How to download iPadOS 18 on your iPad right now

Taste-testing season for Apple’s next-generation software wave has already begun. While iOS 18 was largely AI-focused and moved generously away from Android’s feature set, iPadOS 18 didn’t quite receive the same kind of attention from Apple. Making the beastly M4-powered iPad Pro run more macOS-like workflows? Well, that didn’t happen. But the future looks even more promising, thanks to Apple Intelligence.

If you’re eager to try iPadOS 18 on your Apple tablet, getting an early version running on a compatible iPad has never been easier. But here’s the standard disclaimer.

We’re talking about a developer beta here, which means you might encounter some weird and unexpected bugs, including battery drain. Needless to say, don’t install it on a machine that serves as your work companion. But if you’ve already made up your mind, follow these steps and dive straight into iPadOS.

iPads that can run iPadOS 18 beta

The situation this time is a little delicate. All iPads below will technically be able to run iPadOS 18, but not all will get the full experience. For example, the Apple Intelligence feature set will require an iPad with at least an M-series processor, which means that all major iPads, as well as those in the mini and Air series, which contain silicon from the A series, have no luck.

Below is the full list of machines that can boot iPadOS 18:

• iPad Pro (M4)
• 12.9-inch iPad Pro (3rd generation and later)
• iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and later)
• iPad Air (M2)
• iPad Air (3rd generation and later)
• iPad (7th generation and later)
• iPad mini (5th generation and later)

How do I sign up for the iPadOS 18 Developer Beta?

As mentioned above, the test version released by Apple is for developers only, but you can still get it through a simple registration process that requires your Apple ID. If you are already enrolled in Apple’s beta testing program, you do not need to go through the registration process.

For people installing a developer build for the first time, simply follow the following steps to prepare your account to receive the over-the-air (OTA) update:

Step 1: On your iPad, open your web browser of choice and navigate to the Apple Developer website (developer.apple.com).

2nd step: In the upper right corner of the page, select Account.

Step 3: Next, enter your Apple ID credentials to browse the Sign in to Apple Developer protocol and accept the terms.

how to install iPadOS 18

Once you have registered your Apple ID for beta testing of the software, you now need to download it like any other software update. Follow these steps to continue:

Step 1: Open it Settings app on your compatible iPad.

2nd step: Scroll down and select General.

Step 3: On the General page, select Software update.

Step 4: On the next page you will see Beta updates.

Step 5: Select it, then select iPadOS 18 developer beta.

Step 6: Return to the General page. You will soon see an update window appear.

Step 7: Select blue Update now enter the device passcode and iPadOS 18 Developer Beta will be installed on your tablet.

It looks like iPadOS 18 is shaping up to be a significant refresh to the tablet experience, one that places more emphasis on functional benefits than a visual overhaul. It finally brings a calculator to Apple’s tablet portfolio. For the first time, third-party apps will integrate with Control Center. You can also now customize lock screen shortcuts, such as flashlight and camera, with your favorite default apps.

Additionally, a new floating tab bar is introduced in some apps to improve navigation. SharePlay adds a screen sharing feature that lets you tap and draw on another person’s screen and remotely control their iPad for tech support. One of the most innovative new features is Smart Script, which comes to life through the magic of machine learning.

As impressive as some of these features are, remember: iPadOS 18 is still available. very early steps at the moment. If you want to be cautious and use it now, here are the steps to follow. But if you don’t like bugs, we recommend waiting for the public beta later this summer or the final version coming in the fall.

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