The first iOS 19 developer beta is on the horizon, but Apple is still pushing out pre-release updates for iOS 18, recently dropping the iOS 18.5 public beta. This beta doesn’t bring too many new features, minus a few updates to the Mail app, but if you’re someone who wants the latest features before anyone else, you can download iOS 18.5 to your iPhone right now.
Read more: What Is Apple Intelligence? Everything to Know About iPhone 16 AI Features
It’s pretty simple to download and install iOS 18.5. All you need to do is sign up on 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 the iOS 18.5 beta was previously made available to developers. Not everyone wants to run the developer beta though, 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 public iOS release.
iOS 18, which is available to everyone, includes Apple Intelligence, a redesigned photo album, text messages via satellite, a dedicated app for passwords, better customization for your home screen, an overhauled control center and support for RCS messaging.
Here’s everything you need to know about downloading the iOS 18.5 public beta on your iPhone.
Check out: How to Download the iOS 18.5 Developer Beta on Your iPhone
Watch this: The iOS 19 Features Rumored That Are Not AI
05:07
First, does your iPhone even support iOS 18.5?
You can download iOS 18.5 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, including the iPhone 16E. Visual Intelligence is exclusive to the iPhone 16 series. You can still get your hands on other non-AI features though.
Here’s the full list of iPhones that support iOS 18.5
Next, a warning…
A public beta is typically more stable than a developer beta, but it’s still a beta, which means you may deal with bugs and other critical issues that could negatively affect your phone. If you have a spare iPhone in your drawer somewhere, use that to run any iOS 18.5 beta, whether it’s the developer or public version.
In my personal experience, it’s usually fine to run a public beta on your main phone. You may encounter a bug here and there, maybe a function in a third-party app doesn’t work exactly as intended because it’s not yet optimized for any iOS beta software. It’s never crippling, just maybe a little bit annoying, and if you don’t mind that, running the iOS 18.5 public beta on the iPhone you use every day shouldn’t be a big deal.
Also, before you think of updating to iOS 18.5, first update to the latest iOS 18 version (currently 18.4) and then back up your device. Go to Settings > your name > iCloud > iCloud Backup and hit Back Up Now. You should check out our story on how to archive a backup on your computer in case you want to revert to iOS 18.
If you don’t have enough cloud storage for a backup, use your computer.
Screenshots by Nelson Aguilar/CNET
How to download the iOS 18.5 public beta on your iPhone
Now that you’ve backed up your phone, you can download the iOS 18.5 public beta. Here’s what you need to do:
1. On your iPhone, go to the Apple Beta Software Program website and sign in (if you’re already a member) or sign up for the program. You need an Apple ID of course. If you’re signing up for the first time, follow the prompts.
2. Next, tap the iOS tab and you should see more information about the iOS 18.5 public beta.
3. Under Get Started, hit the blue enroll your iOS device link.
4. Now go to Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates and choose iOS 18 Public Beta.
5. Finally, go to Settings > General > Software Update and install the iOS 18.5 public beta.
The iOS 18.5 public beta download is over-the-air.
Nelson Aguilar/CNET
Once your phone reboots, you should be running the iOS 18.5 public beta.
