How to install iOS 13 beta right now – CNET

Apple recently revealed iOS 13 for the iPhone and iPod Touch. It also announced the iPad is finally getting its own operating system, with iPadOS. Both software updates include a long list of new features, ranging from an official systemwide dark mode, new privacy features, improved Apple Maps, and a whole new multitasking workflow for the iPad. Apple also announced WatchOS 6, MacOS 10.15 Catalina, and TVOS 13 during its Worldwide Developers Conference keynote. 

Once again, Apple is offering a beta program for you to help test the upcoming software updates before release this fall.

The initial release of the iOS 13 beta is only available for developers with a paid account, with the free public beta scheduled to begin in July. 

Installing the beta is an easy process, taking very little of your time. However, you’ll need to make sure you have a backup and are aware that things will not always work.

But first, a warning

Over the years, the first beta release for an upcoming iOS release has gotten more stable. However, the software has not yet been released except as a beta version for a reason — it’s not finished. Apps are going to break, battery life is going to be horrible and frequent random restarts aren’t unheard of.

You don’t have to take our word for it, Apple’s own developer portal has the following warning: 

Important Note for Thrill Seekers: If you’re interested in living on the edge and trying out the great new features in iOS 13, we strongly advise waiting for the many bug fixes and refinements coming to the public beta later this month.

If you want to test iOS 13, go into it knowing that you’re testing beta software and do yourself — and Apple — a favor by providing feedback through the Feedback app.

You can’t (easily) go back

In addition to a willingness to deal with bugs and random issues, you need to know that you can’t easily go back to the current official version of iOS. It’s possible, but you can’t restore from a backup made with your device on iOS 13.

So, with that in mind, it’s a good idea to create a backup of your device as it is right before switching to the beta. The best way to do that is to use iTunes (RIP) and create an encrypted backup.

Which devices are supported?

According to Apple, the following devices can take part in the iOS 13 or iPadOS beta:

Devices that will support iOS 13, iPadOS 13

iPhone XS	12.9-inch iPad Pro
iPhone XS Max	11-inch iPad Pro
iPhone XR	10.5-inch iPad Pro
iPhone X	9.7-inch iPad Pro
iPhone 8	iPad (6th generation)
iPhone 8 Plus	iPad (5th generation)
iPhone 7	iPad Mini (5th generation)
iPhone 7 Plus	iPad Mini 4
iPhone 6S	iPad Air (3rd generation)
iPhone 6S Plus	iPad Air 2
iPhone SE
iPod Touch (7th generation)

Read: Every iPhone that works with iOS 13

Ready? Here’s how to install iOS 13

Right now, you’ll need a paid Apple developer account in order to access the profiles and proper files required to install iOS 13. A paid developer account costs $99 per year and also gives you access to publishing an app for sale in the App Store.

Paid developers can visit this page of the Apple Developer site to download the beta software. There isn’t an OTA file available for the first beta, so you’ll have to manually install it. Apple is requiring that you have either the MacOS 10.15 Catalina beta installed, or have installed the Xcode 11 beta before you can use iTunes to install iOS 13. Both of those are also available through the Apple developer portal for paid developers. 

What about the public beta?

When it launches, the public beta program will be available here. You’ll need to enroll your device and install the update over the air (OTA). We’ll update this post with more thorough instructions once the beta program opens up.

Check out all of Apple’s WWDC 2019 news.

Originally published June 3. 
Update, June 10: Added more information.