Apple is making it easier for registered developers to install iOS betas, but eliminating profile sharing
With the release of iOS 16.4 beta 1 on Thursday, Apple announced a major change in how it will distribute betas to developers from now on. Whereas previously installing an iOS beta required a special profile, that process will now be tied to the developer’s Apple ID.
Apple changing how developers install iOS beta on their devices
That’s because, starting with iOS 16.4, developers and users will find a special menu to enroll an iPhone or iPad in the Apple Developer or Apple Beta Software Program. The menu is similar to what was introduced with iOS 16 for the HomePod in the Home app; a similar option already exists on tvOS. However, there’s a catch.
Currently, anyone with the right profile can install beta developer software on the iPhone and iPad. With this change, the system will only show the beta option for users registered in the Apple Developer Program. Users who are not registered for the program will only have the option of installing public beta software.
Here’s what Apple says:
Beginning with iOS & iPadOS 16.4 beta, members of the Apple Developer Program will see a new option to enable developer betas directly from Software Update in Settings. This new option will be automatically enabled on devices already enrolled in the program that update to the latest beta release. Your iPhone or iPad must be signed in with the same Apple ID you used to enroll in the Apple Developer Program in order to see this option in Settings. In future iOS and iPadOS releases, this new setting will be the way to enable developer betas and configuration profiles will no longer grant access.
iOS 16.4 introduces many new features. This includes the ability to enable push notifications for web apps, dozens of new emoji, and new Shortcuts actions. iOS 16.4 beta 1 is only available for registered developers at this point.
Spot any changes in today’s release of iOS 16.4 beta 1 or iPadOS 16.4 beta 1? Let us know in the comments below or on Twitter @9to5Mac. Stay tuned for our full hands-on coverage with the new releases right here at 9to5Mac today and throughout the rest of the week.
Read also:
- Apple releases first macOS Ventura 13.3 beta to developers
- iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4 add new Emoji for iPhone and iPad users
- iOS 16.4 adds new capabilities for web apps on iPhone and iPad, including access to push notifications
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Filipe Espósito is a Brazilian tech Journalist who started covering Apple news on iHelp BR with some exclusive scoops — including the reveal of the new Apple Watch Series 5 models in titanium and ceramic. He joined 9to5Mac to share even more tech news around the world.
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