With the public beta for iPadOS 18 now available, any curious iPad user can now install the iPadOS 18 public beta on an eligible device.
Running the iPadOS 18 public beta gives the system software a chance to test features and the new operating system before it’s finalized, bringing the Calculator app, the Passwords app, the completely redesigned Photos app, Apple Get quick access to features like notes enhancements, including Pencil Math. support, new dark mode theme options and icon color hue options, and Apple Intelligence AI features, and more.
It’s important to remember that running beta system software, including the iPadOS 18 public beta, isn’t for everyone, and is generally only suitable for advanced users. Because beta system software is much larger than final releases, you’ll likely encounter bugs, crashes, freezes, performance issues, battery issues, and other problems that are common with final OS releases. are not part of the experience. If you’re comfortable with the risks associated with running a beta, you’ll find that installing the iPadOS 18 public beta on iPad is very easy.
Backup your iPad before installing iPadOS 18 Public Beta!
It is important that you back up your iPad before installing the iPadOS 18 public beta. Back up iPad to iCloud, and also back up to iPad or PC on Mac with Finder. Do not skip the backup process, failure to do so may result in permanent data loss.
iPad models that support iPadOS 18
iPadOS 18 is compatible with the following iPad models.
- iPad Pro 11-inch 1st-gen and later (2018 or later)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch 3rd generation and later (2018 or later)
- iPad Air 3rd-gen and later (2019 or later)
- iPad 7th-gen and later (2019 or later)
- iPad mini 5th-gen and later (2019 or later)
You’ll also need at least 15GB of free storage on the iPad to install the iPadOS 18 public beta, and an active Internet connection.
In general, the newer and faster the iPad, the better the performance.
How to Install and Run iPadOS 18 Public Beta on iPad
Installing iPadOS 18 Public Beta is easy:
- Connect the iPad to the charger.
- Back up the iPad to iCloud and to the computer if you haven’t already – don’t skip it.
- On the iPad, open Safari and go to https://beta.apple.com/ To enroll your Apple ID in the public beta program for iPadOS 18 (if you’re already enrolled for Sequoia or iOS 18, you’re good)
- Open the “Settings” app on the iPad.
- Go to “General” and select “Software Update”, then tap on the “Beta Updates” option.
- Select “iPad 18 Public Beta” and then tap “Back” to return to the software update.
- iPadOS 18 public beta will be available as a software update soon.
- Select “Update Now” to start the process of installing iPadOS 18 Public Beta on iPad.
Installing the beta system software is more or less the same as installing the final version of the system software on the iPad, so be patient.
Many users have reported that installing iOS 18 public beta can take a long time, and some users have reported that even with ipadOS 18 installation. Be prepared to wait possibly several hours for the beta install to complete, even if the device appears to be stuck on the “requesting” or “preparing” or Apple logo progress bar screen. The iPadOS 18 update will be completed eventually, so don’t interrupt the installation.
The first boot of the iPadOS 18 public beta presents the familiar ‘Hello’ screen followed by a few small setup options:
In a moment, you’ll be presented with the iPadOS 18 home screen, which you can customize and theme to include how you want by changing the color of widgets and icons. :
Updating iPadOS 18 public beta to new beta version, and final version
All updates to the iPadOS 18 public beta, including the final version of iPadOS 18, will arrive in Software Update.
Go to Settings > General > Software Update and install updates as usual.
According to Apple, iPadOS 18 will be released in the fall.
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What do you think of iPadOS 18 and the public beta? Are you installing it on your iPad? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments.