iOS, the operating system developed by Apple Inc., has a long-standing reputation for its user-friendly interface and innovative features. Apple periodically releases beta versions of iOS updates as part of its development process, enabling developers to explore new features and provide valuable feedback before the official release.
Recently, the company released iOS 17 beta and, in an unprecedented move, made it accessible to non-developers too.
In this guide, I will walk you through downloading the iOS 17 beta while shedding light on the potential risks associated with beta software. Additionally, I will provide you with a step-by-step guide to download iOS 17 beta on your iPhone.
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Can I Download iOS Beta For Free?
Since the beginning, beta releases have traditionally been made available exclusively to registered members of the Apple developers program, which comes with a subscription fee of $99/month.
Apple later introduced the Apple Public Beta Software Program to encourage broader participation and gather feedback from a wider audience. This initiative allowed more individuals to participate in testing the operating system and sharing their insights. However, the public beta downloads were available after a few weeks of the release of the developer beta.
The company has taken it a step further with the release of the iOS 17 beta. This time, the iOS 17 beta is accessible to developers and non-developers for free. Any user with an Apple ID can now access developer beta releases simply by signing in to Apple’s developer account website.
iOS 17 Beta Supported Devices:
Prior to proceeding, it is essential to determine if your iPhone is compatible with the latest iOS 17 beta. Notably, iOS 17 is only compatible with iPhone models XS and newer, which implies that support has been discontinued for iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X. Here is the list of supported models eligible for downloading iOS 17 beta:
- iPhone 14 series (14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max)
- iPhone 13 series (13, 13 Mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max)
- iPhone 12 series (12, 12 Mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max)
- iPhone 11 series (11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max)
- iPhone XS, XS Max, XR
- iPhone SE (2nd Gen and higher)
How To Download And Install iOS 17 Beta?
If you have previously enrolled in Apple’s Beta Software Program, you can download and install the iOS 17 Developer Beta, despite the program being officially designated for Public Betas.
Here is how you download and install iOS 17 beta:
1. Update Your Device To iOS 16.4:
Before proceeding, it is important to ensure your device runs on the latest iOS 16.4 or a more recent version. If not, you must download and install the latest iOS update on your iPhone. Here are the simple steps to follow:
- Open the Settings app on your phone and tap on General.
- Scroll down and tap About to view your device’s current software version.
- Return to the General menu and select Software Update.
- If an update is available, tap on Download and Install.
- Wait for the device to download the update and proceed with the installation.
2. Sign In To Apple Developer:
Once you have completed the software update, you can participate in the iOS 17 beta program. Before downloading the preview version of iOS 17, it is necessary to log in to the Apple Developer portal. Follow the steps below:
- Open Safari on your iPhone and navigate to developer.apple.com.
- Tap the menu icon in the page’s top-left corner, then select Account.
- Next, tap on Sign in to Apple Developer, enter your Apple ID and password using the arrow buttons, and then submit the information.
- You will receive a two-factor authentication code on your devices; enter this code when prompted.
- If this is your first signing-in, you must enroll your Apple ID into Apple’s Beta Software Program. To do this, read and agree to the terms and conditions provided. Once you’ve done this, your Apple ID will immediately become a public beta pass.
- Additionally, you can scroll down on the page and tap on Enroll your iOS device for further instructions regarding data backup and more.
3. Download iOS 17 Beta:
Now, your device is ready for iOS 17 beta download. The process is straightforward:
- Launch the Settings app on your iPhone and select General.
- Next, tap on Software Update, and you must be able to see a newly added option named Beta Updates located under Automatic Updates. Tap on it.
- Ensure that the correct Apple ID is displayed at the bottom of the screen. If not, tap on the ID and select Use a Different Apple ID.
- Under Beta Updates, choose iOS 17 Developer Beta.
- Return to the previous screen by tapping once, and navigate to General > Software Update again.
- You should now see the iOS 17 Developer Beta update listed. Select Download and Install and follow the on-screen instructions from there.
Should You Download iOS Beta?
The question is whether you truly require beta software if you are not a developer. As a curious user, you might be highly tempted to download and get your hands on the latest version of iOS. However, keep in mind that beta versions are unfinished products still developing.
As a pre-release version, iOS 17 beta may include bugs, stability problems, or compatibility issues with specific applications and devices. To minimize potential disruptions, it is advisable to install beta software on a secondary device or be prepared for potential issues on your primary device.
It is essential to back up your device before proceeding with the beta installation. This ensures you have a copy of your data in case anything goes wrong during installation.
What’s New In iOS 17?
The forthcoming stable release of iOS 17, scheduled for this fall, promises many exciting features and advancements compared to its predecessor. Below, we highlight some notable features you can expect in iOS 17.
- Personalized Contact Poster allows you to create a unique visual identity. Select your favorite photo or Memoji and pair it with a font to customize your contact card. Your distinctive Contact Poster will be visible in all communication and sharing instances with friends and family.
- You can check all your iMessage content in one place, such as the photos, stickers, audio files, location, or anything you have shared through messages.
- The new Check-In feature automatically notifies your loved ones when you arrive at your destination.
- You can use a Search Filter to find the text message you want without scrolling through hundreds of them.
- The Catch-up arrow sends you to the first message you haven’t read in the conversation, making it easy to follow.
- Now, you can read an audio message transcription.
- You can access all your favorite stickers, Memoji, emojis, and live stickers from a newly added sticker drawer. All your stickers are synced with iCloud so that you can access them across your Apple devices.
Frequently Asked Questions:
The iOS beta version is currently in development, and users have reported occasional bugs and performance issues. If you are not a developer, waiting for the more stable and optimized iOS 17 beta 2 is advisable.
If you have a secondary device or can tolerate potential bugs, you may consider downloading the iOS beta version. Nonetheless, it’s best to avoid it if you are not a developer, as your device could sometimes become difficult to use.
Yes, Certainly! Apple allows anyone with a compatible device to install the iOS 17 developer beta at no cost. The iOS 17 beta profile can be free through Apple’s Beta Software Program or Developer Program.
Typically, public betas are expected to be more stable as they are released a few weeks after the developer beta. However, since Apple has made the developer beta free now, there should be minimal difference in stability and performance.
Final Word:
iOS 17 beta offers early access to upcoming features and the chance to contribute to its development. However, it’s important to consider potential bugs and stability issues with beta software.
Non-developers may find it challenging to navigate the unpredictable nature of the software, which could render their iPhones unusable at times. If you still wish to download and install iOS 17 beta, exercise caution, consider using a secondary device, and provide feedback to assist Apple in enhancing the final version of iOS 17.
I am an engineer by education, tech writer by profession, and a motor sport fan by heart.