Skip to main content

Anyone can install the iOS 15 public beta now – here’s how

The final version of Apple’s iOS 15 won’t release until the fall, but anyone with a compatible device can test drive it right now with the first public-facing beta. The annual update includes significant FaceTime improvements, a refined Do Not Disturb with upgraded notifications called called Focus mode, and a deeper embedding of artificial intelligence into your iPhone.

The software is available through Apple’s public beta program. In addition to iOS 15 for iPhone, Apple has also launched the first public betas for iPadOS 15 and watchOS 8.

Recommended Videos

The iOS 15 public beta doesn’t require an incredibly new device. The iPhone 6s or later is compatible, meaning all iPhones from the past six years are eligible. Likewise, iPadOS 15 is compatible with the iPad Air 2 and later.

Apple's Craig Federighi makes a presntation in front of the iOS 15 logo.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

How to install the iOS 15 public beta

If you have an eligible device and have backed it up, you can install the beta by heading to the Apple Beta Software Program page.

Please note: Beta releases are likely to contain bugs. Because of this, we do not recommend installing a beta on an important device. Bugs are prevalent during betas, and you may end up losing precious data, or bricking your phone entirely. As such, we recommend using a spare or backup device for any beta and not risking anything that’s a daily driver.

You’ll need to use the Safari browser on the device on which you’ll be installing the software. You’ll also need to sign in with your Apple ID.

After doing that, tap on the menu at the top and select Enroll Your Devices. On the next screen, scroll down to Install profile > Download profile. Next, click Allow in the box that asks if you’re sure.

Apple's public beta software webpage.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

At that point, navigate to the Settings app, and select the box below your Apple ID that says Profile Downloaded. Then, on the Install Profile screen, tap the Install button on the top right.

After that, you can head to Settings > General > Software Update, and it should show you that the iOS 15 beta is available to install. From that point, the process is the same as installing any other iOS update. Tap Download and install and wait for it to do its thing. Your phone will restart once it’s ready to install.

Apple typically releases several rounds of public betas before launching the final version in September. While even the first public betas are usually relatively stable, some third-party apps may not work, and you might run into system bugs as Apple works out the kinks. So you should proceed with caution or else wait until fall for what should be a rock-solid iOS 15 release.

If you’re on the fence, you can check out our iOS 15 feature breakdown.

Will Shanklin
Former Senior Writer, Mobile Tech
Will Shanklin began writing for online-tech publications more than a decade ago. During that time, he has worked for media…
Will my Apple Watch get watchOS 26? Here’s every supported model
We've got the full list of watchOS 26 supported devices - find out if you're getting the new Apple Watch update
watchOS 26 on a trio of Apple Watches

Apple announced watchOS 26 at WWDC 2025, and the new Watch update comes with a fresh new look and plenty of features. Apple has ensured there are plenty of watchOS 26 supported devices, so if you have a relatively new Watch you should get the update this year.

And no, you haven't missed a volley of updates since watchOS 11 in 2024. Apple has skipped a bunch of numbers, so instead of giving us watchOS 12 in 2025, we got watchOS 26 alongside iOS 26, macOS 26, iPadOS 26, tvOS 26 and visionOS 26.

Read more
Will my iPad get iPadOS 26? Here’s every supported model
We've got the full list of iPadOS 26 supported devices - find out if you're getting the new iPad update
iPadOS 26 home screen on an iPad

Apple announced iPadOS 26 at WWDC 2025, and the new iPad update comes with a fresh new look and plenty of features. Apple has ensured there are plenty of iPadOS 26 supported slates, so if you have a relatively new iPad you should get the update this year.

And no, you haven't missed a volley of updates since iPadOS 18 in 2024. Apple has skipped a bunch of numbers, so instead of giving us iPadOS 19 in 2025, we got iPadOS 26 alongside iOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26 and tvOS 26.

Read more
Will my iPhone get iOS 26? Here’s every supported model
We've got the full list of iOS 26 supported devices - find out if you're getting the new iPhone update
iOS 26 features on a series of iPhone screens

Apple announced iOS 26 at WWDC 2025, and the new iPhone update comes with a fresh new 'Liquid Glass' look and plenty of features - and there are loads of iOS 26 supported devices, which is great news.

And no, you haven't missed a volley of updates since iOS 18 in 2024. Apple has skipped a bunch of numbers, so instead of giving us iOS 19 in 2025, we got iOS 26 alongside iPadOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26 and tvOS 26. In short, Apple's brought its operating system numbering into line. Nice.

Read more