You can now download iOS 12 GM (Gold Master) build for your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch right away. We’ll show you the routes you can take.

You Can Download iOS 12 GM Today for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch - Final Release Arriving in a Few Days

Apple has released iOS 12 GM for registered developers and public beta testers today. Which means that if you have a compatible device with you right now, you can go ahead and download iOS 12 GM right away.

What is a GM Build?

In case you’re wondering: a GM (Gold Master) build is the release candidate which will ultimately be seeded to everyone later in the month. But, in case Apple runs into a bug or two, then the company will push out a slightly updated build for everyone else out there. Needless to say, the GM is ready for prime-time use and will serve you properly as a daily driver as long you stick with stock apps. In due time, third-party apps will be updated to take full advantage of iOS 12 and its new features so hang in there. We just have a few days to go until the final version is seeded to the public,

Check Device Compatibility Before Installing

Installing iOS 12 for the first time? Please make sure that your device is compatible with the update. Just like iOS 11, iOS 12 does not work with 32-bit devices at all. Check the list below before you make the jump onto iOS 12 GM.

iPhone XiPhone 8 and iPhone 8 PlusiPhone 7 and iPhone 7 PlusiPhone 6s and iPhone 6s PlusiPhone 6 and iPhone 6 PlusiPhone SE and iPhone 5s12.9-inch iPad Pro (both generations)10.5-inch iPad Pro and 9.7-inch iPad ProiPad 6 and iPad 5iPad Air 2 and iPad AiriPad mini 2, 3 and 4iPod touch 6th-generation

Download iOS 12 GM Over the Air (Without Losing YourFiles or Settings)

If you have a previous beta version of iOS 12 already installed on one of your devices, then the GM will be available to you immediately as an over the air update. It’s a simple case of connecting your device to WiFi, ensure you have more than 50% of battery available and then grab the update from Settings > General > Software Update on your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch. This will take a while therefore it’s highly recommended that you refrain from using your device during the update process. Once everything is complete, you’ll be back to your lock screen and then you can start using your device normally.

Clean Install iOS 12 GM

The clean install option is available only to those who have access to the Apple Developer Program portal, which costs $99 on an annual basis. It’s a simple case of downloading the IPSW file from the Downloads section of the portal, then restore your device using iTunes. You can learn more about the process by going to this tutorial:How to Clean Install iOS 12 GM on iPhone, iPad, iPod touch

All the steps are the same, except that you won’t need Xcode or anything, and you’ll be downloading the iOS 12 GM build to restore your device. Piece of cake, if you’re asking me.

Download iOS 12 GM Without a Developer Account

Looking to download iOS 12 GM before the final build arrives? You have that option available too. There are two routes you can take at this point in order to do that. You can either sign up to the Beta Software Program by going to beta.apple.com and download the configuration profile onto your device, after which you’ll be required to restart your device and the iOS 12 GM build will be pushed to you over the air.

Alternatively, you can download this configuration profile onto your device, restart your iPhone or iPad, then go to Settings > General > Software Update in order to download iOS 12 GM. I will suggest taking the Beta Software Program route as it’s far easier to go through and it’s safe in all aspects.

Be sure to check out the following link as well:

How to Download iOS 12 Gold Master Without a Developer Account

Downgrade iOS 12 GM Back to iOS 11

Don’t like iOS 12 GM for some reason? You can downgrade back to iOS 11 right away. Simply follow the guide posted below. But remember, you will lose all your files and settings once you do that. So please, make sure you have backed up all your data using iCloud or iTunes.

How to Downgrade iOS 12 GM Back to iOS 11 / iOS 11.4.1