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Apple’s Developer Program Now Available to Anyone for Beta Access
Apple has updated its developer program, allowing anyone to access and install the beta operating systems without having to pay the annual $99 fee for the Apple Developer Program. This change means that users can start installing various betas, including iOS 17, for free as of today instead of waiting until July for the public beta.
Accidental Release of iOS 17 Beta
Earlier today, Apple accidentally released the iOS 17 beta to the public, allowing non-developers access to the beta program. It is uncertain whether this was an intentional move by Apple to prepare for the change that allows anyone to access the beta program.
New Distribution System for Betas
Apple changed how it distributes betas to developers earlier this year, eliminating the previous per-device basis configuration profile download in favour of allowing users to install betas by simply checking an option within the software update settings directly on their devices. However, it still required users to pay the annual $99 fee to access the developer betas. With this new change, users can now access the betas without having to pay the fee.
Warnings about Running Betas on Main Devices
Apple highly discourages running betas on main devices as they can contain bugs and issues, particularly early on in the cycle. These betas are intended for developers who typically have a secondary device to test their applications against the new software. Some betas, such as watchOS 10, tvOS 17, HomePod 17, and AirPods betas prevent users from rolling back to public, stable software. Therefore, as soon as users install the beta, they will be stuck on it until the release of the next public version, which typically comes out later in the fall. Therefore, users who want to install these betas should do so at their own risk.
Conclusion
Apple’s latest change to its developer program is a significant one, making beta access available to anyone without having to pay the annual fee. While running betas on main devices is risky, users can now download and install the betas and test them for free without waiting for the public beta, which typically comes out later than developer betas.
FAQ
Can anyone now access and install the beta operating systems without paying the annual fee for the Apple Developer Program?
Yes, since Apple’s latest update to its developer program, anyone can access and install the betas without having to pay the $99 annual fee.
What betas are now available for download?
Various betas, including iOS 17, are now available for download.
What is the risk of installing betas on main devices?
Betas can contain bugs and issues, particularly early on in the cycle. Therefore, it is highly discouraged to run betas on main devices. Betas are intended for developers who typically have secondary devices to test their applications against the new software.
Are all betas available for download without restrictions?
No, certain betas, such as watchOS 10, tvOS 17, HomePod 17, and AirPods betas, prevent users from rolling back to public, stable software. Therefore, users will be stuck on the beta version until the release of the next public version, which typically comes out later in the fall.
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