Apple is now extending its new method for installing beta versions to the Mac and the Apple Watch. It can now be found for the first time in the current beta versions of macOS 13.4 and watchOS 9.5. The new method, where the Apple ID is the access key to the trial versions, replaces the profiles previously used to install developer and public betas. Going forward, developers and public beta testers enrolled in their respective Apple programs will be able to enable beta updates directly from System Preferences on Mac and the Software Updates section in the Watch app on iPhone.
This is what the new selection dialog looks like when installing beta versions on the iPhone.
(Image: heise online / mki)
Apple first introduced the new procedure for installing beta versions of the operating systems on iPhone and iPad with iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4. It is much more convenient than the previous procedure. However, the new method has a catch. Apple now requires a valid Apple ID enrolled in the Apple Developer Program to activate betas. This replaces the previous ability to use a developer profile without an associated developer account. This means that only registered developers will have access to developer betas going forward. However, access to the public beta program remains free and open to all.
Non-developers have to stay outside
What will probably bother few with the smaller updates for the operating systems could cause a bigger outcry among non-developers with iOS 17, iPadOS 17, watchOS 10 and macOS 14 at the latest. If Apple sticks with the public beta at a later date, they could be denied early, free access to the early betas on launch day in June. For example, the public beta version of iOS 16 in 2022 was only released in July – more than a month after beta 1 for developers. Or those who like to try it out have to pay around 100 euros for developer access. In previous years, it was common for interested parties to share developer profiles in order to access new software updates at an early stage.
With the new installation method, Apple apparently wants to ensure that only registered developers can access developer betas. This is actually the way it is supposed to be based on the regulations of the developer program. In practice, however, many who do not have a developer account also installed the early beta versions. This was sometimes to the chagrin of other app developers, whose apps were not yet optimized for the upcoming operating system versions and in some cases could not be adapted in advance during the ongoing beta phase. They were annoyed by unjustified reviews in the App Store from early beta users who didn’t understand the context.
(mki)
