Is there an iOS 14 public beta?

Apple’s WWDC keynote event revealed iOS 14 and we already know it’s available to download for registered developers. But is there a public beta?

Apple has been doing public betas on its big new software releases for a couple of years now, letting those who don’t pay the yearly developer fee a chance to try out all those new features months ahead of general release.

Is there a public beta for iOS 14?

There is a public iOS 14 beta and the good news is available right now! During the WWDC keynote Apple announced that the public beta would be available in July and sure enough it dropped on July 9 for users with compatible iPhone models all around the world.

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If you’re keen to sign up and take that redesigned homescreen with widgets for a spin, all you need to do is browse to the Apple Beta Software Program portal and enrol your iPhone in the program in order to download and install the first iOS 14 public beta. Those who’ve used beta versions before will be able to sign in using their Apple TV. Everyone else will need to register their Apple ID.

From here you’ll need to install a special profile on your iPhone in order to run the beta version of iOS 14. Apple is also planning to roll out the first beta versions for iPadOS 14, tvOS 14, watchOS 7 and macOS Big Sur if you have other Apple devices in your gadget arsenal.

Should you install the iOS 14 public beta?

These are not final versions of the software and will likely have many bugs and possible app incompatibility that won’t get fixed until the public release later in the year, likely around the release of the iPhone 12.

If the iPhone you’re intending to install the public beta on is your main and only device then you should note that everything might not work as expected.

Usually, the public beta is a little more stable than the early developer previews. You’ll also get OTA (over the air) updates throughout the beta run which should address bugs and add in more features as they come.

Apple itself cautions: “The Apple Beta Software Program lets users try out pre-release software. The feedback you provide on quality and usability helps us identify issues, fix them, and make Apple software even better. Please note that since the public beta software has not yet been commercially released by Apple, it may contain errors or inaccuracies and may not function as well as commercially released software. Be sure to back up your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch and your Mac using Time Machine before installing beta software.”

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It’s also important to note that apps that aren’t made by Apple won’t yet have access to the new features available in iOS 14. Don’t expect to be able to select different default apps until iOS 14 is available for all and you won’t find any widgets from your favourite developers ready to use right away. There are still a selection of redesigned Apple widgets that do look great and a big improvement.

Will the iOS 14 public beta work on my phone?

To install the iOS 14 beta you’ll need a compatible iPhone model. Apple lists them as follows:

iPhone 11
iPhone 11 Pro
iPhone 11 Pro Max
iPhone XS
iPhone XS Max
iPhone XR
iPhone X
iPhone 8
iPhone 8 Plus
iPhone 7
iPhone 7 Plus
iPhone 6s
iPhone 6s Plus
iPhone SE (1st generation)
iPhone SE (2nd generation)
iPod touch (7th generation)