Revealed: How you can get the new iOS 18 on your iPhone BEFORE Apple releases it to the public this autumn

Apple has pulled back the curtain on its upcoming operating system, iOS 18, which will be packed with a range of new AI tools. 

iOS 18 is expected to become widely available for the public to install on devices around mid-September.

This will likely be shortly after the tech giant reveals its next iPhone, expected to be called the iPhone 16. 

While September may be an agonizingly long way away for fans, there is a way to try out the software before then. 

Here's how to get an early 'beta' version of iOS 18, which is available to download now.

Apple has pulled back the curtain on its upcoming operating system, iOS 18, which will be packed with a range of new AI tools, including a version of virtual assistant Siri powered by ChatGPT

'Apple Intelligence' refers to a slew of new AI-powered features coming on Apple's upcoming software update, iOS 18, from AI-generated emoji to a new version of Siri that uses ChatGPT, OpenAI's notorious chatbot 

iOS 18 is currently available as part of a 'beta test' – where people use an early version of a product to uncover any bugs or issues before a general release. 

The first step is enrolling with Apple's Developer Program, which will require entering your Apple ID and entering your payment information, as TechRadar reports. 

Enrollment costs $99 (£79) per year, although if you're a non-profit organization, accredited educational institution, or government entity you may be entitled to a fee waiver. 

Once you're enrolled (or if you've already signed up), head to the Apple Developer website on your iPhone and click on where it says 'Account'. 

Enter your Apple ID and password to login, agree to terms and conditions, then tap on the Downloads page, where beta iOS 18 should be listed. 

Next you'll need to actually go to the Settings app on your iPhone and tap 'General' and 'Software Update' followed by 'Install'. 

iOS 18 is expected to become widely available for the public to install on devices around mid-September (file photo)

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After restarting your iPhone – potentially more than once – you'll have an early version of iOS 18 on your device. 

Be warned, this beta version may be full of bugs that could impact your device's performance and even cause it to crash. 

If you don't want to pay for Apple's Developer Program, a 'free beta' version of iOS 18 will become available next month.

If you can wait a bit longer, the official public release is in September – but bear in mind that it won't be compatible with iPhone X and some even older iPhones too. 

iOS 18 is described as a 'major' software release by Apple that includes a redesign for the Photos app, more customizable homescreen options and a password manager app. 

But the biggest selling point for iOS 18 is 'Apple Intelligence', a suite of AI-powered tools that make it easier to do things on your device. 

Apple Intelligence needs an up-to-date AI chip in a device to run – the A17 Pro (in iPhones) or the M1 or later (in iPads and Macs). 

Essentially, this means that the only two iPhones that will get Apple Intelligence are the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max – not the cheaper iPhone 15 standard version. 

It also means iPhone 15 standard and older iPhone models – such as iPhone 14 and other released even longer ago – will get a version of iOS 18 without Apple Intelligence.

However, it's thought that all iPhone 16 models due to be revealed in September will be packed with the chips that allow Apple Intelligence to run.