iOS 11 is a really exciting update for the decade-old platform, especially if you’re an iPad user. But you can’t get your hands on it until the official release in Fall. But there’s a workaround. If you’re the adventurous type, you can enroll into Apple’s Public Beta and take the iOS 11 Public Beta for a spin.
Apple’s Public Beta is a free program. You don’t need a developer account. You don’t even need iTunes or Xcode to install the OS. Just sign up using your existing Apple account and you’re good to go.
Public Beta lies somewhere between the developer beta and the final release. It’s not as frustratingly unusable but it’s also nowhere near stable for a daily driver. You shouldn’t put it on your daily driver.
Compatible Devices
iOS 11 support goes all the way back to iPhone 5s and the iPad mini 2. Here are all the iOS devices that are compatible iOS 11 Public Beta.
iPhone:
- iPhone 7
- iPhone 7 Plus
- iPhone 6s
- iPhone 6s Plus
- iPhone 6
- iPhone 6 Plus
- iPhone SE
- iPhone 5s
- 6th generation iPod Touch
iPad:
- New 9.7-inch iPad
- 12.9-inch iPad Pro
- 9.7-inch iPad Pro
- iPad Air 2
- iPad Air
- iPad mini 4
- iPad mini 3
- iPad mini 2
- iPad 5
First, Make an Archived Backup
We can’t stress this enough. Before installing the beta software, create a backup. There are many things that can go wrong. There could be a frustrating bug, or your device can be bricked. If you have an encrypted iTunes backup, you can go back to the last stable state, back to the previous version of iOS 10.
Step 1: Connect your iPhone or iPad to your Mac or PC and open iTunes.
Step 2: From the iTunes top menu bar, click on the iPhone or iPad icon.
Step 3: Click on Back Up Now. If you want extra security, click on Encrypt Backup. This will also backup sensitive data like your passwords, Heath data, HomeKit devices, and logins. So when you restore, there’s even less work to do. When you make an encrypted backup, you’ll need to create a password for it as well (which you can save in Keychain).
Step 4: Next, select Backup Apps. The entire device will be backed up to your PC.
Step 5: Now let’s archive it so this backup is etched in stone. From the menu bar, select Preferences.
Step 6: From the Devices tab, right-click on your backup and select Archive.
Sign Up for Public Beta Program
Now, let’s sign you up for the Public Beta program.
Step 1: Go to beta.apple.com and tap on Sign up.
Step 2: In the next page, sign in using your Apple ID, the same you use on your device.
Step 3: Accept the terms and conditions.
Enroll Your Device and Install Profile
Now that you’re signed up to the program, we need to enroll your specific device.
Step 1: On your iPhone or iPad, from the Public Beta site, tap on the iOS tab.
Step 2: Tap on enroll your iOS device link.
Step 3: Then tap on Download Profile.
Step 4: Once the profile is downloaded, tap on the Install button.
Step 5: Tap on Install once again on the next page.
Step 6: From the next pop-up, select Install and then Reboot. The profile will be installed as your device is being rebooted.
Update Software to Install Public Beta
Once your device is rebooted, it should be on the public beta stream.
Step 1: Open the Settings app and go to General -> Software Update.
Step 2: Once this page refreshes, you’ll see the iOS 11 Public Beta as the new update. Tap on Download and Install, enter your passcode and you’re good to go.
What’s Noteworthy in iOS 11?
iOS 11 full of little features and changes. It comes with design updates and features that we’ve been waiting for years. There’s a newly redesigned Control Center. Oh, and it’s customizable. You can finally record your screen as well. iOS 11 will also bring AR to hundreds of millions of people across the world.
The iPad gets a new multitasking system that supports drag and drop. The Files app brings a user-focused file system to iOS. It’s all very exciting and it turns the iPad into a legit computer replacement.
Is Your Summer Filled With Betas?
Are you the kind of person who uses iOS and macOS betas throughout the summer? Share with us in the comments below.
