Apple Intelligence is here (kind of). How to install iOS 18.1 developer beta to try it.

The iOS 18.1 developer beta is here — and two words explain why this is a big one: Apple Intelligence.

The Cupertino-based tech giant first announced Apple Intelligence, its new suite of AI features, at WWDC 2024. After months of rumors, Apple finally dropped the news that it’s diving deeper into AI in a way that makes day-to-day tasks a smidge easier — and perhaps make you smile.

One of the most highly anticipated Apple Intelligence feature is Genmoji, a utility that lets you create your own emoji with a prompt. Image Playground, an AI image generation tool, is another long-awaited Apple Intelligence perk. No, these new features will not be available in the iOS 18.1 developer beta that was released today. However, there are still a gaggle of new Apple Intelligence utilities you can test today.

How to install the iOS 18.1 developer beta

To be abundantly clear, this is the iOS 18.1 developer beta. This means that this operating system variant is still in its testing phase, and the Cupertino-based tech giant is seeking feedback from users, developers specifically, on how they it refine iOS 18.

As such, this iOS 18.1 developer beta may be a bit rough around the edges and some features are likely unpolished. That said, you’ll want to backup your iPhone before installing the iOS 18.1 developer beta.

You’ll also need to be a member of Apple’s developer beta program before getting access to iOS 18.1. (Sign up for it; it’s free.)

And finally, you’ll need to have an Apple Intelligence-supported iPhone (i.e., iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max)

Once you’ve fulfilled these requirements, you’re ready to install the iOS 18.1 developer beta.

What You Need

• iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max
• Apple developer beta program membership
• and an iPhone backup

Step 1:
Tap on Settings.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Step 3:
Tap on “Software Update”

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Step 4:
Tap on “Beta Updates”

Tap on iOS 18.1 developer beta. Next, hit the back button.

Step 5:
Tap on “Download and Install”

How to turn on Apple Intelligence

For the first time since Apple announced the iOS 18 betas, you’ll have a chance to play around with some robust Apple Intelligence features. However, they’re not on by default.

1. Tap on “Settings.”

2. Tap on the “Apple Intelligence” option.

3. Tap on “Join the Apple Intelligence” waitlist.

You’ll be placed on a waitlist, but you should be able to gain access to Apple Intelligence features in just a few hours.

The official iOS 18 version is expected to drop later this year, perhaps alongside the launch of the iPhone 16.