How to download iPadOS 17 public beta for your iPad right now

(Image credit: Apple)

WWDC 2023

(Image credit: Apple)

While iPadOS 17 was announced at WWDC 2023, its public beta release is now available to developers and users alike, bringing lock screen widgets, an improved Stage Manager, and more to Apple's tablet.

You can try out the new features in iPadOS 17 right now, as Apple has made the beta available to everyone, even if you're not a developer. The iPadOS 17 public beta is the same as beta 3, which brings bug fixes and small refinements to features across the latest version of iPadOS.

This year, Apple has also made some changes to the way iPadOS 17 beta is installed, so if you're a little confused, here's how to download it on your compatible iPad.

Download iPadOS 17 public beta on devices running iPadOS 16.4 or later

Beta software, also referred to as a preview, seed, or release candidate, is a version of software that’s still under development and not yet released to the public. This software is intended only for installation on development devices registered under your Apple Developer Program membership. Registered development devices can be upgraded to future beta releases and the public version of the software. Attempting to install beta software in an unauthorized manner violates Apple policy and could render your device unusable and necessitate an out-of-warranty repair. Make sure to back up your devices before installing beta software and install only on devices and systems that you’re prepared to erase if necessary.

With iPadOS 16.4 and later, Apple has made downloading developer betas as easy as ever. It takes no time at all to download iPadOS 17 public beta if you're already on iPadOS 16.4 or one of the older iPadOS 17 beta versions.

iPadOS 17 Live Activities — (Image credit: Apple)

Open Settings
Tap General then Software Update
Select Beta Updates

It's that simple. With the developer betas, you don't need a $99 developer account like in previous years, and Apple has even highlighted the changes on its website meaning anyone that wants to can use iOS 17 today.

But when it comes to the public betas, it's a matter of signing up for the beta program and updating from there. This just means that Apple has decided that these versions are safe and stable enough to use on more devices, as we get closer to launch in the fall.

Apple developer beta requirements — (Image credit: Apple)

Download iPadOS 17 public beta 1 on devices running iPadOS 16.3 or earlier

iPadOS 17 PDF notes app — (Image credit: Apple)

Head to the Apple Beta Software Program page on your device and download the configuration profile
Follow the instructions on the screen to install iPadOS 17 public beta

iPadOS 17 is here, and it's glorious

The next generation of iPad software is incredibly exciting, and you can already get your hands on the latest software features, including improvements to PDF annotation.

The easy changes to the way you can download and install the iPadOS 17 beta mean that any subsequent updates will be very easy to do. Just follow the steps above all over again and you'll be on the latest and greatest version.

John-Anthony Disotto is the How To Editor of iMore, ensuring you can get the most from your Apple products and helping fix things when your technology isn’t behaving itself.

Living in Scotland, where he worked for Apple as a technician focused on iOS and iPhone repairs at the Genius Bar, John-Anthony has used the Apple ecosystem for over a decade and prides himself in his ability to complete his Apple Watch activity rings.

John-Anthony has previously worked in editorial for collectable TCG websites and graduated from The University of Strathclyde where he won the Scottish Student Journalism Award for Website of the Year as Editor-in-Chief of his university paper. He is also an avid film geek, having previously written film reviews and received the Edinburgh International Film Festival Student Critics award in 2019.

John-Anthony also loves to tinker with other non-Apple technology and enjoys playing around with game emulation and Linux on his Steam Deck.

In his spare time, John-Anthony can be found watching any sport under the sun from football to darts, taking the term “Lego house” far too literally as he runs out of space to display any more plastic bricks, or chilling on the couch with his French Bulldog, Kermit.