The public beta for iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 starts sometime in July, but users can get their hands on Apple’s new mobile operating systems even earlier by installing the developer builds. These versions are less stable than the eventual public beta, and there are several requirements you’ll need to meet, but it’s the quickest way to see the new iOS/iPadOS 15 features first-hand.
Here’s everything you need to qualify for developer beta access:
This is the biggest obstacle for general users. An Apple developer account costs $100 annually, but anyone can join the program here. There are a couple other requirements, such as turning on two-factor sign-ins and providing your full legal name and address. Enrolling also grants you early access to macOS 12, watchOS 8, and app development tools.
As long as your iPhone or iPad supports iOS 14, it can install the developer beta (or the public beta launching in the coming weeks). For reference, here’s the full list of supported devices provided by Apple:
iPhone 12, 12 Mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
iPhone XS, XS Max
iPhone XR
iPhone X
iPhone 8, 8 Plus
iPhone 7, 7 Plus
iPhone 6s, 6s Plus
iPhone SE (1st and 2nd gen)
iPod touch (7th gen)
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th gen)
iPad Pro 11-inch (1st, 2nd, and 3rd gen)
iPad Pro 10.5-inch
iPad Pro 9.7-inch
iPad (5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th gen)
iPad Mini (5th gen)
iPad Mini 4
iPad Air 2
iPad Air (3rd and 4th gen)
While not a requirement, you should back up your iPhone or iPad’s data before installing the developer betas—or the public beta, for that matter. Apple also recommends users install OS betas on secondary devices, rather than their primary iPhone or iPads, in case of major stability issues.
If you meet those requirements and feel comfortable installing an unfinished operating system on your device, log into the Apple developer portal and follow the instructions for downloading and applying the update.
Don’t let the FOMO get to you if you can’t install the developer update, though. Unfinished software is always unstable and can be a hassle to use. The public version dropping in the coming weeks will be much less of a risk, and the stable versions of iOS 15, iPadOS 15, and Apple’s other upcoming OS updates will arrive later this year in full working condition.
[CNET]
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