iOS 13 and iPadOS: How to install the public beta right now - CNET

Less than a month after Apple first unveiled iOS 13 and iPadOS 13, the company has opened its public beta program. The public beta is open to anyone who wants to help test early builds of the operating system that will run on iPhones ($1,000 at Amazon) and iPads ($249 at Walmart) later this year. That's right, this year we have two different versions of iOS. One, iOS 13, is for the iPhone and iPod Touch ($200 at Walmart), the other, iPadOS 13, is a dedicated to the iPad and brings with it new multitasking features and a desktop-class version of Safari.

Both software updates include a long list of new features, such as an official systemwide dark mode, new privacy features and improved Apple Maps. Apple also announced WatchOS 6, MacOS 10.15 Catalina, and TVOS 13 during its Worldwide Developers Conference keynote.

Prior to Monday, anyone who wanted to test iOS 13 needed a paid developer account. However, with the public beta program now open, anyone can install the prerelease versions of iOS 13 and iPadOS 13. However, there are some things to be aware of.

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But first, a warning

Over the years, the beta program for an upcoming iOS release has gotten more stable. However, it's called 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.

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.

You'll need to restore your device if you leave the beta program.
Oscar Gutiérrez/CNET

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

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Ready? Here's how to install iOS 13

Visit Apple's Beta Software Program on your computer. You'll need to sign in using your Apple ID, then pick iOS or iPadOS. The program will walk you through creating a back up of your iPhone or iPad -- don't just glance over this and move on, create a backup right now -- and then you'll need to download and install the beta profile. You can visit this link on your iPhone or iPad to download the profile.

After downloading the profile, make sure you install it in the Settings app.

Screenshots by Jason Cipriani/CNET

After the profile is downloaded open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad. The profile will show up, just below your name. Tap the profile, then approve the installation. Your device will reboot after the profile is added, after which you can go to Settings > General > Software Update to download and install iOS 13.

Of course, if you have a paid developer account you can still find the appropriate installation profiles on the developer site.

Check out all of Apple's WWDC 2019 news.

Originally published June 3.
Update, June 25 at 7:10 p.m. PT: Adds information about downloading and installing Apple's public beta program.