The iOS 15 public beta release date is today, and it’s not alone – here are all Apple betas

WWDC 2021 screenshot
(Image credit: Apple)

Want to see what’s coming in the big operating system updates heading to iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, and Apple TVs later in the year? The iOS 15 public beta is now live, along with those for iPadOS 15, watchOS 8, and tvOS 15.

We've actually tested the iOS 15 beta for a hands-on impressions piece, and concluded it's better than iOS 14 - click that link above to read the full piece.

While developers have been able to preview the big OS updates since just after the WWDC 2021 keynote in June, anyone who wanted in needed to be part of (and pay for) the Developer Beta Program. But the public beta for each is truly free, and takes just a little work to get running on your device. At least for every OS except for the macOS Monterey public beta – sorry, that’s not available yet.

Keep in mind a few things – first, that the betas are just starting to roll out, so access might be limited in each region as they become available to users in more areas. But more importantly, while public betas are usually more stable than developer or internal betas, it’s still somewhat risky to load on your device.

Thus, we recommend creating a backup of your current device before upgrading in case the beta is wonky or bug-ridden. Also remember that the Apple Watch requires a paired iPhone to coordinate updates – so if you want to upgrade to the watchOS 8 public beta, you’ll need to get your iPhone on the iOS 15 public beta first. 

Finally, don’t expect all the cool features that were revealed at WWDC just yet. Betas roll out in stages (Apple numbers them), slowly introducing features for early adopters to test. These reach developer betas first, with public betas on more stable builds receiving them later. But the latter will still get to play with new OS features before everyone else.

WWDC 2021 screenshot

(Image credit: Apple)

How to download iOS 15 public beta: a representative primer

We’ve got several guides for how to download the developer beta below, which should give you an idea of how to get your OS beta of choice as we update them to reflect the new public beta availability. Make sure your device is compatible with the next OS versions – we have compatibility lists in the guides below. 

But for right now, let’s walk through how to download the iOS 15 public beta as an example. 

First, you’ll need to get a public beta profile. Using the device you wish to update to iOS 15, open up Safari (sorry, Chrome fans) and head to the Apple Beta Software Program website and click the ‘sign up’ button. You’ll be asked to sign in with your Apple ID to enroll your account, if you haven’t done so before.

Then you’ll be prompted to download the software profile to your device – tap the 'Download profile' button to do so. You’ll need to activate this profile by opening the Settings app, and below your iCloud account info should be a new selection, ‘Profile Download.’ Tap that and tap to install, after which you’ll be asked to restart your device.

Once rebooted, you should be able to upgrade your iPhone to iOS 15 just like you would install a typical software update. Head to Settings > General > Software Update and tap ahead to install. Easy. 

Via MacStories

David Lumb

David is now a mobile reporter at Cnet. Formerly Mobile Editor, US for TechRadar, he covered phones, tablets, and wearables. He still thinks the iPhone 4 is the best-looking smartphone ever made. He's most interested in technology, gaming and culture – and where they overlap and change our lives. His current beat explores how our on-the-go existence is affected by new gadgets, carrier coverage expansions, and corporate strategy shifts.

Read more
Android 16 logo on a phone
The first Android 16 public beta is here – and it borrows a key iOS feature
iOS 18
iOS 18: new features, compatible devices, and everything you need to know
The Apple logo is seen with the iOS 18 operating system logo in the background on a mobile device
I installed iOS 18.4 beta and the big Siri intelligence update is nowhere to be found
A hand holding an iPhone showing the new Siri
iOS 18.4 beta tipped to land this week with the Siri upgrade I've been waiting for
Apple iPhone 16 Review
iOS 18.3 is here with a major change to how you enable Apple Intelligence
iOS 18 Control Center
iOS 18.4: 5 new features to expect, including Ambient Music and Photos filtering
Latest in iOS
Three iPhones on a green and blue background showing trails on Apple Maps
iOS 18.4 will give your iPhone a much-needed maps upgrade – but only if you're in the EU
iOS 18 Control Center
iOS 19: the 3 biggest rumors so far, and what I want to see
Apple's Craig Federighi demonstrates the iPhone Mirroring feature of macOS Sequoia at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024.
Report: iOS 19 and macOS 16 could mark their biggest design overhaul in years – and we have one request
Apple’s new Invites app gives iCloud Plus subscribers an easier way to organize parties – and Android fans are invited too
How to use Apple Invites: creating and responding to invitations on iPhone
iOS 18 Control Center
iOS 18.4: 5 new features to expect, including Ambient Music and Photos filtering
Apple iPhone 16 Plus Review
How to customize Camera Control on your iPhone 16: change click speed, lock exposure, and more
Latest in News
A super close up image of the Google Gemini app in the Play Store
It's official: Google Assistant will be retired for phones this year, with Gemini taking over
Quordle on a smartphone held in a hand
Quordle hints and answers for Sunday, March 16 (game #1147)
NYT Strands homescreen on a mobile phone screen, on a light blue background
NYT Strands hints and answers for Sunday, March 16 (game #378)
NYT Connections homescreen on a phone, on a purple background
NYT Connections hints and answers for Sunday, March 16 (game #644)
Three iPhone 16 handsets on show
Apple could launch an iPhone 17 Ultra this year – but we've heard these rumors before
Super Mario Odyssey
ChatGPT is the ultimate gaming tool - here's 4 ways you can use AI to help with your next playthrough