Among many other things, iOS 12 was officially announced at Apple’s special “Gather Round” event last night. Although the wider public release of the new operating system is scheduled for September 17, you can already access improved notifications, Memoji, Screen Time, and other new features today.

According to The Verge, the “golden master” build of iOS 12 is rolling out to participants in Apple’s beta testing program today and is likely to be the same version we can all install next week. If you want to use iOS 12 before the vast majority of people, all you need to do is join the beta.

But before you update, it's important to back up your device while it is still on iOS 11, just in case iOS 12’s beta messes up your phone. An easy way to do this is through iTunes, but you can also back everything up in iCloud (as long as you’re okay with possibly overwriting your previous iOS 11 backup with a newer iOS 12 one).

Once your phone has been backed up, you can follow the steps below:

• Visit beta.apple.com/sp/betaprogram directly from the iPhone or iPad you want to update.

• Choose “sign up” and log in with your Apple ID.

• Once you’ve signed up and agreed to the terms and conditions, you can select the “iOS” tab where you’ll be able to download the beta profile on to your device.

• Choose “install” and enter your iOS device passcode. Follow further on-screen instructions.

• Once everything is done, your device should restart. After that happens go to settings and check for an update. You should see an iOS 12 update. Download and install it as you would any other iOS release.

All iPhones from the 5S to the X are supported, as well as the iPod Touch 6th generation, iPad mini 2, 3, and 4, iPad Air and iPad Air 2, 5th generation iPad, iPad 2018, and the iPad Pro (9.7-inch, 10.5-inch, and both generations of 12.9-inch).

Will you be updating your devices before September 17? Let us know in the comments.

Now, watch our review of Apple's new iPhone Xs.