Top Reasons to Download the iOS 18 Beta on Your iPhone Today

If you’ve been eagerly waiting to try iOS 18 since Apple showcased it in June but hesitated due to potential bugs, now is the time to take the plunge. The current iOS 18 beta is nearly final—and it’s impressively stable. By installing it on your iPhone today, you’ll be ahead of your friends and colleagues by about a month.

Plus, there are some fantastic new features to explore, including a fully customizable Home Screen, an upgraded Control Center, a new Passwords app, and much more.

Why Waiting for the Final Version Isn’t Necessary

Apple introduced iOS 18 at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June, and the beta testing phase began immediately. Early versions of the beta were indeed plagued with bugs—far too many for the average user to risk installing on a primary device.

However, that was several months ago, and now, as we approach the end of the development cycle, the beta has become much more stable. Each iOS 18 beta release comes with a build number, and these numbers are indicative of how close the version is to the final release. The latest beta’s build number ends in “a,” which means that we’re in the final stages before the release candidates, and soon after, the official launch of iOS 18.

While you could wait for the final version, which is likely about a month away, why not get a head start? Based on Apple’s usual timeline and current rumors, the iPhone 16 will likely be unveiled in the second week of September, with iOS 18 rolling out about a week later.

The Latest iOS 18 Beta Is Stable Enough for Daily Use

iOS 18 beta 5, released to the public this week, may not be completely free of bugs, but it’s stable enough for regular use. I’ve tested it extensively on my iPhone 15 Plus and found it to be quite reliable. In my daily usage, I encountered no issues with essential apps like Mail, Messages, and Safari. Streaming on Apple TV+ and Podcasts worked flawlessly as well.

I also ran several non-Apple apps, as new iOS versions often cause issues with third-party software. After spending hours playing games and watching videos on Disney+, I encountered no problems.

While bugs are inevitable in any beta software, I have yet to find any that significantly impact my usage after several days of testing.

A Few Considerations Before You Install

It’s important to note that I conducted my tests on an iPhone 15, a relatively new model. Performance may vary on older devices, so if you have an iPhone 11 or earlier, your experience might be different.

Additionally, it’s wise to avoid installing beta software on a device you rely on in critical situations. While this beta version is stable, it’s not perfect. If missing a crucial text or experiencing a crash in Apple Maps could lead to serious consequences, it’s best to stick with iOS 17 until the final release.

What’s New and Exciting in iOS 18

Although the much-anticipated Apple Intelligence wasn’t included in this beta and will arrive with iOS 18.1, there’s still plenty to explore in the initial release.

The redesigned Control Center is a standout feature. It’s not a flashy AI function, but it’s something you’ll use every day. You can finally remove buttons you never use and rearrange those you do, with more flexibility than ever before. The expanded space is a welcome change as well.

Other useful features in iOS 18 include the ability to place any button on your iPhone’s Lock Screen, Safari’s new Hide Distracting Items feature, and the all-new Apple Passwords app. While the Passwords app consolidates features that were previously buried in Settings, it’s now far more convenient for everyday use. Plus, it’s free!

Another notable feature requires macOS Sequoia, which I haven’t tested yet. It allows you to mirror your iPhone on your Mac, enabling you to control the handset without taking it out of your pocket.

Get the iOS 18 Beta Today!

Some may brag that they’ve been using iOS 18 since June, but it’s not too late for you to become an early adopter. With Apple expected to release the final version in about three weeks, now is the perfect time to jump in and experience all that iOS 18 has to offer.