Last month, the developer beta of iOS 17 hit — and it was accessible to everyone, non-developers included, for free. This month, the public beta has become available, and here we’re going to offer directions on how to install either on your iPhone or iPad once it’s available for your device.

Before we get started, a word of warning: beta software is inherently unfinished and may contain bugs. Apple’s public betas are generally more stable, but its developer betas are less so, and you should think carefully before installing either on any device you depend on. They also may not include all the features that will be in the final release. Your experience may differ from others, depending on the apps you use. And finally, if you do decide to install, we suggest backing up your device’s data in case things go badly.

What new features come with iOS 17?

The new iOS offers a wide range of cool new features. These include an interesting built-in journaling app, new safety features, a new nightstand mode, better contact cards, improved auto-correct and voice transcription, and live voicemail. Not to mention updates to stickers and AirDrop, keyboard updates, and the ability to be able to just say “Siri” without the extra “Hey!”

What devices support iOS 17?

iOS 17 betas (both the developer and public versions) work on the following devices:

• iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max
• iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Mini, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max
• iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max
• iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR
• iPhone SE (second generation or later)

It is not available for the iPhone X, iPhone 8, or iPhone 8 Plus.

How to install the iOS 17 Developer or Public Beta

Apple has made it easier than ever to install beta releases of iOS. Here’s what you do (this was done on an iPhone 11 running iOS 16):

First, make sure that your device is running iOS 16.4 or later (by running Settings > General > About). If not, update your software by going to Settings > General > Software Update and downloading the latest version of iOS 16.

Once that’s done:

• For the public beta, head over to Apple’s beta software portal on your device’s Safari browser and sign up with the primary Apple ID you use on the device. If you want the developer beta, sign up on the developer site. If you’ve previously signed up, you can sign in and select Get started.
• If you’re signing in for the first time on eithe rsite, you need to enroll your Apple ID into Apple’s Beta Software Program. This involves agreeing to a lengthy set of terms and conditions. Did we mention this was at your own risk?
• Once you’ve agreed, you’re now done with enrollment — your Apple ID essentially becomes your beta pass.
• Optional: if you’d like more info about the beta program, you can scroll down to review Apple’s information about providing feedback. Under Get Started, you can select Enroll your iOS device and be greeted with a reminder on how to create a backup of your device’s content onto a Mac in case you need to revert to a previous state.

• Now go back to Settings > General > Software Update. You should now see a new Beta Updates option right under Automatic Updates. Select Beta Updates and check to make sure the correct Apple ID is at the bottom of the screen. If not, tap on the ID and select Use a different Apple ID.
• Select iOS 17 Developer Beta or iOS 17 Public Beta under Beta Updates.
• Once all that is done, go back one screen to Settings > General > Software Update. You should see your iOS 17 Beta update there; select Download and Install and follow the instructions from there.

Update July 12th, 2023, 1:14PM ET: This article was originally published on June 6th, 2023, and has been updated to include the public beta.