Can't Wait for iOS 14.5? You Can Install It on Your iPhone Right Now Before It's Officially Out

Apple's iOS 14.5 is the biggest update since iOS 14.0 came out, with over 50 confirmed features and more being discovered every day. There are new emoji, support for AirTags, more privacy controls, and exciting upgrades to Siri, Maps, Reminders, Podcasts, Music, and even Shortcuts. So it wouldn't surprise us if you want to get this on your iPhone ASAP.

And guess what? It's 100% possible to install iOS 14.5 right now.

The version of the software you would get is the Release Candidate (RC) build, which is essentially what the Golder Master (GM) used to be — an exact or near-exact replica of the stable update that will get pushed out to the masses sometime during the week starting April 26. The only difference is that the RC allows Apple to push out additional RCs should any major issues be found before the stable release date, while the GM was always more definite.

As a non-developer, there are two routes you can take to getting iOS 14.5 on your iPhone. One's very easy, and the other is more involved but might be better if you need a fresh start to kill any bugs leftover from your current iOS version. No matter which option you choose, make sure to archive a backup just in case.

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Option 1: Install the Public Beta Configuration Profile

The easiest way is to join the Apple Beta Software Program and hop on the iOS 14 public beta. All this involves is signing into Apple's site, accepting the program agreement, downloading and installing a profile, restarting your iPhone, and heading to Software Update to get the RC like any other iOS over-the-air update. For more information, check out our guide to installing iOS beta software.

That's the method you should use if you want to keep all your data intact. If you want a fresh start to possibly knock out any bugs that have been lingering in past iOS versions on your iPhone, use the restore images instead for build 18E199.

Full Guide: How to Download & Install iOS 14.5 Beta on Your iPhone

Option 2: Install from the Restore Image

On your Mac, download the restore image (in IPSW format) below for your iPhone model. Then, to summarize, connect your iPhone to your Mac, select your iPhone in Finder, hold the Option key and click the "Check for Update" button, choose the IPSW file, install, then either set up as a new device or restore from a backup. For complete instructions, check out our guide to installing iOS beta software.