Apple has released the iOS 18.1 RC to beta testers, as well as developers, ahead of the iOS 18.1 general public release next week. The release will bring Apple Intelligence features to the masses, and not just early adopters. However, you can download it before then.
This iOS 18.1 public beta brings many AI features, including a revamped and smarter Siri, writing tools to help you proofread and edit your writing, prioritized email notifications, text message summarizations, smart responses and more.
Read more: What Is Apple Intelligence? Everything to Know About iPhone 16 AI Features
It’s pretty simple to download and install iOS 18.1. 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 18.1 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 public iOS 18.1 release.
iOS 18, which is available to everyone, brings several new major features and overhauls to the iPhone, including a completely 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. iOS 18.1, which is a smaller point update, features Apple Intelligence, a revamped Siri, Genmoji and more.
Here’s everything you need to know about downloading the iOS 18.1 public beta on your iPhone.
Check out: How to Download the iOS 18.1 Developer Beta on Your iPhone
Watch this: iOS 18: My 5 Favorite Features
First, does your iPhone even 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. You can still get your hands on other non-AI features though.
Here’s the full list of iPhones that support iOS 18.1
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 18.1 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 18.1 public beta on the iPhone you use every day shouldn’t be a big deal.
Also, before you think of updating to iOS 18.1, first update to the latest iOS 18 version (currently 18.0) 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.
How to download the 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 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 18.1 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 the 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.
Once your phone reboots, you should be running the iOS 18.1 public beta.
