How to download iPadOS 18 on your iPad right now

Taste-testing season for Apple’s wave of next-generation software has begun. While iOS 18 was heavy on AI and pulled back generously from Android’s feature set, iPadOS 18 didn’t get the same attention from Apple. Make the beastly M4-powered iPad Pro run more macOS-like workflows? Well, that didn’t happen. But the future still looks a little brighter, thanks to Apple Intelligence.

If you want to try out iPadOS 18 on your Apple tablet, it’s never been easier to run an early build on a compatible iPad. But here’s the standard disclaimer.

We’re talking about a developer beta here, which means you might run into some weird and unexpected bugs — battery drain being one of them. 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 right into iPadOS.

Nadeem Sarwar / Digital Trends

iPads that can run iPadOS 18 beta

This time the situation is a bit difficult. All of the iPads below will technically be able to run iPadOS 18, but not all of them will get the full experience. For example, the full range of Apple Intelligence features will require an iPad with at least an M-series processor, meaning any basic iPad, along with the mini and Air series, which contain A-series silicon, are out of luck.

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

iPad Pro (M4)
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (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 build that Apple released is only for developers, but you can still get it through a simple signup process that requires your Apple ID. If you’re already registered with Apple’s beta testing program, you don’t need to go through the registration process.

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

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

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

Step 3: Then enter your Apple ID credentials to get through Sign in to Apple Developer protocol and agree to the terms.

How to install iPadOS 18

After registering your Apple ID to test beta software, you should now download it like any other software update. Follow these steps to continue:

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

Step 2: 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 and then select iPadOS 18 Developer Beta.

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

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

iPadOS 18 appears to be shaping up to be a significant refresh of the tablet experience that puts more focus on functional benefits than visual change. It finally offers a calculator in Apple’s tablet portfolio. For the first time, third-party apps will integrate with Control Center. You can now also customize lock screen shortcuts, such as flashlight and camera, with your preferred default apps.

Additionally, some apps are introducing a new floating tab bar 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 thanks to the magic of machine learning.

As impressive as some of these features are, remember – iPadOS 18 is still in effect very early stages right now. If you want to let your guard down and use it this time, these are the steps to follow. But if you’re not into bugs, we’d recommend waiting for the public beta later this summer or for the final release to come in the fall.