At its recently concluded developers conference, Apple officially unwrapped iOS 13, which includes a number of neat improvements and new features, such as system-wide Dark Mode, keyboard swiping, and revamped apps, among other things.
There's a way to install it right now even if it's months away from being released officially — but only developers can download it on their device.
As per tradition, Apple has released a beta version of iOS 13 to developer for testing and updating apps. Those willing to pay to join Apple's Developer Program can download iOS 13 and check it out as early as now.
Fair Warning
There's a reason why it's called "beta." The developer beta for iOS 13 is closed because the software largely remains unstable. It may cause phones to crash, apps to close without a clear cause, and data to get deleted all of a sudden. All sorts of calamities are associated with early software, which is why it's up to software developers and programmers to squash bugs at this point in time. Even Apple makes clear this version of iOS 13 is "intended exclusively for software developers."
How To Install iOS 13
Still, for those who want to proceed, read on. The first step is to join Apple's Developer Program. These are the following requirements:
• A device that's compatible with iOS 13.
• A Mac running macOS Mojave.
• A Lightning-to-USB or Lightning-to-USB Type-C cable.
• The latest version of iTunes.
• An Apple Developer License.
Go to the Developer Program site and click "enroll" in the top-right corner. Joining is free for individuals new to development, but they'll be required to sign in with their Apple ID and use two-factor authentication. The program, however, costs $99 a year, so make sure to have a credit card on hand.
Once enrolled, users should then sign in to their developer account on their Mac and go to the Apple Developer downloads site and download the iOS 13 beta.
Before actually installing, it might be a good idea to back up the device where iOS 13 will be installed in. Better yet, use a backup, secondary device instead so there's minimal damage even if things go south.
Once that's done, go to the Device Summary page in iTunes, press and hold the option key, then select "check for updates." Select the iOS 13 beta files downloaded earlier and click "open." The device will restart as it installs.
This Seems Too Complicated
Unfortunately, there's no other way to get iOS 13 running at the moment except enrolling in Apple's Developer Program. There are, as Lifehacker notes, unofficial ways of getting around that blockade, but they're probably more complicated than the stops outlined above.
But Apple is scheduled to release a public beta next month, which will be far easier to download and install, and much safer to use. Best of all, it'll be free for everyone. Watch out for the Apple Beta Software Program to get updates as they come.
