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Every June at WWDC, Apple announces and demonstrates the next version of iOS for your iPhone, but the final version doesn’t actually launch until the fall (usually around September). What if you don’t want to wait that long to try out the new features? You need to install the beta!

During the months between June and September Apple works on the upcoming version (which in 2023 is iOS 17) with help from developers and public testers. If you want to try out the new operating system it’s easy to get onboard.

In this article, we walk you through the steps required to get the latest iOS beta. We explain how to join Apple’s beta programs, and how to install and run an iOS beta on your iPhone.

If you become a beta tester you can continue to receive early software updates even after the final version launches. Development of iOS continues after the September release with a number of “point releases” (e.g. iOS 16.1, iOS 16.2, etc.) that add additional features that weren’t available at launch and fix bugs/address security flaws.

Development of iOS 16 continues with the most recent developer beta being iOS 16.6 which arrived on May 19, 2023 followed by the public beta on 22 May. If you want to install the full version of iOS 16 on your iPhone (not the beta version) we explain how to install iOS 16 on your iPhone in a separate article.

June 7: Added details of how to get the iOS 17 Developer Beta with a free Apple developer account.

iOS 17 beta release date

The first version of the developer beta of iOS 17 arrived after the WWDC 2023 keynote on June 5, 2023. It is normal for Apple to release the first beta following the keynote so that developers can immediately start testing to make sure their apps work.

Normally the Developer Beta is tied to a paid-for developer account (which costs $99/£79 a year). However, in 2023 Apple has changed this so that if you have any developer account, even if you aren’t paying for it, you can get the developer beta of iOS 17. For this reason people who have a basic free developer account are seeing the iOS 17 developer beta already.

However, we don’t recommend you install the developer beta if you aren’t a developer. Instead our recommendation is to wait a few more weeks until the public beta of iOS arrives.

iOS 17 public beta release date

The first public beta version of iOS 16 came on July 11, 2022, so we expect a similar timescale for iOS 17, perhaps July 10, 2023.

How to get the iOS 17 beta

If you are a developer you can get access to the developer beta if you are enrolled as a developer – even if you aren’t a paid-up member of the Apple Developer Program.

If you want to get the public beta, which will arrive later but potentially have fewer issues, you need to join Apple’s beta programs on Apple’s website. Read this for more information: How to become an Apple beta tester.

How to get a developer account

If you want to enroll as an Apple Developer, which you would need to do if you want to sell any apps you design, you can do so here. It costs $99/£79 a year. In the next section we explain how to get a free account.

To get an Apple Developer account enter your details on the Apple Developer Program website.

1. Click on Enroll.
2. Click Start Your Enrollment.
3. Log in with your Apple ID and password.
4. Verify using two factor authentication.
5. Confirm your personal information.
6. Select what best describes what you develop apps as, e.g. Individual and click Continue.
7. Review and accept the legal agreement.
8. Check the box and click on Continue.
9. At this point you would need to pay $99/£79 a year and click Purchase.

How to get a free developer account

If you just want a free Apple Developer account so you can access the beta you can get this via Xcode or the Apple Developer app in iOS. Here’s how to do it via the Apple Developer app:

1. Download the Apple Developer App from the App Store.
2. Open the app.
3. Tap on Account.
4. Tap on Sign In.
5. Sign in using your usual Apple ID. 

Now go to the section below to find out how to install the beta.

How to install the iOS 17 Developer Beta

Each stage of iOS’s development cycle is rolled out to developers first, and then to public beta testers afterwards. If you’re a developer and need to test your apps against the most up-to-date version of the OS possible, this is the version to run.

As explained above, you no longer need a paid membership, any Apple developer account will do. You can create a free Apple Developer account using your Apple ID as described above.

All set with your Apple developer account? Okay! Here’s how to install the iOS developer beta:

1. Back up your iPhone (because this is a beta you are testing!)
2. Open Settings app.
3. Tap General.
4. Tap Software Update.
5. In the Beta Updates section, select the iOS Developer Beta.
6. Now wait a while while the beta installs.

Developers can choose to get the Public Beta instead by selecting iOS Public Beta in the Software Update screen.

Prior to iOS 16.4, it was necessary to download and activate a beta profile to your device. From iOS 16.4 onwards, Apple will simply check to see if your Apple ID is a registered developer and provide access in the Software Update menu. You may need to restart your iPhone for the option to appear.

Some developers have an Apple ID registered for developer access that is different from the Apple ID associated with their personal Apple account and data. To use a different Apple ID for beta access than is used throughout the rest of iOS, open Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates and select the Apple ID at the bottom of the screen.

How to install the iOS 17 Public Beta

The developer beta is, as the name suggests, is intended for developers only, but Apple does offer a beta testing program for members of the public who would like to test out the new features. The public betas always lag behind the developer ones. Beginning with iOS 16.4, you no longer need to download and activate a profile to get the beta. You simply need to enroll, and select the beta from the software updates section in Settings.

You can install the iOS public beta using the following instructions.

1. Click Sign Up on the Apple Beta page and register with your Apple ID.
2. Log in to the Beta Software Program.
3. Click Enroll your iOS device.
4. Open the Settings app, tap General, then Software Update.
5. In the Beta Updates section, select the iOS Public Beta.

Prior to iOS 16.4, you had to download and activate a beta profile. Now, Apple’s servers will simply check your Apple ID to see if it is registered for the Public (or Developer) beta before providing access. You may need to restart your iPhone for the option to appear.

Some users have an Apple ID registered for beta access that is different from the Apple ID associated with their personal Apple account and data. To use a different Apple ID for beta access than is used throughout the rest of iOS, open Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates and select the Apple ID at the bottom of the screen.

If, on the other hand, you want to uninstall the beta and stop receiving beta updates read this: How to remove an iOS beta from your iPhone.

What’s a beta?

Betas are pre-release testing versions. Every iOS update goes through the beta phase before it’s officially launched, from small tweaks such as 15.5.1 to the full-version game-changers like iOS 16.

There are developer betas (for registered software developers only), and public betas (for anyone who’s keen). Both types go through multiple versions—probably half a dozen—before a major launch.

Risks and precautions

Note first of all that betas are test versions of upcoming software. They are by definition unfinished, and while they should include most or all of the features in the finished product, there will be cosmetic differences and, inevitably, some glitches and problems that will need to be fixed. The glitches and problems are why Apple bothers to beta-test iOS in the first place.

In other words, don’t expect a perfect user experience. In particular, don’t expect existing apps (including ones that you may rely on) to work perfectly with the new version. In extreme cases you may even find that your device is bricked by the beta, and cannot be used until the next beta comes along and hopefully fixes the problem. It’s not uncommon for early beta software to exhibit problems like excessive battery drain, too.

The closer we get to the final launch and iOS version, the more polished and feature-complete we can expect the available betas to become. The counter to that, of course, is there will less time left to wait for the official launch, so you won’t be gaining so much by installing a beta.

Assuming you decide to go ahead, we can’t stress enough how important it is to back up your iPhone before you install an iOS beta, or better still, use a secondary device rather than your main iPhone. You won’t lose everything if something goes wrong while the beta is installing, and you’ll be able to go back to the last version should you find that you don’t like the new software after all, or that it’s too buggy.

iOS

If you’ve ever wanted to take an early look at new versions of Apple’s operating systems before they launch, and maybe help shape them in the process, then Apple’s beta program is something you should consider. This initiative allows developers and public beta testers to gain access to the updates before they’re released, so they can help test for bugs and give any new features a thorough workout before they’re unleashed on the general public.

Apple will soon be revealing the details of the next round of operating system updates at its worldwide developers conference (WWDC) – which kicks off with a Keynote on June 5. Soon after the keynote closes the first developer betas of iOS 17 and macOS 14 will arrive and it’s likely that lots of Apple fans will be interested in how they can get their hands on the beta versions of the new software.

If you are keen to get involved in testing the new software – and any other Apple operating system – read on to find out how to apply.

In this article we explain how to get involved with testing the betas, but also point out some of the reasons why you may wish to give it a pass and wait for the final versions of iOS 17, macOS 14 and other OSs to arrive.

What is the Apple beta programme?

As the name suggests, this is a chance for volunteers to download a beta version of the new operating system for their device and test it out. It’s completely free and you can sign up for the following software:

• iOS
• iPadOS
• macOS
• tvOS
• watchOS
• HomePod software

The idea is that you install the pre-release software and use it as you would your normal OS and send Apple comments through the built-in Feedback Assistant regarding crashes or other behavioural anomalies that you encounter when testing your apps, or when using the software as you would normally.

It comes in two flavours – Public and Developer – with the latter including some extra options that we outline below.

When will the iOS beta come out?

The first developer beta of iOS 16 usually arrives just after the WWDC keynote in June. So expect it to arrive on June 5.

The first public beta of iOS is likely to arrive in late June or early July.

When will the macOS beta come out?

The first developer beta of a new version of macOS is also usually issued following the WWDC keynote. So expect the developer versions macOS 14 on June 5.

There is a longer wait for the first public betas to arrive. The the first public beta of macOS may come a few weeks later than the iOS public beta, around the middle of July.

Who can join the Apple beta programme?

For the four operating systems mentioned at the top of the article (watchOS is slightly different), Apple offers two types of beta. The developer beta is available to any paid member of Apple’s Developer Program. You can enrol as a developer here. It costs $99 a year.

There also a free public beta testing programme that’s free and open to anyone with a valid Apple ID (iCloud accounts qualify) who goes to the
Apple Beta Software Program page and signs up.

You’ll obviously need to agree to the terms and conditions. Be sure to read them first, as participating in the programme can open your device up to code that has the potential to cause trouble with its functionality.

Depending on whether you are joining the Developer Beta Program or the Public Beta you may also have to abide by an NDA. Be aware that releasing details of what you’re seeing in the beta may be breaking the rules.

Is it safe to install the Apple beta?

There are a few reasons why becoming a beta tester for the next version of iOS or macOS might seem attractive. For a start you might gain bragging rights for being one of the first to use the new software. However, Apple regards the programme as confidential, so you won’t actually be able to blog or post on social media about the features or problems until Apple itself makes them public knowledge.

Becoming a beta tester also gives you a chance to shape the development of the software – your feedback could be invaluable in stopping a bug or just generally improving the quality of the software on your Mac or iPhone. You will be providing a service to others in ensuring that all bugs are ironed out before the final release.

However, beta software, by its very nature, is unstable and it’s worth noting that participating in Apple’s macOS Beta Seed Program is not a light undertaking. You should consider whether it’s really right for you before downloading and installing the pre-release software, which is bound to have bugs and issues that could cause things to go spectacularly wrong with your Mac.

This won’t be helped by the fact that Apple is not obligated to provide any support for pre-release software.

If you only have one Mac, and you’re intending to run the pre-release software on that machine, you might want to reconsider. Apple suggests that you should run the pre-release software on a dedicated Mac, not a Mac that you use for business or production purposes.

This means that we would heavily advise against putting it on a device upon which you’re reliant. Bugs in the code could see the device stop working at any moment or in worst case scenarios it could actually brick your machine, leaving it a very expensive paperweight.

If you don’t have a spare Mac to hand at least consider
installing the macOS beta on a separate volume. Or you could
run the beta on an external drive.

Similarly if you don’t want to be stuck without a working iPhone don’t install the beta of iOS on yours. If you have an old iPhone handy that might be a better option for running the new iOS (if it’s supported).

Luckily participating in the beta programme doesn’t invalidate your warranty, so if something does go wrong, a trip to the Apple Store would hopefully see it rectified.

The threat of bugs and other stability issues is a good reason to think carefully about whether you want to take the risk of using the beta. If you do decide to install the beta software, make sure that you create a full backup beforehand. Read
Best backup software for Mac and
How to back up an iPhone or iPad for some ideas on how to do this safely.

Also, remember that installing software can take a good few minutes – if you don’t have time to wait for 20 minutes every few weeks while your Mac installs the latest version (especially if that’s only going to break everything for you) you might find the frustration outweighs the novelty value of having the latest updates.

There’s also the important matter of privacy. By agreeing to test the macOS beta software, you’re essentially giving Apple permission to collect diagnostic, technical and usage data from you, unless you go through the process of opting out.

For example, the first beta version of Mac OS X 10.10 Yosemite came with several issues, including problems in Safari while trying to access Netflix content, iPhoto, Photo Stream and iCloud Photo Sharing problems, iCloud Drive issues and AirDrop issues, so beware. In another example, early beta versions of macOS High Sierra attempted to use AFPS (Apple’s new file system) on Fusion Drives. This feature was later removed, but those people who had already installed the beta had to perform a complicated uninstall process and revert their Fusion Drives back to the previous file system.

If you install the beta and then think you made a mistake, here’s how to revert to an older version of macOS. We also have a guide to How to remove an iOS beta from your iPhone and How to remove macOS beta from a Mac.

Is Apple’s beta program free?

It’s free to join the Public Beta.

Developers get the developer version beta for free – but they need to have signed up to Apple Developer Program (here), which costs $99 a year.

Do you get paid for being an Apple beta tester?

No. This is strictly a voluntary pursuit.

What’s the difference between Public & Developer Beta?

The Developer Beta is usually a few steps ahead of the Public Beta, which essentially means that the Public Beta will be slightly more stable.

The Developer Beta normally comes out after the WWDC keynote presentation. There is usually a slightly longer wait until the Public Beta arrives.

However, once the programmes are under way there is usually only a few days between the developer beta being released and the public version arriving.

While the Public version is aimed at the user experience, those who develop apps for Apple products can use the Apple Developer Program to gain early access to the beta software and be able to implement the necessary changes into their code so that apps are ready to go when the full version of the OS is released.

There’s also the TestFlight platform which enables developers to invite up to 10,000 users to give their in-development apps a trial run. Plus, Apple provides a range of software tools such as Xcode, CloudKit Dashboard and many others.

What does being an Apple beta tester involve?

The purpose of the beta program is to provide Apple with feedback about the upcoming OS. If you experience bugs or other issues, report them to Apple using the Feedback Assistant app. And don’t just say something crashed, explain exactly what you were doing when the crash happened and try and reproduce the crash to see if you can identify what steps lead to it.

Don’t just tell Apple that you don’t like the ‘flat’ look of the user interface. Your purpose as a beta tester is to provide feedback on bugs, not try and assume Apple’s software designer’s role.

That said, it won’t always be bugs you need to provide feedback on. Perhaps you can’t work out how to do something and a user interface tweak is required.

You can also provide feedback if third-party apps aren’t working as they should – there is actually a 3rd-party Application Compatibility category in which to submit feedback.

Expect there to be bugs and issues in the beta – the versions of macOS available through the Beta Software Program are not finished products, by installing it you are agreeing to become a tester and helping Apple to iron out these issues.

How to sign up to the macOS Beta Seed Program – developer

Registered Apple Developers are able to download pre-release versions of most of Apple’s software too, but it costs $99 (approx £80) per year to register as a developer.

To register as a developer head over to the Apple Developer Program registration page and click Enroll. Registering as an Apple developer will give you access to support materials, and enable you to register Macs and iOS devices with Apple so you can use them to run your software.

You can sign in with your own Apple ID (recommended if you’re a single developer), or you can create an Apple ID just for the developer account (recommended if you are developing for a company).

You don’t have to pay Apple to register as a developer. You can sign up and gain access to all the developer tools without paying a penny. The basic registration is fine for developing and testing an app, although you will need to sign up with Apple for membership if you want to download the developer previews.

How to sign up to the macOS Beta Seed Program – public

If you are a member of the public you can also run the beta – but each version of the beta comes a little later than the developer version. Apple tries to make sure the worst of the issues are ironed out before it goes on wider release. That’s why there are often a number of weeks between the first developer beta and the first public beta being released. You can also expect a delay between each version of the developer beta and the matching public beta arriving.

To sign up you’ll need to go to the macOS Beta Seed Program website. From there, you can find out more about the program by clicking Learn More or FAQ.

You must be aged 18 or older with a valid Apple ID, and you’ll also need to be willing to accept the Confidentiality Agreement, which means you agree not to share information or screenshots of the update.

By clicking ‘Get Started’ on the macOS Beta Seed Program website, you’ll be taken to the ‘Sign In’ page. If you don’t already have an Apple ID, you can create one by clicking ‘create one now’ in the grey box on the left. If you do have one, however, you can go ahead and sign in using the password you normally use for your iTunes and other Apple services.

Next, you’ll be taken to the macOS Beta Seed and Confidentiality Agreement. You’ll need to read the agreement (you can view it as a PDF if you prefer by clicking the link beneath the scroll link) and then click accept. Unless of course you don’t agree with the terms in which case you’ll want to stop the registration process now.

Once you are registered for the Apple Beta Software Program you will need to enrol your Mac here in order to be able to get the updates from the Mac App Store. You will have to re-enrol your Mac if you had previously been a tester.

You will find a download link and your redemption code on that page. Click on the link and enter your code to download the latest beta. We cover How to get the macOS Beta and How to get the iOS beta and How to get tvOS beta separately.

If, at any point, you decide that you’d like to end your participation in the beta software program, simply visit the Unenroll page on Apple’s website and follow the instructions.

Apple, Personal Software

If you’ve ever wanted to take an early look at new versions of Apple’s operating systems before they launch, and maybe help shape them in the process, then Apple’s beta program is something you should consider. This initiative allows developers and public beta testers to gain access to the updates before they’re released, so they can help test for bugs and give any new features a thorough workout before they’re unleashed on the general public.

Apple will soon be revealing the details of the next round of operating system updates at its worldwide developers conference (WWDC) – which kicks off with a Keynote on June 5. Soon after the keynote closes the first developer betas of iOS 17 and macOS 14 will arrive and it’s likely that lots of Apple fans will be interested in how they can get their hands on the beta versions of the new software.

If you are keen to get involved in testing the new software – and any other Apple operating system – read on to find out how to apply.

In this article we explain how to get involved with testing the betas, but also point out some of the reasons why you may wish to give it a pass and wait for the final versions of iOS 17, macOS 14 and other OSs to arrive.

What is the Apple beta programme?

As the name suggests, this is a chance for volunteers to download a beta version of the new operating system for their device and test it out. It’s completely free and you can sign up for the following software:

• iOS
• iPadOS
• macOS
• tvOS
• watchOS
• HomePod software

The idea is that you install the pre-release software and use it as you would your normal OS and send Apple comments through the built-in Feedback Assistant regarding crashes or other behavioural anomalies that you encounter when testing your apps, or when using the software as you would normally.

It comes in two flavours – Public and Developer – with the latter including some extra options that we outline below.

When will the iOS beta come out?

The first developer beta of iOS 16 usually arrives just after the WWDC keynote in June. So expect it to arrive on June 5.

The first public beta of iOS is likely to arrive in late June or early July.

When will the macOS beta come out?

The first developer beta of a new version of macOS is also usually issued following the WWDC keynote. So expect the developer versions macOS 14 on June 5.

There is a longer wait for the first public betas to arrive. The the first public beta of macOS may come a few weeks later than the iOS public beta, around the middle of July.

Who can join the Apple beta programme?

For the four operating systems mentioned at the top of the article (watchOS is slightly different), Apple offers two types of beta. The developer beta is available to any paid member of Apple’s Developer Program. You can enrol as a developer here. It costs $99 a year.

There also a free public beta testing programme that’s free and open to anyone with a valid Apple ID (iCloud accounts qualify) who goes to the
Apple Beta Software Program page and signs up.

You’ll obviously need to agree to the terms and conditions. Be sure to read them first, as participating in the programme can open your device up to code that has the potential to cause trouble with its functionality.

Depending on whether you are joining the Developer Beta Program or the Public Beta you may also have to abide by an NDA. Be aware that releasing details of what you’re seeing in the beta may be breaking the rules.

Is it safe to install the Apple beta?

There are a few reasons why becoming a beta tester for the next version of iOS or macOS might seem attractive. For a start you might gain bragging rights for being one of the first to use the new software. However, Apple regards the programme as confidential, so you won’t actually be able to blog or post on social media about the features or problems until Apple itself makes them public knowledge.

Becoming a beta tester also gives you a chance to shape the development of the software – your feedback could be invaluable in stopping a bug or just generally improving the quality of the software on your Mac or iPhone. You will be providing a service to others in ensuring that all bugs are ironed out before the final release.

However, beta software, by its very nature, is unstable and it’s worth noting that participating in Apple’s macOS Beta Seed Program is not a light undertaking. You should consider whether it’s really right for you before downloading and installing the pre-release software, which is bound to have bugs and issues that could cause things to go spectacularly wrong with your Mac.

This won’t be helped by the fact that Apple is not obligated to provide any support for pre-release software.

If you only have one Mac, and you’re intending to run the pre-release software on that machine, you might want to reconsider. Apple suggests that you should run the pre-release software on a dedicated Mac, not a Mac that you use for business or production purposes.

This means that we would heavily advise against putting it on a device upon which you’re reliant. Bugs in the code could see the device stop working at any moment or in worst case scenarios it could actually brick your machine, leaving it a very expensive paperweight.

If you don’t have a spare Mac to hand at least consider
installing the macOS beta on a separate volume. Or you could
run the beta on an external drive.

Similarly if you don’t want to be stuck without a working iPhone don’t install the beta of iOS on yours. If you have an old iPhone handy that might be a better option for running the new iOS (if it’s supported).

Luckily participating in the beta programme doesn’t invalidate your warranty, so if something does go wrong, a trip to the Apple Store would hopefully see it rectified.

The threat of bugs and other stability issues is a good reason to think carefully about whether you want to take the risk of using the beta. If you do decide to install the beta software, make sure that you create a full backup beforehand. Read
Best backup software for Mac and
How to back up an iPhone or iPad for some ideas on how to do this safely.

Also, remember that installing software can take a good few minutes – if you don’t have time to wait for 20 minutes every few weeks while your Mac installs the latest version (especially if that’s only going to break everything for you) you might find the frustration outweighs the novelty value of having the latest updates.

There’s also the important matter of privacy. By agreeing to test the macOS beta software, you’re essentially giving Apple permission to collect diagnostic, technical and usage data from you, unless you go through the process of opting out.

For example, the first beta version of Mac OS X 10.10 Yosemite came with several issues, including problems in Safari while trying to access Netflix content, iPhoto, Photo Stream and iCloud Photo Sharing problems, iCloud Drive issues and AirDrop issues, so beware. In another example, early beta versions of macOS High Sierra attempted to use AFPS (Apple’s new file system) on Fusion Drives. This feature was later removed, but those people who had already installed the beta had to perform a complicated uninstall process and revert their Fusion Drives back to the previous file system.

If you install the beta and then think you made a mistake, here’s how to revert to an older version of macOS. We also have a guide to How to remove an iOS beta from your iPhone and How to remove macOS beta from a Mac.

Is Apple’s beta program free?

It’s free to join the Public Beta.

Developers get the developer version beta for free – but they need to have signed up to Apple Developer Program (here), which costs $99 a year.

Do you get paid for being an Apple beta tester?

No. This is strictly a voluntary pursuit.

What’s the difference between Public & Developer Beta?

The Developer Beta is usually a few steps ahead of the Public Beta, which essentially means that the Public Beta will be slightly more stable.

The Developer Beta normally comes out after the WWDC keynote presentation. There is usually a slightly longer wait until the Public Beta arrives.

However, once the programmes are under way there is usually only a few days between the developer beta being released and the public version arriving.

While the Public version is aimed at the user experience, those who develop apps for Apple products can use the Apple Developer Program to gain early access to the beta software and be able to implement the necessary changes into their code so that apps are ready to go when the full version of the OS is released.

There’s also the TestFlight platform which enables developers to invite up to 10,000 users to give their in-development apps a trial run. Plus, Apple provides a range of software tools such as Xcode, CloudKit Dashboard and many others.

What does being an Apple beta tester involve?

The purpose of the beta program is to provide Apple with feedback about the upcoming OS. If you experience bugs or other issues, report them to Apple using the Feedback Assistant app. And don’t just say something crashed, explain exactly what you were doing when the crash happened and try and reproduce the crash to see if you can identify what steps lead to it.

Don’t just tell Apple that you don’t like the ‘flat’ look of the user interface. Your purpose as a beta tester is to provide feedback on bugs, not try and assume Apple’s software designer’s role.

That said, it won’t always be bugs you need to provide feedback on. Perhaps you can’t work out how to do something and a user interface tweak is required.

You can also provide feedback if third-party apps aren’t working as they should – there is actually a 3rd-party Application Compatibility category in which to submit feedback.

Expect there to be bugs and issues in the beta – the versions of macOS available through the Beta Software Program are not finished products, by installing it you are agreeing to become a tester and helping Apple to iron out these issues.

How to sign up to the macOS Beta Seed Program – developer

Registered Apple Developers are able to download pre-release versions of most of Apple’s software too, but it costs $99 (approx £80) per year to register as a developer.

To register as a developer head over to the Apple Developer Program registration page and click Enroll. Registering as an Apple developer will give you access to support materials, and enable you to register Macs and iOS devices with Apple so you can use them to run your software.

You can sign in with your own Apple ID (recommended if you’re a single developer), or you can create an Apple ID just for the developer account (recommended if you are developing for a company).

You don’t have to pay Apple to register as a developer. You can sign up and gain access to all the developer tools without paying a penny. The basic registration is fine for developing and testing an app, although you will need to sign up with Apple for membership if you want to download the developer previews.

How to sign up to the macOS Beta Seed Program – public

If you are a member of the public you can also run the beta – but each version of the beta comes a little later than the developer version. Apple tries to make sure the worst of the issues are ironed out before it goes on wider release. That’s why there are often a number of weeks between the first developer beta and the first public beta being released. You can also expect a delay between each version of the developer beta and the matching public beta arriving.

To sign up you’ll need to go to the macOS Beta Seed Program website. From there, you can find out more about the program by clicking Learn More or FAQ.

You must be aged 18 or older with a valid Apple ID, and you’ll also need to be willing to accept the Confidentiality Agreement, which means you agree not to share information or screenshots of the update.

By clicking ‘Get Started’ on the macOS Beta Seed Program website, you’ll be taken to the ‘Sign In’ page. If you don’t already have an Apple ID, you can create one by clicking ‘create one now’ in the grey box on the left. If you do have one, however, you can go ahead and sign in using the password you normally use for your iTunes and other Apple services.

Next, you’ll be taken to the macOS Beta Seed and Confidentiality Agreement. You’ll need to read the agreement (you can view it as a PDF if you prefer by clicking the link beneath the scroll link) and then click accept. Unless of course you don’t agree with the terms in which case you’ll want to stop the registration process now.

Once you are registered for the Apple Beta Software Program you will need to enrol your Mac here in order to be able to get the updates from the Mac App Store. You will have to re-enrol your Mac if you had previously been a tester.

You will find a download link and your redemption code on that page. Click on the link and enter your code to download the latest beta. We cover How to get the macOS Beta and How to get the iOS beta and How to get tvOS beta separately.

If, at any point, you decide that you’d like to end your participation in the beta software program, simply visit the Unenroll page on Apple’s website and follow the instructions.

Apple, Personal Software

It’s a big moment when Apple unveils a new version of iOS at WWDC each summer. After all, this software is running on a billion-odd iPhones and can fundamentally change the way they all behave: iOS updates add new features, correct flaws and UI issues, improve reliability (hopefully), and generally enhance the iPhone experience. All this without costing a penny to install.

In 2023, rumormongers would have us believe, the new features part of that equation will be relatively minor, with development work on the company’s mixed-reality headset apparently costing so many engineer hours that the iOS 17 project had to be scaled back. Multiple pundits have warned that, while some smaller new features will be included, there won’t be a “tentpole improvement” to base an event around like iOS 16’s customizable Lock Screen.

But this isn’t a disaster. Not for Apple, which will be spending most of the event talking about the headset anyway, and not for iPhone owners, who will still get a great update. Because the real value you get from an iOS update is not a heavily hyped tentpole feature. It comes instead from the sum total of small tweaks that improve the overall experience in numerous ways. In fact, it’s arguable that so-called “maintenance updates” are better for the user, because they’re less prone to break things and focus on the small details that matter most.

With that in mind, here are five of the smaller changes we’re expecting this year, and why (assuming the info is correct) they will make a difference to your iPhone experience (plus one that won’t change things as much as people think). For full coverage of everything we know about this year’s iPhone update, check out our iOS 17 superguide.

Customizable App Library folders

Introduced in iOS 14, the App Library is a single screen containing all of your iPhone’s apps, organized by category for ease of discovery. Apple recognized that it needed to offer a streamlined way to navigate iOS as users installed more and more apps on more and more screens, and demanded the ability to hide apps from the traditional home screen view.

The App Library, then, makes a lot of sense as a navigational concept, but its categories leave much to be desired. Scrolling through mine, there’s a mixture of the useful (Games, Social, and Music are all self-explanatory), the flawed (such as the subtle distinction between Productivity & Finance and Business, and the bizarrely wide-ranging Information & Reading), and the deeply unhelpful (Utilities, and all-time classic Other). My colleague Jason has two Fender guitar apps on his iPhone, and these have somehow ended up in different folders… and neither of them is suitable. I don’t use App Library much, mostly because it’s a confusing mess.

As of the launch of iOS 17, however, I may no longer have that excuse; one rumor suggests Apple will allow us to create our own custom categories. Further details are scant. Does this simply mean, in the App Library as in our home screens, we’ll be able to create a folder, call it whatever we like, and add apps to it manually? The power of the concept is that users with hundreds of apps don’t have to manually sort and organize, so we hope instead that iOS 17 lets us create custom category rules that apply to our app collections en masse.

Smarter search

The main alternative to the App Library, if you have a lot of apps, is to navigate via search. Swipe down from any home screen and you’ll open the Spotlight screen, where Siri suggests various apps and actions it thinks might be of interest, and where you can enter a search term and be shown apps, contacts, photos, settings, web pages and many more items that fit.

With App Library not doing it for me, Spotlight is how I navigate to a whole host of apps that haven’t quite qualified for a position on my first couple of home screens. But it’s apparently going to get better with the launch of iOS 17: the Twitter leaker @analyst941 has claimed we’ll see “heavily improved search/Spotlight” in the update.

As with App Library, the details are minimal so far, but as good as Spotlight already is, there are two main areas where it could be improved. First, the search function itself could become better, either by getting smarter about understanding typos (although it can already understand some, such as “gaem” as a mistyping of “game”) or knowing to search within apps such as Notes and Messages when it’s most relevant. And second, the AI behind Siri Suggestions could be improved so it has a better chance of predicting what you want to do at a given moment. Either way, a useful navigational hub will become even more useful, and I can’t wait.

Controllable Control Center

Nobody likes wading through iOS’s Settings app, and Control Center is a brilliant way to skip that hassle and jump straight to your most frequently used toggles. But its design is tired, and customization remains limited. (The top half is set in stone; for the bottom half, you get to pick from a list of 23 additional controls.) This may all change in iOS 17.

An anonymous MacRumors forum user with one successful past prediction reckons Apple is going to revamp Control Center in 2023, and that this will be so significant that it will be a highlight of the iOS 17 announcement.

Focused Focus

Apple has run a surprising “use your iPhone less” strategy in recent years, encouraging customers to limit their screen time and reduce distractions while sleeping, working, exercising, and above all driving. A key part of this admirable effort is the iPhone’s Focus modes, which enable you to fine-tune notifications, alerts, auto-responses, and even the layout of your home and lock screens in a precise way that suits and focuses your attention on a particular activity.

As of iOS 16, there are four pre-scripted Focus modes–Driving, Fitness, Sleep, and Work–plus the all-purpose Do Not Disturb. You can customize each of these, and set up your own Personal mode with a separate set of options, which makes Focus an impressively powerful tool… if you put the time in. But Apple is at its best when doing the work for you, and we look forward to seeing the additional pre-written Focus filters which sources predict will be added in iOS 17.

I would like to propose a Drinking mode, which prevents you from sending messages to selected “danger” contacts, surfaces contact details for taxis and pizza restaurants, and automatically lowers brightness and volume the next morning.

Precision flashlighting

Activate the iPhone’s flashlight with a tap from Control Center, and it’s either on or off. Power users will know, however, that you can long-press the icon to make it expand into an adjustable flashlight with four levels of brightness. Pro tip for you there.

But who’s willing to settle for a poxy four levels of brightness? Not me! I want the “infinitely adjustable flashlight brightness” that one Weibo source says will be offered in iOS 17. Game changer.

But sideloading? Not so much

I’m being a tiny bit facetious about the granular flashlight, which will be frequently useful to a very small minority of users and only very occasionally useful to the rest of us. But I bet it makes more of a difference than sideloading.

Sideloading is when a phone owner installs software via non-official channels, which in the case of iOS means a source other than Apple’s App Store. At the moment that requires you to jailbreak the iPhone, a relatively technical and arguably risky process that is likely to void your warranty and, if you’re not careful, could lead to malware finding its way onto your device. But all that is set to change as of the launch of iOS 17.

As a result of political, legal, and PR pressure, Apple is widely expected to open up the iPhone this year and allow third-party app stores, a momentous concession from a company facing growing accusations of anticompetitive behavior. On a corporate level this would be a huge step… but for the average iPhone owner, I suspect, it will change very little.

The problem is that Apple, whose engineers and designers will create the structure in which third-party stores exist, is actively incentivized to make it work badly in order to maximize revenues via the official store. And so, much as the Self Service Repair program which Apple doesn’t want you to use ended up being, surprise surprise, difficult and expensive, sideloading is sure to be as clunky and unintuitive as Apple can make it. And I’m pretty certain that iPhone owners, who are used to a smooth, simple, and user-friendly experience, will either avoid it altogether or try it once and vow never to return. (Many, indeed, will never hear that it’s possible.)

The theory is that increased competition from third parties will push devs to lower their prices on the official App Store, and Apple to reduce its cut and relax its stricter policies. But that only works if people are actually using the new option in volume, and I just can’t see that happening.

Oh, and sideloading might be limited to Europe, so there’s that too.

iOS