With the release of iOS 16.4 Beta 1, Apple announced an important change in the way the company distributes betas to developers from now on.
While previously a special profile was required to install an iOS beta, this process is now tied to the developer's Apple ID. This means that starting with iOS 16.4, developers and users will find a special menu to register an iPhone or iPad for the Apple Developer or Apple Beta Software Program. The menu is similar to the one introduced with iOS 16 for the HomePod in the Home app. A similar option already exists under tvOS. However, there is a catch. Currently, anyone with the right profile can install beta developer software on iPhone and iPad. With this change, the system will only display the beta option for users who are registered in the Apple Developer Program. Users who are not registered for the program will only have the option of installing public beta software.
Apple makes it easier for registered developers to install iOS beta versions
This is what Apple says about the change:
Starting with iOS & iPadOS 16.4 beta, Apple Developer Program members will see a new option to enable developer betas directly from Software Update in Settings. This new option will be enabled automatically on devices that are already enrolled in the program and update to the latest beta version. For this option to appear in Settings, the iPhone or iPad must be signed in with the same Apple ID used to sign in to the Apple Developer Program. In future versions of iOS and iPadOS, developer betas will only be enabled through this new setting, rather than through configuration profiles.
Please note that a membership (99 euros per year) in the Developer Program is required to receive developer betas. To use this feature, the iPhone or iPad must be signed in with the same Apple ID that you used to sign up for the Apple Developer Program. (Photo by Engdao / Bigstockphoto)
