Those with free Apple developer accounts will finally be able to access developer betas for the company’s latest software alongside those who pay. User pointed out iSoftware Updates on Twitter and confirmed by Apple developer program comparison page, OS beta releases can now be installed without having to pay the annual $99 fee for the Apple Developer Program. This means that eager users will be able to install various betas starting today, including iOS 17, for free as opposed to waiting until July for the public beta. That is, as long as they have an Apple Developer account.
After WWDC yesterday, Apple released the iOS 17 developer beta, and unlike previous years, those in the free tier now have access. While it used to appear as if opening access to free accounts meant the public could also download it, we now understand that not just anyone can access developer betas. You will need to have an Apple ID or account enrolled in the Developer Program. The $99 barrier to entry, though, has been removed.
Earlier this year, Apple made a change to how it distributes betas to developers. Previously, developers had to download and install a configuration profile on each device. But the system now allows users to install betas by simply checking an option within the software update settings directly on their devices. Despite the change, Apple still requires you to pay $99 per year to get access to developer betas. Now, users who don’t want to pay a fee don’t have to wait for the public beta, which is always available for free but is usually released later than developer betas. This year, Apple said public betas should arrive in July.
We strongly discourage running betas on your main devices as bugs and issues can occur, especially at the beginning of the cycle. These betas are intended for developers, who usually have secondary devices to test their applications against the new software. Certain betas, such as those for watchOS 10, tvOS 17, HomePod 17 and AirPods prevent you from reverting to public and stable software. For those platforms, once you install the beta, you’ll be stuck with it until the next public release, which is usually available next fall. Definitely install these betas at your own risk. But those who are not averse to risk and part of the developer program can download them now.
Update (at 10:15pm ET): This article has been updated to clarify that while developer betas are now available to those with free accounts, this is not an accident, nor is it open to anyone. You will need to have an Apple ID or account associated with the developer program to download developer betas.
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