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How to Install the iPadOS Public Beta

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Apr 12, 2001
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Apple released a public beta of iPadOS for compatible iPad models, enabling users who aren't signed up for the Apple Developer Program to test the software update ahead of its official release in the fall.

iPadOS is a rebranded version of iOS 13 specially made for iPads, with extra features designed to take advantage of larger tablet displays. It includes an updated Home screen, improved multitasking functionality, new Apple Pencil functionality, support for external drives, folder sharing in Files, text editing improvements, and all of the other new changes in iOS 13.

ipados-1.jpg

With that said, bear in mind that iPadOS is pre-release software, so installing the public beta on a secondary device is highly recommended. The stability of beta software cannot be guaranteed, as it often contains bugs and issues that have yet to be ironed out, so installing it on your day-to-day device isn't advised.

Is iPadOS Compatible With My iPad?

Apple's list of compatible devices confirms that iPadOS is compatible with all of these iPad models:
[*]12.9-inch iPad Pro 3rd generation
[*]12.9-inch iPad Pro 2nd generation
[*]12.9-inch iPad Pro 1st generation
[*]11-inch iPad Pro
[*]10.5-inch iPad Pro
[*]9.7-inch iPad Pro
[*]iPad 6th generation (2018 model)
[*]iPad 5th generation
[*]iPad Air 3 (2019 model)
[*]iPad Air 2
[*]iPad mini 5 (2019 model)
[*]iPad mini 4
Installing the Public Beta shouldn't take longer than half an hour, but first you should create a backup of your device's contents and settings by following the step-by-step instructions below.

How to Create a Backup of Your iPad in iTunes
  1. Connect your iPad to a Mac or PC using a Lightning to USB cable or a USB-C to USB cable, depending on the model.
    Open iTunes.
  2. Click the device icon in the top-left menu and select your iPad.
    how-to-install-the-iPadOS-Public-Beta-1.jpg
  3. Under Backups, click This computer.
  4. Tick the Encrypt local backup checkbox if you want to securely back up your login credentials and any Health and HomeKit data.
    how-to-install-the-iPadOS-Public-Beta-2.jpg
  5. Click Back Up Now.
  6. Click iTunes -> Preferences... in the macOS menu bar.
  7. Click the Devices tab.
    how-to-install-the-ipados-public-beta-3.jpg
  8. Right-click (or Ctrl-click) the new backup, and select Archive from the contextual dropdown menu.
How to Enroll in the Apple Beta Software Program
Now that you've backed up your device, you're ready to download the iPadOS Public Beta. To do so, you must enroll your iPad in the free Apple Beta Software Program.
  1. Open Safari on your iPad and navigate to the Apple Beta Software Program.
  2. Tap the Sign up button, or sign in if you're already a member.
  3. Enter your Apple ID credentials and tap the Sign in button.
  4. Agree to the Apple Beta Software Program terms and conditions if necessary.
    how-to-install-ipados-public-beta-4.jpg
  5. A Guide for Public Betas screen will appear. Select the iPadOS tab, scroll down to the Get Started section and tap enroll your iOS device.
  6. On the Enroll Your Devices screen, with the iPadOS tab selected, scroll down and tap the Download profile button.
    how-to-install-ipados-public-beta-5.jpeg
  7. Tap Allow at the profile prompt.
  8. Launch the Settings app on your iOS device and then tap Profile Downloaded below your Apple ID banner.
    how-to-install-the-iPadOS-Public-Beta-7.jpg
  9. Tap Install and follow the prompts to install the iOS Beta Software Profile.
  10. Restart your device after installing the profile by tapping the restart popup.
How to Install the iPadOS Public Beta
Once you're enrolled in the Apple Beta Software Program, you can install the iPadOS Public Beta on your iOS device just as you would a regular software update.
  1. Launch the Settings app on your iPad.
  2. Tap General -> Software Update.
    how-to-install-the-iPadOS-Public-Beta-6.jpg
  3. Tap Download and Install.
    Tap Install Now.
If you come across any issues installing the iPadOS Public Beta, it may help to clear any previous profiles lingering on your device. You can find these in the Settings app under General -> Profile.


Want to discuss the iPadOS beta? Make sure to check out our iOS 13 discussion forum.

Article Link: How to Install the iPadOS Public Beta
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/how-to/install-ipados-public-beta/
  • Like
Reactions: mikzn
Should have been a redesigned home screen for the iPhone as well.Can’t believe that they’ve kept it the same again.:(
 
  • Like
Reactions: Chidi
10765E60-4E60-44D0-A098-36DA58FDF6C9.jpeg
I am on my second try of installing the public beta. First time was last night and it was taking awhile so I turned it off, back on, and had to do a restore today back to ios12, then to beta 12.4, then install my backup. Now I’m trying again and it’s rebooted and been on the Apple logo for a good hour. It’s a 10.5” iPad Pro.
 
Took a while to put on my iPad mini 4. But finally got it on there. I like the dark mode. I read and watch movies at night while my wife is sleeping, so dark mode I’m hoping is even less distracting for her.
NoImage said:
View attachment 845023 I am on my second try of installing the public beta. First time was last night and it was taking awhile so I turned it off, back on, and had to do a restore today back to ios12, then to beta 12.4, then install my backup. Now I’m trying again and it’s rebooted and been on the Apple logo for a good hour. It’s a 10.5” iPad Pro.
Click to expand...
 
Tried it on my 12.9 and its stuck on springboard crashing. Login with code or touch, crash and reloads login. Good thing I didnt do a backup and that I dont have a computer with Itunes available! :p
 
  • Like
Reactions: Shirasaki
magicschoolbus said:
Beta testers are the real MVPs. I just want to know if a Sandisk extreme ssd will be able to be read from my lightning port...
Click to expand...
You need an adapter with power pass through to give power to your SSD. Apple has one of these adapters. Many other hubs can also work.
Your SSD also needs to be formatted as APFS (in the future) or HFS+, FAT or exFAT might also work. No NTFS or any Linux filesystem support whatsoever.
[doublepost=1561510866][/doublepost]
jacks64 said:
Should have been a redesigned home screen for the iPhone as well.Can’t believe that they’ve kept it the same again.:(
Click to expand...
Well...
Apple definitely does not want to change their iconic Home screen grid layout anytime soon as they just release iOS 13 with no such intention whatsoever. The thing is, most people don’t care.
 
  • Like
Reactions: magicschoolbus
I’ve been on the developer beta since 6/6, and it’s been quite good on my iPad Pro 12.9. I really enjoy desktop class safari browsing.
 
Anyone else had there device constantly restarting on its own? I have the 11" pro
 
dezza85 said:
So tempting as I cannot wait for the changes but not sure I want to install on a business critical daily driver!
Click to expand...
It's been pretty darn stable for me and my family over the last 30 hours or so.

With that being said, I would never run a business on beta software. I'd probably even wait a minimum of 24 hours after the public release of 13.0 in Sept. and check the forums to ensure nobody else had problems.
 
jacks64 said:
Should have been a redesigned home screen for the iPhone as well.Can’t believe that they’ve kept it the same again.:(
Click to expand...
get the beta & complain!
[doublepost=1561540230][/doublepost]Will install on my new iPad later today & take 'er for a test drive.
[doublepost=1561540270][/doublepost]
Rockah said:
Anyone else had there device constantly restarting on its own? I have the 11" pro
Click to expand...
could be a bad install (???)
[doublepost=1561540361][/doublepost]
Shirasaki said:
You need an adapter with power pass through to give power to your SSD. Apple has one of these adapters. Many other hubs can also work.
Your SSD also needs to be formatted as APFS (in the future) or HFS+, FAT or exFAT might also work. No NTFS or any Linux filesystem support whatsoever.
[doublepost=1561510866][/doublepost]
Well...
Apple definitely does not want to change their iconic Home screen grid layout anytime soon as they just release iOS 13 with no such intention whatsoever. The thing is, most people don’t care.
Click to expand...
What do i format USB drives to use with Mac & Windows ( i used them to use on Windows 7 @ the hospital, but always get errors, & "do you want to format?'
 
Gravydog316 said:
What do i format USB drives to use with Mac & Windows ( i used them to use on Windows 7 @ the hospital, but always get errors, & "do you want to format?'
Click to expand...

You can try to format it with exFAT but this filesystem is unstable compared to HFS+ or NTFS. But this format is assumed to be supported on iPadOS atm. Give exFAT a try on a small USB stick.
 
Rockah said:
Anyone else had there device constantly restarting on its own? I have the 11" pro
Click to expand...
Yes it was happening for me. I tried quickly to launch an app and managed to evade another respring. Had to go to work so only had 1 minute to look at the desktop amd the new widgets on the side. But it stopped respringing!
 
I should clarify that mine seems to (so far) only restart when it's in standby. So it's possible others are not noticing it happen. Mine's just next to me at work on my desk so I keep seeing the apple logo pop up from the corner of my eye
 
Rockah said:
I should clarify that mine seems to (so far) only restart when it's in standby. So it's possible others are not noticing it happen. Mine's just next to me at work on my desk so I keep seeing the apple logo pop up from the corner of my eye
Click to expand...
I have been on the DB betas and I have found that if I leave my iPad mini 5's plugged in overnight, they reboot on their own. I haven't had any reboots while using the iPad minis.
 
ok... installed... now... how do I check for App Updates (?) it's been replaced by the Arcade Coming Soon screen
anyone know? *found it!!

time/date/wifi/battery life top bar are all brighter & easier to see. that's good.

icons are all smaller to fit more on a page... meh.
keyboard characters look a little smaller...
keyboard repeat rate is slower...

just shut off while removing apps via App Switcher

trying to ask Siri a question, but she just listened for about 45 sec. before answering

App Store previews VERY slow to load pix
 
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