Last updated: 2026-07-11
Understand Apple Developer Beta vs Public Beta — differences, enrollment, and how to update
Before each major release, Apple provides preview versions to developers and public testers through Beta programs. These versions allow participants to experience new features early, test app compatibility, and report issues to Apple. Since iOS 16.4, Apple has replaced the traditional configuration profile mechanism with a built-in "Beta Updates" toggle in Settings — simply sign in to the corresponding program with your Apple ID and enable it with one tap. Below is an introduction to the two Beta programs and how to participate.
Developer Beta: Sign in at developer.apple.com with your Apple ID (free, no paid membership required) and accept the Apple Developer Agreement. You can also download the free Apple Developer app from the App Store and sign in there. Public Beta: Go to beta.apple.com and sign up for the Apple Beta Software Program with your Apple ID (free). Neither program charges any fee.
Since iOS 16.4, Apple has replaced configuration profiles with a built-in toggle — no profile download or installation is needed. Make sure your device is signed in with the same Apple ID, then go to Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates and select "Developer Beta" or "Public Beta". If you do not see this option, restart your device and try again.
After selecting a Beta channel, return to the Software Update screen and your device will detect the Beta version. Tap "Download and Install". Use Wi-Fi and ensure your device is charged or plugged in. The first boot may take longer than usual. Future Beta updates will be pushed automatically via OTA — no need to repeat the process.
Go to Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates and select "Off" to stop receiving Beta updates. Your device will return to the stable update channel when the next stable version is released. To roll back immediately, download the last signed stable firmware from this site and restore (note: backups made while on Beta cannot be restored to older system versions — use a backup made before installing the Beta).
Beta versions are pre-release software and may cause system instability, app incompatibility, increased battery drain, or data loss. We strongly recommend installing Beta versions only on non-primary devices and performing a full backup before updating. This site does not provide Beta firmware downloads — Beta versions are distributed exclusively via Apple OTA.