Apple Releases Free Download of iOS 17 Beta—Here's How to Install It

A Apple changed the way beta releases are deployed with the iOS 16, requiring installers to enroll in the Apple Developer Program to gain access to pre-release software.

This made the developer beta releases less accessible to people who want early access to the software, since the Apple Developer Program has an annual membership fee of $ 99. However, Apple decided to make the beta available to all users, even those who are not enrolled in the program.

According to the iMore and the XDA Developers, anyone can access the update beta 1of the iOS 17 without an account in the program. Since this is a beta version for developers, it is not recommended to install it on your primary device; bugs, system crashes, data loss, or even a complete device failure may occur. iPhones that have already been updated to iOS 16.5 can install the first version of iOS 17, which was recently unveiled, by following the steps below:

How to install the iOS 17 or iPadOS 17 beta:

1. Visit the website Apple Developer here and sign in with your Apple ID;
2. Open the “Settings” app on your iPhone or iPad;
3. Tap the “General” tab in Settings;
4. Tap the “Software Update” tab;
5. Select the “Beta Updates” option;
6. Select "iOS/iPadOS 17 Developer Beta" from the list;
7. Return to the software update page and install iOS/iPadOS 17 Beta 1.

Change was viewed as a mistake or an accident:

Although the release of the iOS 17 Developer Beta 1 to all users was initially considered a mistake, this was as explained in an updated support document published by Apple. The company confirmed that it is not necessary to be a member of the Apple Developer Program to access beta software updates for developers. Now, anyone with an Apple ID can access the developer beta versions by following the method mentioned above. However, membership in the Apple Developer Program will still be required to distribute apps on the App Store.

This change will make it easier to install beta updates. While some may find the process very easy, it’s important to remember that installing pre-release software on devices you use every day can be risky. However, this change is a positive step in terms of accessibility, as anyone can now test iOS 17, iPadOS 17, watchOS 10, and macOS Sonoma without having to pay a $ 99 subscription fee.

Source: iMore | XDA Developers