The new iOS 18 beta will be the last before the iPhone 16 launch – here’s how you can try it out
Over the past month, Apple has released a steady stream of software betas to try out, including those for iOS 18, macOS Sequoia, and more. But now, according to a well-connected reporter, it looks like we have the final update, at least for iOS 18.
This news comes from Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman, who posted on X (formerly Twitter) that “the latest iOS 18 seed, I’m told, is final except for the features tied to the new hardware.”
That’s an interesting suggestion, as the latest beta of iOS 18 is still missing many features – particularly those around Apple Intelligence, Apple’s upcoming artificial intelligence (AI) platform. Gurman has previously hinted that some of these missing features may not arrive until after iOS 18 is released – or perhaps even as late as 2025.
However, there are many interesting new features you can try out in the betas. In iOS 18, the Control Center has been redesigned, Safari can highlight and summarize web page content, there’s a new Password app for all your logins, and much more.
How to download the iOS 18 beta
If you want to download the latest beta version of iOS 18, you must first enroll in the beta software program on Apple’s website and follow the on-screen instructions to enroll your iOS device.
Next, open the Settings app, go to General > Software Update > Beta Updates, and select iOS 18 Public Beta from the list. Your iPhone should then tell you if there is an update to download, which you can then install.
If this really is the last beta update for iOS 18 before the full version of the software is released, it suggests that Apple is almost ready to fully launch iOS 18. And that, in turn, means that the iPhone 16 launch event is just around the corner.
For some time now, it has been assumed that Apple will hold its iPhone 16 show on September 10. But recently, there has been speculation that the show could actually take place a week earlier – on September 3 – to avoid an overlap with the US presidential debate, which is also scheduled for September 10.
Whatever the case, the fact that Apple just released its final beta of iOS 18 suggests that the iPhone 16—and everything else Apple plans to unveil at its September event—is more or less imminent. And that will put the full release of iOS 18 hot on its heels.
