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iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4 Let Developers and Public Beta Testers Opt in to Betas Directly From Software Update Settings

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With the iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4 betas, those who are enrolled in Apple's developer program are able to turn on developer betas directly from the Software Update section in the Settings app.

beta updates ios 16 4
This will eliminate the need to install a profile from the Developer Center in order to get developer betas, simplifying the beta downloading process. There is also an option for public beta testers as well who want to install updates with less hassle.

Under a new Beta Updates section, iPhone and iPad users can opt to enroll in the iOS 16 Developer Beta or the iOS 16 Public Beta track. Those who were already enrolled in a beta will have these options toggled on automatically.

Beginning with iOS & iPadOS 16.4 beta, members of the Apple Developer Program will see a new option to enable developer betas directly from Software Update in Settings. This new option will be automatically enabled on devices already enrolled in the program that update to the latest beta release. Your iPhone or iPad must be signed in with the same Apple ID you used to enroll in the Apple Developer Program in order to see this option in Settings. In future iOS and iPadOS releases, this new setting will be the way to enable developer betas and configuration profiles will no longer grant access.

Note that to receive developer betas, a Developer Program Membership is required, and to use this feature, the iPhone or ‌iPad‌ must be signed in with the same Apple ID used to enroll in the Apple Developer Program.

Related Forum: iOS 16

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Top Rated Comments

K
KoToNaS
44 months ago
what if dev account is separate Apple ID than personal?
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
A
applepotato666
44 months ago

Why do I have a feeling this is Apple's way to force people to pay a Developer Account $99 annual fee to not wait for the public beta? Am I wrong?
We can still download the IPSW and install it over iTunes so this is extremely unnecessary but likely what is going on. Not many people (really only a geeky fraction of customers) get betas through such loopholes and driving them away like this is counterproductive to the software development process. The people who so eagerly await updates and can't wait for the public beta so they go through the loopholes to test it are the ones who are actually passionate about it and can't wait to provide feedback. Gatekeeping with $99/year what's valuable testers who care about the platforms seems like a nonsensical move to me.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️ Avatar
TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️
44 months ago
Why do I have a feeling this is Apple's way to force people to pay a Developer Account $99 annual fee to not wait for the public beta? Am I wrong?
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
anthogag Avatar
anthogag
44 months ago

Why do I have a feeling this is Apple's way to force people to pay a Developer Account $99 annual fee to not wait for the public beta? Am I wrong?
Yes, you are wrong. Let the developers try it first to make sure it isn't problematic. I am in the public beta program. I can wait (usually) 1 or 2 days after developers get it.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
K
Kkspire
44 months ago

Why do I have a feeling this is Apple's way to force people to pay a Developer Account $99 annual fee to not wait for the public beta? Am I wrong?
Huh? The public beta is free if you just want to play. Developers with businesses are not the same thing. Sounds like you’re not a developer so you’ll be fine. 💘
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ThemePro Avatar
ThemePro
44 months ago
How does it work if you have a separate Apple ID for your developer account?
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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