Recently, Apple unveiled the developer beta for iOS 18.4, introducing a host of exciting features. Among these are Priority Notifications, a fresh Genmoji button, and support for new languages, all designed to enhance user experience.

While the complete rollout of iOS 18.4 for the general public is still on the horizon, those eager to delve into the new functionalities can opt to install the beta version. However, this comes with certain risks, and careful consideration is advised before proceeding.

Steps to Install the iOS 18.4 Developer Beta

It’s important to recognize that installing a developer beta carries inherent risks. Since the software is under development, it may exhibit instability and is primarily intended for developers to ensure their applications are compatible with the forthcoming iOS update. Users may encounter various bugs and glitches, which Apple is actively working to resolve ahead of the public release. Therefore, backing up your device before proceeding with the installation is crucial to avoid potential data loss. For those who understand the risks and wish to explore the new features, diving into the beta can be an enjoyable experience—provided it’s not done on a primary device.

Prior to installing the iOS 18.4 beta, ensure that your iPhone is backed up. It is recommended to use your Mac or PC via Finder or iTunes for this purpose. While iCloud allows for backups, using it in conjunction with beta software can be problematic—if your iPhone backs up to iCloud while on iOS 18.4, retrieving that data could be impossible if a downgrade becomes necessary. A computer backup offers a secure way to preserve all data from your device.

After securing your backup, the next step involves enrolling your Apple ID in Apple’s developer program. To do this, navigate to the Apple Developer site, select the Enroll option, log in with your Apple ID, provide your details, and accept Apple’s terms and conditions. Access to developer betas is available for free; however, if you aim to publish apps on the App Store, a yearly fee of $99 is required for complete access to the developer program.

With your device backed up and your Apple ID enrolled, you can proceed to install the developer beta. To initiate the process, go to Settings > General > Software Update. Look for the Beta Updates option beneath Automatic Updates. Select iOS 18.4 Developer Beta, then tap Back. Wait a moment for iOS to process your request, and then you will see the option to Download and Install the beta.