iPhone 15 Pro owners can use Apple Intelligence already thanks to the iOS 18.1 beta – here’s how to install it

Follow these steps to access Apple Intelligence right now

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Applerevealed theiPhone 16,iPhone 16 Plus,iPhone 16 Pro, andiPhone 16 Pro Maxduring the “It’s Glowtime” event on September 9, placing a huge focus on the AI capabilities of its latest iPhone lineup. As Tim Cook said during the livestream, these phones are the “first iPhones designed from the ground up forApple Intelligence."

That said, the version ofiOS 18shipping with the iPhone 16 lineup on September 20 won’t actually feature any Apple Intelligence tools. That’s becauseApple is holding the release of Apple Intelligence until October, and even then,some Apple Intelligence features will be further delayed until later in the year.

There is, however, a way for some iPhone users to experience Apple Intelligence features right away, albeit through a beta version of iOS aimed solely at developers.

Prior to the launch of the iPhone 16 line, Apple released theiOS 18.1developer beta 3, givingiPhone 15 ProandiPhone 15 Pro Maxusers access to the first Apple Intelligence features like Writing Tools, notification summaries, Reduce Interruptions Focus Mode, andClean Up.

MacRumorsnotes that, thanks to a new update, this developer beta (and therefore Apple Intelligence) will also be made available on the iPhone 16 family at launch. In the meantime, though, here’s how to install the iOS 18.1 developer beta on an iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max.

How to install the iOS 18.1 developer beta with Apple Intelligence

First things first: iOS 18.1 developer beta 3, like all developer beta versions, is an unfinished version of theoperating systemintended for developers to test out new features and update their apps. Developer betas aren’t recommended for the public, but if you want to use Apple Intelligence right away, you can access the free tier of theApple Developerprogram to download the beta today.

We strongly recommend that you back up your iPhone before updating to any beta version, as these builds are prone to bugs and altogether less reliable than stable releases – you can check out our guide onhow to back up an iPhonefor more information.

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It’s also worth noting that the Apple Intelligence features in developer beta 3 are technically only available in the US. Those in selected regions outside of the US (not including the EU and China)canstill access these features (albeit in American English), but you’ll have to jump through a few additional Settings hoops in addition to the steps outlined below, as outlined byMacRumors.

To install the iOS 18.1 developer beta 3, navigate to the aforementionedApple Developerpage and sign in with your Apple ID. If you’ve not already joined the Apple Developer program, you’ll need to read and agree to the Apple Developer Agreement.

After you sign up, head over to the Settings app on your iPhone. You should find the developer beta update in the General section, under the Software Update tab, the same place you’d find regular updates in.

Once you’ve found this option, it’s as simple as installing the beta as you would any other iPhone software update.

AsCNETnotes, installing the beta this way requires some free storage. If your iPhone is nearly out of storage space, you can also install the beta by connecting it to a Mac.

To do this, download the iOS 18.1 beta restore image from the Apple Developer site. Then, connect your iPhone to the Mac, open Finder, and click on your iPhone under the Locations section. Finally, hold down the Option key, click Check For Update, and select the iOS 18.1 beta restore image you downloaded.

For the latest iOS-related updates, check out ouriPhone 16,iPhone 16 Plus,iPhone 16 Pro, andiPhone 16 Pro Maxcoverage, or head over to ourApple Intelligencehub for more information on official release dates and confirmed features.

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Jamie is a Mobile Computing Staff Writer for TechRadar, responsible for covering phones and tablets. He’s been tech-obsessed from a young age and has written for various news and culture publications. Jamie graduated from Goldsmiths, University of London in 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism. Since starting out as a music blogger in 2020, he’s worked on local news stories, finance trade magazines, and multimedia political features. He brings a love for digital journalism and consumer technology to TechRadar. Outside of the TechRadar office, Jamie can be found binge-watching tech reviews, DJing in local venues around London, or challenging friends to a game of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

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