With iOS 16.4, Apple introduced a new system for distributing beta software that checks whether the user's Apple ID is part of the Apple Developer Program or the Apple Beta Software Program. This system is now being extended to Mac and Apple Watch with macOS Ventura 13.4 and watchOS 9.5.
How now reported , both operating systems now ask for the Apple ID to view and download beta updates of the operating system. As with iOS 16.4 and higher, it checks whether the account is linked to a developer or a user registered in the public beta program. If so, the beta update available for that program is displayed. Previously, anyone could install the betas of iOS, macOS and watchOS if they had the correct beta profile. With this change, however, normal users, for example, can no longer install developer betas. Users who are not registered for the program only have the option of installing public beta software.
macOS 13.4 & watchOS 9.5 get new installation method for beta updates
According to Apple, the new system will be the only way to install beta software in the future. The company had already announced this in February:
Starting with iOS & iPadOS 16.4 beta, Apple Developer Program members will have 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 enroll in the Apple Developer Program. In future versions of iOS and iPadOS, developer betas will be enabled through this new setting and configuration profiles will no longer provide access.
More about Betas
Apple released iOS 16.5 beta 2 on Tuesday along with new betas of watchOS 9.5, tvOS 16.5, and macOS 13.4. While iOS 16.4 introduced many new features, iOS 16.5 seems to focus more on bug fixes. Nonetheless, the update adds new screenshot commands to Siri and a dedicated Sports tab in the Apple News app. (Photo by Unsplash / Michał Kubalczyk)
