Apple has just released the iOS 11 public beta, giving iPhone and iPad users the chance to download and install the upcoming version right now.
Although Apple first pulled back the curtain on iOS 11 back in June at the massive WWDC 2017 conference, iPhone and iPad users have had to wait patiently until now before finally getting a proper look.
Of course, the full, final version of iOS 11 hasn’t been released just yet. That likely won’t happen until October-time, to coincide with the worldwide release of the iPhone 7S and iPhone 7S Plus. Those will be the first Apple devices to come packing the latest iOS as standard.
However, Apple has finally released the public beta of iOS 11, for any keen tech junkies to check out ahead of time. Here’s all you need to know, including full instructions for downloading and installing on your own iPhone or iPad.
What is iOS 11?
Fresh for 2017, the next version of iOS 11 brings a host of new features to Apple’s mobile devices. The likes of Siri and Apple Pay have been further improved, with better integration than ever before, while you can also expect a more streamlined Control Center and other interface tweaks. That’s on top of some shiny new features and some welcome camera improvements too.
What is the iOS 11 public beta?
If you’re not exactly blessed with buckets of patience, you might want to get all of these shiny new features and updates onto your iPhone or iPad right now. Luckily, Apple has made that possible with the public beta release of iOS 11.
The public beta can be downloaded for free, simply by signing up to Apple’s Beta Software Program. This can be done quickly and easily online, via your device.
Can my iPhone run the iOS 11 public beta?
Apple recommends that only the following iPhones attempt to run iOS 11. Older handsets may see severe slowdown and other issues, as they struggle to cope with the more demanding software.
- iPhone 7
- iPhone 7 Plus
- iPhone 6s
- iPhone 6s Plus
- iPhone 6
- iPhone 6 Plus
- iPhone SE
- iPhone 5s
Can my iPad run the iOS 11 public beta?
Apple’s minimum requirements state that only the following iPads can run iOS 11. If you have an older iPad, we’d recommend steering clear (and perhaps consider an upgrade).
- 12.9‑inch iPad Pro (1st and 2nd generation)
- 10.5‑inch iPad Pro
- 9.7‑inch iPad Pro
- iPad Air 2
- iPad Air
- iPad (5th generation)
- iPad Mini 4
- iPad Mini 3
- iPad Mini 2
How do I download and install the iOS 11 public beta?
Check out our complete guide to installing the iOS 11 beta for full instructions on getting started. It’s a pretty quick and painless procedure, and won’t cost you a penny.
Of course, before you get stuck into any beta offering, we’d strongly suggest making a backup of your iOS device. After all, beta software is likely to contain bugs and may prove incompatible with your apps, which can be a massive pain. If that happens, you’ll want to back out the update asap.