X

Apple's iOS 11 public beta is now available

Apple's next iPhone and iPad OS is here in public beta form, should you choose to experiment.

Scott Stein Editor at Large
I started with CNET reviewing laptops in 2009. Now I explore wearable tech, VR/AR, tablets, gaming and future/emerging trends in our changing world. Other obsessions include magic, immersive theater, puzzles, board games, cooking, improv and the New York Jets. My background includes an MFA in theater which I apply to thinking about immersive experiences of the future.
Expertise VR and AR, gaming, metaverse technologies, wearable tech, tablets Credentials
  • Nearly 20 years writing about tech, and over a decade reviewing wearable tech, VR, and AR products and apps
Scott Stein
apple-ios-11

This is iOS 11 on the iPhone 7 Plus and the iPad Pro.

Sarah Tew/CNET

It's the tenth anniversary week of the iPhone, and it's also the release of the iOS 11 public beta, which is now available.

Much like last year, the public version of the beta software is a chance for everyone to download and experiment with what is very much a pre-release version of the software that's coming in the fall.

A warning, however: we recommend you don't install the iOS 11 public beta on your main device. Use a secondary device if you have one, or at at least fully back up your iPhone or iPad before experimenting. 

We tested the public beta out on an iPhone 7 Plus and a 10.5-inch iPad Pro, but your experience may vary greatly depending on your hardware. Read the below impressions for all the details on what to try out, should you download.

iOS 11's best features for iPhone and iPad

See all photos

iOS 11 on the iPad Pro: its best features

iOS 11 on the iPhone: things to try