Want to try iOS 27 early? Here's how to install the beta on your iPhone

Apple's next major iPhone software update is almost here. During its WWDC 2026 keynote, the company is expected to unveil iOS 27, bringing a fresh wave of features, refinements and artificial intelligence upgrades to millions of users worldwide.

While much of the attention is likely to focus on Apple's next-generation Siri, expanded Apple Intelligence capabilities and improvements to the Liquid Glass interface introduced last year, many enthusiasts will be wondering how quickly they can get their hands on the new software.

If Apple follows its usual release pattern, the first developer beta of iOS 27 should become available within hours of the keynote presentation. That means developers and adventurous users could be testing the new operating system long before its official public release later this year. However, before rushing to install the update, it is worth understanding both the process and the risks involved.

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How to download iOS 27?

Apple has significantly simplified beta software access in recent years. Since iOS 16.4, users enrolled in the Apple Developer Program no longer need to download special configuration profiles to access preview software.

Once Apple releases the first iOS 27 developer beta, eligible users can install it directly through the Settings app. The process is straightforward:

1. Open Settings on your iPhone.

2. Tap General.

3. Select Software Update.

4. Choose Beta Updates.

5. Select iOS 27 Developer Beta.

6. Return to the Software Update screen and begin the installation.

Users already testing iOS 26.6 developer beta builds should note that Apple will not automatically move them to iOS 27. They will need to manually select the new beta version once it becomes available.

For those who prefer a more stable experience, Apple is expected to launch a public beta later in the summer. Historically, public beta releases arrive several weeks after the developer beta, often after the company has addressed some of the most serious bugs and performance issues.

Even then, beta software remains unfinished. Early builds can introduce unexpected problems ranging from app crashes and battery drain to broken features and reduced performance. Third-party applications may not yet be optimised for the new operating system, causing compatibility issues that can disrupt daily use.

Experts generally recommend avoiding installation on a primary device. This is especially important for users who rely on specific work applications, VPN services, banking apps or messaging platforms.

Another important consideration involves Apple Watch users. If an Apple Watch is upgraded to the watchOS 27 beta and paired with an iPhone running iOS 27 beta, reverting the iPhone to an older version can become complicated because both devices typically need compatible software versions.

Which iPhones are eligible for iOS 27?

Apple is expected to continue supporting a broad range of devices with iOS 27. Reports suggest that iPhones beginning with the iPhone 11 series and newer models will be compatible with the update.

This means users with devices such as the iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 13, iPhone 14, iPhone 15, iPhone 16 and the latest iPhone 17 lineup should be able to install the new software when it becomes available.

However, there may be an important distinction between receiving iOS 27 and accessing every new feature. Apple Intelligence capabilities often require more advanced hardware, meaning some AI-powered tools could remain exclusive to newer devices with faster processors and additional memory.

There is also growing speculation that Apple could stagger the rollout of certain Apple Intelligence features. In previous years, some headline capabilities did not arrive with the initial x.0 software release and instead appeared in later updates after additional testing.

The timing of the public beta remains uncertain. Apple released the iOS 26 public beta unusually late compared with previous years, largely due to the extensive work required to refine the Liquid Glass interface after early feedback from users and developers.

This year, the company may return to a more traditional schedule, potentially making the iOS 27 public beta available by mid-July. Until then, users eager to explore Apple's latest software should remember that beta testing comes with trade-offs. The newest features may arrive first, but so do the bugs, crashes and occasional headaches that accompany software still under development.