On September 29, Apple announced an iOS 8.1 beta that offers developers a collection of fixes for iOS 8 and iOS 8.0.2 issues for testing. This marks a quick iOS 8.1 release date for regular users, but you can’t yet install iOS 8.1 on your iPhone or iPad as an over-the-air update.
For users who can’t wait for an iOS 8.1 release date that could be weeks or months away, there is a way to install the iOS 8.1 beta without waiting. This is the same method we shared to preload iOS.
The only official way to install iOS 8.1 early is to pay $99 and Sign up as an iOS developer with Apple. iOS developers gain access to iOS 8.1 downloads and can enroll their devices to install the iOS 8.1 beta.
Here’s what you need to know about the iOS 8.1 beta.
If you try to install iOS 8.1 beta without registering a device as a developer device, you will not be able to complete the installation and will be left with an unusable device until you manually install iOS 8.0.2.
Users who don’t want to pay Apple $99 for app development and the opportunity to try iOS 8.1 early can register their iPhone or iPad UDID on a site like: ATFDL and then install the iOS 8.1 beta software.
IMZDL won’t install iOS 8.1 beta, so make sure you can find a working iOS 8.1 beta download before spending any money. ATFDL promises an iOS 8.1 beta download soon.
It’s important to remember that this is an iOS 8.1 beta, meaning it’s unfinished software. There may be bugs that crash the iPhone, battery life can be terrible in iOS 8.1 beta, and some apps may not work. It is not a very good idea for most users to install the iOS 8.1 beta on their main device.
Don’t worry, 8.1 Beta 1 is loading!
– ATFDL (@ATFDL) 30 September 2014
Users who still have an old iPhone or iPad after the upgrade may want to try iOS 8.1 early. If that sounds good and you’re ready to accept that some things might not work and don’t leave negative comments if apps crash on iOS 8.1, you can follow the guidelines below to install the iOS 8.1 beta.
How to Install iOS 8.1 Beta Early
Follow these instructions to install the iOS 8.1 beta now. You need to make sure you save the UDID for the device you plan to install. If you signed up for the iOS 8 beta this June, it should still work. This is unlike iOS 8 GM installed on any device without the need to register with Apple.
If you continue, you will have to install other iOS 8.1 beta updates or risk losing access to your device when one of the betas expires. If this happens, you will need to restore the device to use it again, and you will lose access to your data that has not been backed up or synced. Note that iCloud and other iCloud features may not work properly during beta.
one. Find an iOS 8.1 beta download link From a site like IMZDL or social media.
2. Download the correct iOS 8.1 beta For your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch.
3. Plug the device into the computer and perform a backup. You should be able to upgrade without losing anything, but it’s a good idea.
Install iOS 8.1 early.
4. Open iTunes and upgrade to iOS 8.1 beta: Selecting Update.
- Be sure Hold alt/option on Mac When you click Update.
- on Windows, While holding down the Shift key Click Update.
5. Locate and click the .ipsw file you downloaded.
Now find the right file to install iOS 8.1 beta.
6. Complete the iOS 8.1 beta setup.
Users can install iOS 8 GM on iPhone 5s, iPhone 5, iPhone 4S, iPad Air iPad 4, iPad 3, iPad 2, iPad mini Retina and iPad mini, as well as iPod touch 5th generation.
You can’t officially revert to iOS 8.0.2, but in most cases this is possible by following the same instructions but with the old file. You still cannot restore an iOS 8.1 backup to an iOS 8.0.2 device.
