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Apple takes a new step allowing users to try out developer betas for iOS 17, watchOS 10, and macOS Sonoma without an annual fee. Discover how to download these betas and understand the associated risks.
Key Takeaways:
- Apple has opened access to iOS 17, watchOS 10, and macOS Sonoma developer betas for free, only requiring an Apple ID.
- Users with a free Apple Developer account can now access these developer betas simultaneously with paying users.
- While this is exciting news, users should understand the potential risks of using beta versions, including possible bugs and issues.
Apple’s Game-Changer: Free Access to Developer Betas
Do you have a penchant for trying out the latest Apple betas? You’re in luck! No longer do you have to be a part of Apple’s paid developer program to get access. The latest iOS 17, watchOS 10, and macOS Sonoma developer betas are now available for free trials, and all you need is an Apple ID.
How to Install Developer Betas for Free
Now, anyone with an Apple ID can navigate to the software update section on their device to install these betas. On an iPhone 12 Mini, for example, it’s as easy as opening Settings, tapping on General > Software Update > Beta Updates > iOS 17 Developer Beta, and you’re all set to download and install the beta. This same process can be followed on an Apple Watch, MacBook Air, or Apple TV to install the latest developer betas.
However, a word of caution: despite the allure of testing new software, remember that developer betas might not be as stable as the public versions. They’re hot off the developers’ keyboards, so you might stumble upon bugs, broken apps, or even face a rapidly draining battery. If these concerns put you off, it might be best to wait until the public betas are launched, which Apple assures will occur in July.
A Level Playing Field for Developer Betas
The exciting news doesn’t stop there. Users who opted for free Apple developer accounts can now access the developer betas simultaneously with those who pay. Confirmed by Apple’s developer program comparison page, these OS beta releases are no longer behind the paywall of an annual $99 fee. The move allows keen users to freely try out the new betas, including the much-anticipated iOS 17.
Yesterday’s WWDC event saw the release of the iOS 17 developer beta, and unlike previous years, users with free accounts now have access. The earlier system required you to pay the $99 annual fee to access the developer betas, but that hurdle has been cleared away. Please note that this doesn’t mean everyone can download these betas. You’ll still need an Apple ID and to be enrolled in the Developer Program, but the financial barrier has been abolished.
Earlier this year, Apple had altered its beta distribution process. It used to require developers to download and install a configuration profile on every single device. Now, users can simply install betas directly from their device settings, a move that didn’t immediately remove the $99 per year requirement for access. Thankfully, Apple has taken the next step, eliminating the fee entirely and allowing users to freely download and try the betas before the public beta’s release in July.
A Word of Caution: Betas on Your Main Devices
Despite the exciting changes, it’s important to understand the risks associated with running betas on your primary devices. Given the nature of betas, bugs and issues are expected, particularly early in the cycle.
The betas are primarily meant for developers who generally have secondary devices to test their applications against new software. Some betas, like those for watchOS 10, tvOS 17, HomePod 17, and AirPods, prevent you from reverting to public, stable software once installed. Therefore, tread carefully and only install these betas if you’re comfortable with the risk.
