iOS 14 beta: How to download Apple’s new mobile OS, public beta release date, and the new features to expect

Apple is gearing up to release its annual update to its iPhone operating system, with iOS 14 likely to roll out in September.

However, it is possible to get it earlier by signing up to one of Apple’s beta programmes.

Here is everything you need to know about how to get involved…

When is the iOS 14 beta out and how can I get it?

There is no exact date set yet for when the iOS 14 public beta to be out, but it is expected to be around 13 July.

To be eligible you need to go to Apple’s beta software programme page and sign up – all you need to do so is a valid Apple ID (iCloud accounts qualify).

Before downloading the beta it is advised you should back up your phone, just in case something goes wrong.

If you can’t wait until mid-July, it is possible to get beta access even earlier.

How can I get the iOS 14 beta earlier?

You can access iOS 14 right now by signing up to Apple’s developer programme.

This gives you access to a range of beta products, but does cost an annual fee of $99 (£80).

To get started you first need to head to the enrolment page, which you can find here.

You’ll need an Apple ID and personal documentation, and then will be prompted to pay the fee.

Once you have done that back up your phone. Then you’ll want to download the iOS 14 beta profile, which you can find here, to your phone.

Go to the menu icon in the top left of the screen, hit “downloads”, scroll until you find the iOS 14 beta and then click “install profile”.

Next you will need to manually install it on your phone by going to your settings. Head to Settings > General > Profile, then select the Profile Downloaded (a new option which should appear) and click the profile selected.

Now stay in your settings but scroll down to software update, which should give you the option to download iOS 14. It is a 5GB update, so will take some time. Plug your phone in to make sure it doesn’t die while updating.

Once the update is finished restart the phone and you should find it running the new operating system.

What’s new in iOS 14?

There are a bunch of new features, including the biggest changes ever seen to the home screen.

It will be more customisable than ever, with widgets now front and centre. They can take up either four or eight regular tiles.

Another big change is the introduction of the app library – a more efficient way to order your apps by category, so you don’t have to scroll through multiple pages to find something.

Siri has been improved and redesigned – Apple says it knows 20 times more facts than it did three years ago.

The messages app now lets you pin conversations at the top of the screen, and has added inline replies.

And there are also updates to Memoji, with 20 new hair and headwear styles available, more age options and new sticker poses.

Which phones are compatible with iOS 14?

Here is the full list of compatible phones:

• iPhone 6s & 6s Plus
• iPhone SE (2016)
• iPhone 7 & 7 Plus
• iPhone 8 & 8 Plus
• iPhone X
• iPhone XR
• iPhone XS & XS Max
• iPhone 11
• iPhone 11 Pro & 11 Pro Max
• iPhone SE (2020)

Plus the iPhone 12, 12 Max, 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max will all come with iOS 14 pre-installed when they release later this year.