5 reasons you should skip iOS 11 Public Beta (OR instructions to install)
This week Apple released another Beta build of their OS for mobile devices in iOS 11 Public Beta 2. This version of the software is great – it has new features aplenty – but it's not something I'd recommend everyone download lightly. In fact I think you should skip it altogether – here's why.
1. Potential Bugs Inside
While it's not guaranteed there aren't bugs in this version of the software one way or the other, there's always a chance. Apple products – like no other product in the world – are meant to be user-friendly and extremely easy to get along with. Allowing Public Beta builds is a great move for those who like to get things fast – but new features at the cost of a phone that doesn't work properly isn't worth the hassle for everyone.
2. It's A Test-Drive
Apple is clear right up front that the release of this software – and other Beta builds – is a test drive. This means you're essentially doing work for Apple while they benefit from your feedback. If you give them feedback, that is to say. Remember the golden rule about free stuff: if it's free, you're the product.
3. Confidential Innards
Down in the Apple Beta Program FAQ there's a note about confidentiality. If this Public Beta is installed, you can no longer blog, post screen shots, tweet, or publicly post information about your iPhone's software. Not unless you're absolutely sure Apple itself has "publicly disclosed technical information about the public beta software" you're including.
4. To get back out, you need to un-enroll
It's like a frat, or KISS Army, you're in it for life! You aren't just going to stop getting Beta software once this Beta is done. You're going to keep getting Beta software until you opt back out. To opt back out, head over to the unenroll your device page at Apple.
5. That backup warning
Apple's warning to "always back up your iOS device or Mac before installing the public beta" is all the warning I need. If course if you DO make a backup, using the beta is a real option. As Apple suggests, "To use a previously-released version of macOS or iOS, you can restore your device from the backup that you created before installing the public beta."
If you still want to go Beta
Installation of the Public Beta of iOS 11 is a process that's extremely similar – some might say identical – to previous Public Beta releases. Have a peek at our iOS 11 Public Beta installation guide to see how it's done.