Starting with the release of iOS 16.4, Apple will be revising the interface for participating in iOS/iPadOS betas. This is partly to reduce the prevalence of unregistered users downloading betas (which will help reduce the unwanted spread of iOS 17 later this summer), but also to make beta participation easier for everyday users.
Gone are the days of downloading and activating profiles, and in its place is an online check of your Apple ID and some simple beta join menus. This is how beta works in iOS 16.4 (or iPadOS 16.4) or later.
Say goodbye to the profile
Prior to iOS 16.4, you had to register your Apple ID and device for the beta, download a beta profile (either from the developer or the public beta site), activate it, reboot, and then download the beta. it wasn’t a very intuitive process and probably put off many users who would have considered testing betas.
With iOS 16.4, Apple gives you a clean interface and removes the profile requirement. Instead, Apple simply checks your Apple ID to see if you’re enrolled in the public beta (or a registered developer) and lets you select beta participation as you wish. This makes it easier for anyone to check their beta participation and helps Apple crack down on third-party sites that distribute developer betas or profiles for those who aren’t registered developers.
To get started with the beta process, whether you’re a developer or a curious user, first visit the Apple Beta Software Program site and enroll in the iOS public beta program. You need to sign in with your Apple ID and agree to some terms and conditions.
Then go to Settings > General > Software update and you will see a new tab for it Beta updates. Tap it and you’ll see three options: Out, Developer betaAnd Public Beta. Select the one you want and return to the previous screen. If a beta version is available, it will now be listed and you can then download and install it. Future updates will appear in General > Software updates unless Out is selected.
You must be signed in to the Apple ID enrolled in the Apple Developer Program, which costs $99 per year. If you have a personal Apple ID that you want to use for all your iOS activities and services, but a separate Apple ID registered as a developer, use your regular Apple ID on your iPhone and select Apple ID on the Beta page Updates to your registered developer ID for beta access only.
To stop receiving iOS beta updates, simply go to Settings > General > Software update > Beta updates and select Out. This will not you can downgrade to the latest major public release. You will remain on the current version of the beta you have, without getting any further updates, until the next major public release arrives, which you can then install over the beta.
Remember, if you find bugs or have suggestions, use the Feedback app (which is automatically installed with the beta version) to report them!
