Thanks to all the massive changes, iOS 18 is shaping up to be the most highly anticipated OS update in years. Much of that can be attributed to Apple Intelligence, though it won’t fully arrive until iOS 18.4 next year. In the meantime, though, those who want to experience the features before a final release have multiple ways to do so.

The latest of these is the iOS 18 public beta. But should you get it, since it’s ultimately not quite finished and not the end? Here’s everything you need to know before you try out the iOS 18 beta, and how to get it.

Since it’s a work in progress, the beta version of any software, let alone the entire operating system, will come with some issues. Of course, it’s still better than the developer beta. But there are some things you should know about beta updates before you jump on the bandwagon.

That goes without saying. But expectations should be tempered from the start. We already know, thanks to the developer beta, what various new features are coming to iOS 18. But not everything planned for iOS 18 will be available on the public beta.