Those with free Apple developer accounts will finally be able to access developer betas for the company’s latest software at the same time as those who pay. As pointed out by Twitter and confirmed by Apple’s developer program comparison page, beta versions of the operating system can now be installed without having to pay the $99 annual fee for Apple’s developer program. This means that willing users will be able to install the various betas starting today, including iOS 17, for free instead of having to wait until July for the public beta. That is, as long as they have an Apple Developer account.
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Following yesterday's WWDC , Apple released the iOS 17 developer beta , and unlike in previous years, those on the free tier now have access. While it previously seemed like opening up access to free accounts meant the public could also download them, we now understand that not just anyone can access the developer betas. You'll need an Apple ID or account enrolled in the Developer Program . The $99 barrier to entry, however, has been removed.
Earlier this year, Apple made a change to the way it distributes betas to developers. Previously, developers had to download and install a configuration profile per device. But the system now allows users to install betas simply by checking an option in the software update settings directly on their devices.
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Despite the change, Apple still requires you to pay $99 per year to access them. Now, users who don't want to pay the fee won't have to wait for the public beta, which has always been available for free but usually comes out later than developer betas. This year, Apple says the public betas should arrive in July.
We strongly discourage running betas on your primary devices, as there can be bugs and issues, especially early in the cycle. These betas are intended for developers, who typically have secondary devices to test their apps with the new software. Some betas, like those for watchOS 10, tvOS 17, HomePod 17, and AirPods, block you from reverting to public, stable software. For these platforms, once you install the beta, you’re stuck with it until the next public release, which is typically available later in the fall. Of course, install these betas at your own risk. But those who aren’t risk-takers and are members of the developer program can download them now.
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source of information:engadget.com
