How to Install IOS 13 Beta Right Now (and Why You Can Wait)
Apple announced this week that the next version of iOS is coming and that they will add LOTS of exciting new features to the operating system that the iPhone runs on. The new version of iOS 13 will include big additions like the ability to sign in to websites with Face ID, and small ones like the beautiful dark mode. When iOS 13 launches for everyone this fall, you’ll see a lot of interesting changes.
But if you don’t want to wait a few months, as it turns out, you don’t technically need to. Traditionally, Apple has released the iOS 13 beta for developers to test and update their apps. Here’s the secret: If you’re willing to pay to join Apple’s Developer Program, you can download iOS 13 today.
Wait a second …
As always, it’s important to remember that developer beta releases like the current version for iOS 13 are closed for some reason. The software is unstable. This can cause your phone to crash, apps and data can be deleted, and usually a disaster can occur. While I can’t say if iOS 13 is more or less stable than previous developer beta releases, the number of changes in iOS 13 makes me think that it should definitely wait a year, at least until the public beta in July. Apparently, Apple has the same thought …
How to get iOS 13 today
With these initial warnings in mind, if you still want to proceed, you’ll need to join the Apple Developer Program to download iOS 13. You will need the following:
- IOS13 compatible device is iPhone 6S or later, latest iPod Touch, any iPad Pro, iPad 5 or 6 generation, iPad Air 2 or 3 generation, or iPad Mini 4 generation.
- Mac computer with the latest version of macOS (Mojave).
- Lightning-to-USB cable. (Or USB-C, depending on which Mac you have.)
- iTunes has been updated to the latest version.
- Apple developer license (or credit card and $ 99).
Go to the Developer Program website and click the blue Sign Up button in the upper right corner. Participation in the developer program is free for those new to development – if you’re reading this, I suppose it’s probably you. You will need to sign in to your Apple ID using two-factor authentication (if you don’t have one set up, Apple has some instructions here ). Then you will need to sign a couple of developer contracts. While they may not be important to you, if you’re just planning on fooling around with the app, I suggest you read them anyway. Finally, the program costs $ 99 per year, so you will need a credit card on hand.
Once you enter the program, log into your developer account on your Mac, go to the Apple Developer download site and download the iOS 13 beta.
Actually install the beta on your iPhone or iPad. You will need to manually “restore” your iOS device to the beta on your computer and install it from a recovery image. Connect your device to your Mac, open iTunes, and go to the device summary page.
Before pulling the trigger, I highly recommend that you back up your device and make an archive of that backup so you can reinstall your phone as it was. As Gadget Hacks points out, if you rely on automatic backups (or don’t back up your phone), you will need to go through the process of manually restoring the latest iOS version, which is a major issue. Back up your phone on the device summary page, then go to iTunes preferences and select the Devices tab. To find the most recent backup, right-click it or Apple to open the drop-down list and select Archive.
Ok, now that you have a backup, it’s time. On the iTunes device summary page, press and hold the Select key, then select Check for Updates. Select the iOS 13 beta file you downloaded earlier and click Open. The device will reboot as it installs.
Sounds like a lot of work … Is there a way to avoid all of this?
Not if you want a beta today. There are ways to join the Apple Developer Program, although I haven’t tried them and they seem even more complicated than this one.
As mentioned above, there will be a public beta next month which will be much easier to download and safer to use. Plus, it’s free for everyone. If you are interested in participating in the public beta, you should follow the Apple Beta Software Program site and / or sign up to prepare for iOS 13’s public beta. We’ll come back when the time is right and show you how to install the public beta.