How to enroll in the iOS 27 public beta, check iPhone compatibility, preserve a usable backup and return to public iOS if necessary.
The iOS 27 public beta is available through the Apple Beta Software Program. Check the version offered on your own device instead of relying on an estimated July launch date. Beta software can disrupt apps and services you depend on; our recommendation is to use a spare device.
Correction, September 4, 2026: this guide previously predicted a July release and treated announced Siri AI features as available in the beta. Those claims have been removed.
Check your iPhone and the feature you want
Apple's iOS 27 compatibility list includes iPhone 11 and newer families and iPhone SE (second and third generation). Compatibility with iOS is not the same as eligibility for every AI feature. Apple separately says Siri AI is coming in English later in 2026; installing the public beta is not proof that the announced Siri features are available.
Before installing
Read the enrollment instructions while signed in with the Apple Account used on the phone. Preserve a backup made before installing the beta and verify how to retain it on your computer. Check access to passwords, recovery codes and any work or school management requirements before changing the phone's operating system.
Install the beta offered to your account
- Enroll your Apple Account at beta.apple.com and follow the iOS enrollment instructions.
- On the iPhone, open Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates.
- Select the iOS 27 Public Beta option if it is offered, return to Software Update and follow the download and installation prompts.
- If the option is absent, check enrollment, the Apple Account and device compatibility. Do not install a configuration profile from an unrelated download site.
Stop beta updates or return to public iOS
Turning Beta Updates off stops future beta updates; it does not erase the beta already installed. To return immediately to the current public release, Apple's removal instructions require erasing and restoring the device using a computer. A backup created on a newer beta may not restore to an older public system. Keep the pre-beta backup and follow the current Apple procedure, rather than assuming any particular older iOS version can still be installed.
See our beta downgrade guide for the distinction between waiting for public software and erasing to leave the beta now. For the assistant itself, consult the Siri availability guide.
