Apple’s iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 are officially launching on September 20, 2021, but if you want to risk potential bugs, you can test them in public beta right now. Here we walk you through the steps to install the software. This is a similar process for iPhone and iPad, but we have created separate partitions for each operating system.
As expected, Apple announced the release date at its September event, where it showcased the new iPhone 13, iPad Mini with USB-C charging, and more.
Before we begin, our general caveat about installing unfinished beta software is this: These versions may appear stable for general use, but they may contain some bugs. Depending on the apps you use, your experience may differ from others. And finally, if you decide to install it, I recommend backing up your device’s data in case things go wrong.
What are the new features coming with iOS 15?
Some of the new features coming to iOS 15 include updates to FaceTime, Messages, notifications, privacy controls and much more. For example, FaceTime will support spatial audio and reflect the speaker’s position on the screen with a new noise isolation feature that can eliminate background noise. Other changes to FaceTime include the ability to share music and videos during calls and invite Android users to a FaceTime call with a shareable link.
SharePlay, which will allow people to enjoy fun together at the same time, was one of the most anticipated features of iOS 15, but Apple recently decided that it will not be coming to the final version of iOS 15, which was released on September 20. Instead, it will arrive later in the fall of 2021.
Which devices are supported for iOS 15?
Here is the list:
- iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max
- iPhone X, iPhone XR
- iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus
- iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus
- iPhone 6S, iPhone 6S Plus
- iPhone SE (first and second generation)
- iPod Touch (seventh generation)
How to install iOS 15 beta
- To start Apple’s beta software portal Agree to sign in with your phone’s Safari browser and your Apple ID.
- If it doesn’t automatically direct you there, select “Register Your Devices” from the drop-down menu in the top right corner of the web page.
- On the next page, select the leftmost option “iOS”. Doing so will display a reminder to make sure you send a backup of your phone’s contents to your macOS computer in case you need to revert to a previous state.
- Scroll down until you find a button that says “Download profile”, then tap on it. This will bring up a warning saying the website is trying to download a configuration profile. Select “Allow”. You will see a popup saying you can set the new profile from the Settings app.
- Open the Settings app. A new section called “Profile Downloaded” should be added near the top. Select it and you will have access to the beta software download. You may need to restart your phone for the profile to activate.
- Congratulations, you made it!
What are the new features coming with iPadOS 15?
This year’s version of iPadOS makes the home screen more customizable and simplifies split-screen multitasking. The App Library feature, introduced in iOS 14 last year, has taken its place in this new iPad software. Additionally, many of the features Apple brings to iOS 15 come to its lineup of tablets, including more spatial audio for FaceTime, portrait mode, and SharePlay, which lets you watch TV or listen to music with other people on the call. . Chris Welch has written all about the new features here, including a section where iPadOS 15 “has gambled on ‘professional’ requests for another year” by offering features that will appeal to people more generally, rather than pro-level users.
Which devices are supported for iPadOS 15?
Here is the list:
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (first to fifth generation)
- iPad Pro 11-inch (first generation to third generation)
- iPad Pro 10.5 inch
- iPad Pro 9.7 inch
- iPad (fifth to eighth generation)
- iPad Mini (fourth and fifth generation)
- iPad Air (second to fourth generation)
How to download iPadOS 15 beta
- To start Apple’s beta software portal From your iPad’s Safari browser.
- Click “Register Your Devices” at the top of the web page (you may have to scroll horizontally to find it).
- On the next page, click the second option from the left, “iPadOS”. Doing so displays a reminder to back up your macOS computer first, in case you need to revert your operating system to a previous state.
- Scroll down until you find a button that says “Download profile”, then select it. This may throw a warning saying that the website is trying to download a configuration profile. Select “Allow”. You will see a popup saying you can set up the new profile from the Settings app.
- Open the Settings app, a new section called “Profile Downloaded” should be added near the top. Select it and you should have access to the beta software download. You may need to restart your iPad first.
- Finally, if nothing prompts you to start downloading, open the Settings app, go to General, then find “Software Update” to install the beta software.
Update September 15, 2021 at 2:00 PM ET: This article was originally published on June 30, 2021 and has been updated to add new information about iOS 15 and iPadOS 15.
