Apple changed the way that developer beta software releases were seeded with iOS 16, requiring installers to be enrolled in the Apple Developer Program to gain access to pre-release software. Since the Apple Developer Program comes with a $99 per year membership fee attached, the move immediately made developer beta releases less accessible to people who want early access to the software. But Apple decided to make developer betas available to all users starting today, even those who are not currently enrolled in the Apple Developer Program.
Anyone can access the iOS 17 developer beta 1 update without an account enrolled in the developer program, as first reported by iMore and confirmed by XDA Developers. Since this update is a developer beta, it is not recommended that you install iOS 17 developer beta 1 on your primary device. You can encounter things like bugs, operating system crashes, data loss, or completely breaking your device. iPhones updated to iOS 16.5 can install the first iteration of iOS 17, which was revealed just yesterday at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference, by following the steps below.
- Open the Settings app on an iPhone.
- Tap the General tab in Settings.
- Tap the Software Update tab.
- Press the Beta Updates tab.
- Select the iOS 17 Developer Beta option in the list.
- Return to the Software Update page and install iOS 17 developer beta 1.
Though it was originally thought that the release of iOS 17 developer beta 1 to everyone was a mistake, that wasn’t the case. In an updated support document posted to Apple Developer, the company confirmed that an Apple Developer Program membership is not required to access developer beta software updates. Instead, anyone with an Apple ID can access developer beta releases through the above method. However, an Apple Developer Program will still be required for distribution of apps on the App Store.
The shift means that it will become easier than ever to install developer beta software updates on your devices. Some might think the process is too easy — as it can be dangerous to install pre-release software on everyday devices — but it’s great for accessibility. Now, anyone can test out iOS 17, iPadOS 17, watchOS 10, and macOS Sonoma without having to pay a $99 membership fee.