How Apple’s iOS Beta Testing Program Is Changing

Apple uses a developer beta testing program for its software updates, but the process is changing. Before a software release is made public — like iOS 16, for example — it undergoes a series of beta testing processes. The first period occurs internally at Apple and is used to develop new features and discover any potential flaws. The planned software release then makes its way to developers, who use the beta version to update their apps and identify bugs. Next, public beta testers can sign up to be the first users to test an upcoming software release before it makes its full public debut.

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Typically, developers gain access to beta software releases through what’s called a configuration profile. These profiles are installed at the system-level and authorize a device to receive over-the-air developer beta software updates. Though an official Apple developer account is needed to access the developer beta configuration profile, these profiles can be shared with others. As such, it’s been fairly easy to find and install developer beta configuration profiles without registering as an official developer. That’s changing, starting with iOS 16.4, as Apple is phasing-out developer beta configuration profiles. Instead, registered developers can install beta software updates without installing a configuration profile.

Related: Why Your Home Screen Looks Blurry In iOS 16 (And How To Fix It)

What This Means For Developer Beta Testers

In the release notes for the iOS 16.4 developer beta software update, Apple outlined the new way to download and apply beta updates. Instead of loading a configuration profile, developer beta software updates can be installed automatically. Users need to sign in to their Apple Developer account on the device they wish to install the developer beta software update on. Then, developers can choose whether to install a public release or a beta release in the ‘Software Updates’ tab in the Settings app.

Essentially, this means that developer beta software updates will be exclusive to Apple Developers for the first time. By abolishing configuration profiles, there will be no way to install a developer beta update on a device without having the Apple ID registered as a developer. Apple Developer accounts aren’t restricted to developers, but they aren’t as accessible as online configuration profiles once were. Anyone with an Apple ID can now register as a developer — offering them access to developer resources, including developer beta software updates — for a fee of $99 per year.

The change ensures that the average person can’t install a developer beta software update without paying Apple, but it doesn’t affect public beta software testers. Anyone can register for the Apple Beta Software Program for free, but public beta testers receive updates after developer betas are made available. Though Apple‘s new plan for developer beta software updates simplifies the process, it also makes the releases harder to access.

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Source: Apple