How to Download and Install iOS 17 Beta to Try New iPhone Features First « iOS & iPhone :: Gadget Hacks

Apple is working on the next big software update for iPhone, iOS 17, and you can install and use it on your iPhone before its anticipated stable release later this year. If you want to try new iOS 17 features like Journal (available later this year), NameDrop, Hey, Siri without the “hey” and Standby before most others, here’s how to do it.

It’s important to note that iOS 17 is currently only available to app developers enrolled in the Apple Developer Program. Apple will open iOS 17 to the general public in July through the Apple Beta Software Program, but there is no specific date yet for the iOS 17 Public Beta software release.

With that out of the way, follow the instructions below to get iOS 17 Beta on your iPhone. This guide will be updated when the iOS 17 public beta is available. See our guide on installing iPadOS 17 Beta for help installing the beta on your iPad.

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iOS 17 version history

• 5th June: iOS 17.0 Developer Beta 1 ()

Make a backup before continuing

If you think you may want to downgrade from iOS 17 Beta, you’ll want to archive a backup of the current iOS 16 software on your iPhone before installing iOS 17 Beta. Once you install iOS 17 Beta, a backup of the iOS 17 Beta software can replace your iOS 16 backup on your Mac, so it’s important to avoid this.

1. Connect your iPhone and Mac with a compatible cable.
2. Select your iPhone from the Finder sidebar on your Mac.
3. Choose the “General” tab if it is not already open.
4. Check “Back up all your iPhone data to this Mac” in the Backups section.
5. Check “Encrypt local backup” to protect it with a password. (This is optional.)
6. Click “Back Up Now”.
7. Click “Manage Backups” after Finder finishes backing up your iPhone.
8. Right-click on the backup you want to archive.
9. Choose “Archive” from the context menu.
10. A date should appear in the name of the backup, indicating that it is now overwrite-protected.

iOS 17 Beta Software Installation

These instructions assume that you are already a registered developer in the Apple Developer Program running iOS 16.4 or later on the target iPhone. On iOS 16.4 or later, it’s much easier to install the beta software.

1. Go to Settings -> General -> Software Update -> Beta Updates.
2. Make sure the Apple ID listed below is the one assigned to your Apple Developer Program membership. If not, tap on it, select “Use a different Apple ID” and sign in with the correct email address and password. Changing Apple IDs here will not affect any Apple IDs used for other apps and services on the device; it only affects software updates, so you can install beta versions on other devices you own that don’t use your Apple Developer Program Apple ID as the device’s. Primary Apple ID.
3. With the correct Apple ID, make sure iOS 17 Developer Beta is checked.
4. Press “Back” to return to Software Update and see if the iOS 17 Developer Beta is ready to install.
5. Install iOS 17 Beta like any other software update when it becomes available.

Compatible iOS 17 devices

iOS 17 Beta is available on the following iPhone models. Apple did not include the iPhone 8, 8 Plus and XS in the list of models compatible with iOS 17, so those devices are now maxed out with the latest iOS 16 software.

• iPhone 14 Pro Max
• iPhone 14 Pro
• iphone 14 plus
• iPhone 14
• iPhone SE (3rd generation)
• iPhone 13 Pro Max
• iPhone 13 Pro
• iPhone 13mini
• iPhone 13
• iPhone 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 12 Pro
• iPhone 12mini
• iPhone 12
• iPhone SE (2nd generation)
• iPhone 11 Pro Max
• iPhone 11 Pro
• iPhone 11
• iphone XR.
• iphone XS max
• iphone XS