Apple's Pre-Release Versions Lacking Exciting Updates

You may want to hold off on installing the iOS 18 Beta

If you're eager to try out all the new features in iOS 18, you might want to wait this year. The iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 developer betas are now available, with the public betas coming in July. While it's tempting to jump in and explore, it's probably best to wait until later in the beta cycle.

"For the average consumer, patience is a virtue. The public beta that arrives in July will offer a more stable experience for those curious about newer features. I highly recommend waiting for the official release later this year unless you have multiple devices for experimentation," said Steven Athwal, founder and managing director of UK refurbished phone retailer The Big Phone Store.

Beta software is always unfinished and can lead to data loss or other issues. The public betas, starting next month, are a safer option as they have had more time for refinement. Even with the public betas, there can still be issues with app compatibility and battery life, especially in the earlier stages of testing.

While the iOS 18 Beta offers new customization options and privacy features, it may not be worth trying out yet. The AI tools and major features are not fully available in the beta, and there are risks of instability. It's better to wait until the full release in the fall when more features are live.