So you watched the WWDC keynote and you just can’t wait for fall to start using iOS 6. Well, if you’re new to iOS development and need to install iOS 6 beta on your compatible iOS device to test your apps, then you should know what you’re doing because you have access to the iOS Dev Center.
If you’re not a developer I strongly recommend you proceed with an extra helping of caution because when you upgrade your device you will (most likely) be unable to restore it to an earlier version of iOS. Additionally, beta versions are buggy. If something goes wrong with an app you’re just going to have to deal with it because app developers will not support iOS 6 until the fall.
Are we good? Great. Let’s go.
1. Make sure you have a compatible device
- iPhone 4S, iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS
- The new iPad, iPad 2
- iPod touch 4G
2. Find and Register your UDID
To find your UDID, connect your device to your Mac, open iTunes, select your iOS device in the Devices section. Click on the Serial Number label to switch to UDID. Press Command+C to copy your UDID to the clipboard.
Since you’re not a developer you’ll need to know someone who is, or has access to a developer account, register your UDID. The easiest way is to visit iMZDL and pay to register your UDID. Often times they’re overloaded with requests so keep an eye on their Facebook and Twitter pages. When asked, enter your UDID (or just hit Command+V to paste it). Once you have confirmation that your UDID is registered you can proceed to the next step. WARNING: Do not install iOS 6 until your UDID is registered because you won’t be able to use your device.
3. Download iOS 6 for your device
Visit iMZDL (or wherever) and download iOS 6 for your device. This is going to take forever (like 4 hours-ish)
4. Download iTunes 10.6.3
Grab the latest iTunes from Apple or iMZDL. FYI, future iOS beta releases may require beta releases of iTunes which you can get from iMZDL.
5. Install iOS 6 Beta
Once you’ve downloaded the .ipsw file you’ll need to install it on your device. You can do this one of two ways: Xcode or iTunes. Unless you’re a developer I recommend skipping the Xcode method and just installing via iTunes.
Via iTunes
- Open iTunes
- Connect your iOS device and launch iTunes.
- From iTunes select your iDevice and find the Summary page
- Hold down on the Alt+Option (or Alt+Ctrl for Win users) buttons and click Restore
- Navigate to the iOS .ipsw file you downloaded and select it to begin the install
- Launch iTunes and set up the device to complete the install
6. Play ’til it breaks
You’re all set up. Enjoy. Just remember. This is a beta. Don’t whine if your iDevice breaks. Don’t complain to developers if an app isn’t compatible. And don’t rate them low in the App Store for poor performing apps. It’s a beta. You aren’t even supposed to be running it on your device.
Got thoughts on how to install iOS 6 beta? Share ‘em below or send me an e-mail at me@y2kemo.com.
