iPadOS Beta: How to Install It & What to Expect

Can't wait for the shipping version of iPadOS 18? If you're an early adopter who'd like to get early access to Apple's new iPad operating system and give feedback on how it's working, you can install iPadOS beta 18 now. Here's how to get iPadOS beta, and decide whether it's right for you.

iPadOS Beta

Now that Apple has made its big software update announcements at the start of the 2024 Worldwide Developer's Conference, we're all excited to check out the new iOS 18 beta, the iPadOS 18 beta, and all the new Apple software updates. Public betas are available now, and anyone can check them out!

If you're wondering what iPad you have, so you can learn whether or not you have one of the iPadOS 18 supported devices, we have an article that goes over all the iPad generations.

The following devices are capable of downloading and running iPadOS 18:

• iPad Pro (M4)
• iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later)
• iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and later)
• iPad Air (M2)
• iPad Air (3rd generation and later)
• iPad (7th generation and later)
• iPad mini (5th generation and later)

Apple Intelligence features will only be available on iPad models with M1 and later chips.

How to Sign Up for Public iPad Beta Testing

Here's how to sign up for the Apple public beta program, which is available now. Though the public iPadOS 18 beta is likely to be quite stable, part of the deal you make when you install it entails giving feedback to Apple, including on bugs and broken features. Before you install the public iPad beta, consider whether you're willing to deal with more bugs in your daily iPad use. In my experience with previous Apple betas, I've found them to be remarkably stable.

The Apple Beta Program signup process is fairly straightforward. Before you update your iPad to Apple's latest operating system, make sure to back up your device to iCloud or back up to your computer.

1. Plug your iPad into power and make sure you're connected to Wi-Fi or a stable, wired internet connection.
2. Visit the Apple Beta Program page and tap Sign Up, or Sign In if you've previously participated with an earlier beta version of iPadOS.
3. Your iPad will validate your identity with Touch ID, Face ID, or your passcode, then you’ll be prompted to sign the Apple Beta Software Program Agreement by clicking Agree.
4. If you aren't already signed in to your Apple ID on your iPad in Settings, you'll be asked to sign in with your Apple ID and password.
5. You'll be taken to a Guide for Public Betas. If you haven't downloaded a public beta before, scroll down, tap iPadOS.
6. Then tap enroll your iPad, and follow the prompts.
7. Follow the link provided or tap Download profile to download the configuration profile.
8. Tap Allow.
9. Tap Close.
10. Open the Settings app.
11. Tap Profile Downloaded under your name.
12. Tap Install.
13. Enter your Passcode.
14. Tap Install.
15. Tap Restart.
16. After your iPad restarts, open Settings and go to Software Update under General.
17. Tap Download and Install.
18. Once the beta is installed, you'll notice a new app called Feedback; this is where you can report bugs and glitches to Apple.
19. Accept the conditions.
20. Sign in with your Apple ID, and you're good to go!

Now you have early access to all the new features of iPadOS 18 with Apple's Beta Program!​ Be sure to check out our free Tip of the Day for more great iPad tutorials.