Every year, Apple releases a major OS update for its new iPhones, providing these excellent smartphones with more features and customizations. Though, what many people don't know is that you can try these updated versions weeks or months before they debut in their stable form. Apple offers both developer and public beta programs, giving enthusiasts the chance to test these pre-release builds and report any bugs they encounter. If you're ready to risk your iPhone's stability, battery life, and performance, you can download and install the latest iOS 17 beta build available by following the steps below.

Backing up your iPhone

First things first: Backup, backup, backup! Most of the time, installing the betas works smoothly, so nothing should be erased, but that doesn't make them foolproof. If you find yourself starting from scratch, you'll want to make sure you have a backup of all your important data.

  1. In Settings, tap your name at the top, then go to iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now.
    Screenshot of iCloud backup
  2. If you'd rather have a local backup, you can back up your iPhone with Finder or iTunes.

How to install the iOS 17 beta

Over-the-air (OTA)

This is the easiest and most straightforward way of installing the iOS beta.

  1. Launch the Settings app on your iPhone, and go to the General section.
  2. Tap on Software Update.
  3. Go to the Beta Updates section.
  4. Choose iOS 17 Developer Beta or iOS 17 Public Beta. The former program delivers new builds faster than the latter but requires a $99 per year subscription.
  5. Go back to the Software Update page, and the latest iOS 17 beta build available should appear as an available software update.
  6. Tap on Download and Install.
  7. Make sure your iPhone remains connected to a power source until the installation process concludes.

Using an iOS beta restore image

Apple also makes full images available for each device. This method is more complicated, but it's an option.

  1. Go to Apple Developer > Develop > Downloads.
  2. Under the iOS section, click Download Restore Images.
  3. Select your device from the list.
    iOS beta restore images on Apple Developer website
  4. Using a Lightning cable, connect your iPhone to a Mac or Windows PC.
  5. You might have to choose to Trust This Computer on your iPhone and to Trust iPhone on the computer if you haven't already.
    Screenshot of Mac asking to trust iPhone
  6. After that, you'll find the device in Finder or iTunes. Select the iPhone on the side.
    Screenshot of iPhone in Finder
  7. While holding Option, press either Check for Update or Restore iPhone. If you press the former, this will work as an update, and you'll keep all of your data. If you choose the latter, it will erase everything when it installs the iOS beta.
  8. Select the iOS beta image that you downloaded in the file dialog that appears.
    Screenshot of file dialog selecting iOS 15 image
  9. Wait for the process to complete, and don't unplug your iPhone before then.
    Screenshot of message saying iPhone is about to be updated to iOS 15

iOS beta builds can be exciting for those who don't want to wait for the stable release. Though, keep in mind that apps or certain system features may not work as expected, if at all. So if you depend on your iPhone for sensitive, serious tasks, you may want to refrain from installing the beta. Ultimately, you could always switch back to the stable iOS version if you change your mind down the road.