. This is America. Land of the BRAVE
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Apple_Robert Avatar
98 months ago
Good article for the newbies.
[doublepost=1529972626][/doublepost]
Whatever you do, make two backups. One with iCloud and one with iTunes or Apple Configurator.
iCloud backup does not archive like iTunes does. Best stick to iTunes and or use iMazing, if one needs to roll back.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Apple_Robert Avatar
98 months ago
I’m not installing this as it will be full of bugs.
Get a can of bug spray.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Knightcastle Avatar
98 months ago
Now to find an older device... anybody have experience of speed increases on older hardware?
Noticeably faster on my iPad Mini 4. Currently on Dev Beta 1.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

maxresdefault

Where's the New Apple TV?

Monday December 22, 2025 11:30 am PST by
Apple hasn't updated the Apple TV 4K since 2022, and 2025 was supposed to be the year that we got a refresh. There were rumors suggesting Apple would release the new Apple TV before the end of 2025, but it looks like that's not going to happen now. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said several times across 2024 and 2025 that Apple would...
iPhone Top Left Hole Punch Face ID Feature Purple

iPhone 18 Pro Launching Next Year With These 12 New Features

Tuesday December 23, 2025 8:36 am PST by
While the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are not expected to launch for another nine months, there are already plenty of rumors about the devices. Below, we have recapped 12 features rumored for the iPhone 18 Pro models. The same overall design is expected, with 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch display sizes, and a "plateau" housing three rear cameras Under-screen Face ID Front camera in...
airpods color prototypes

Apple Tested AirPods in Bright Colors

Saturday December 27, 2025 6:06 am PST by
Apple reportedly tested a version of the first-generation AirPods with bright, iPhone 5c-like colored charging cases. The images, shared by the Apple leaker and prototype collector known as "Kosutami," claim to show first-generation AirPods prototypes with pink and yellow exterior casings. The interior of the charging case and the earbuds themselves remain white. They seem close to some...
iOS 26

iOS 26.2 Adds These 8 New Features to Your iPhone

Monday December 22, 2025 8:47 am PST by
Earlier this month, Apple released iOS 26.2, following more than a month of beta testing. It is a big update, with many new features and changes for iPhones. iOS 26.2 adds a Liquid Glass slider for the Lock Screen's clock, offline lyrics in Apple Music, and more. Below, we have highlighted a total of eight new features. Liquid Glass Slider on Lock Screen A new slider in the Lock...
maxresdefault

Hands-On With a Rough iPhone Fold Mockup

Monday December 29, 2025 10:55 am PST by
Apple is rumored to be introducing a foldable iPhone in September 2026, and since it will bring the biggest form factor change since the iPhone was introduced in 2007, curiosity about the design is high. A 3D designer created an iPhone Fold design based on rumors, and we printed it out to see how it compares to Apple's current iPhones. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more ...
top stories 2025 12 27

Top Stories: iPhone Fold Mockup, Where's the New Apple TV?, and More

Saturday December 27, 2025 6:00 am PST by
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from MacRumors! News in the Apple world has unsurprisingly been relatively slow over the past week, but Apple's upcoming foldable iPhone managed to make its way back into the news, while we also shared updates on current and future Apple TV news. iOS 26.3 will be bringing some new features, particularly for users in the EU, so we'll look for additional...
Apple Wallet ID Illinois

Apple Plans to Expand iPhone Driver's Licenses to These 7 U.S. States

Wednesday December 24, 2025 8:40 am PST by
In select U.S. states, residents can add their driver's license or state ID to the Apple Wallet app on the iPhone and Apple Watch, and then use it to display proof of identity or age at select airports and businesses, and in select apps. The feature is currently available in 13 U.S. states and Puerto Rico, and it is expected to launch in at least seven more in the future. To set up the...
maxresdefault

10 Mac Apps Worth Trying in 2026

Wednesday December 24, 2025 9:27 am PST by
2026 is almost upon us, and a new year is a good time to try out some new apps. We've rounded up 10 excellent Mac apps that are worth checking out. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. Alt-Tab (Free) - Alt-Tab brings a Windows-style alt + tab thumbnail preview option to the Mac. You can see a full window preview of open apps and app windows. One Thing (Free) -...