Bad news if you’re used to downloading the first betas of Apple’s operating systems. Going forward, it will be necessary to subscribe to a developer license for the company’s software in order to access these trial versions, which cost $99 per year. A method like any other way to protect users from the risks involved.
Whether it’s iOS, macOS, iPadOS, watchOS, Apple usually releases beta updates for developers first. The latter can then share the expertise with the manufacturer, in particular by discovering some errors that ordinary people cannot notice. However, these betas are also available for anyone who wants to take a look at the latest.
This is about to change. As Apple prepares to publish the first versions of iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4, two updates are already talking about their features. But it’s not the latter that’s the focus of attention today, but an announcement that the Cupertino company privately retracted in a release note. Beginning with these two updates, Apple will charge developers for beta access to its operating systems.
Also read – iOS 16.3.1 fixes a flaw that allows hackers to gain control of your iPhone
Apple developer trials will no longer be free
In fact, the manufacturer will simplify the lives of developers who want to install these beta versions on their devices. To do this, they just need to activate an option dedicated to this purpose in the operating system settings. Once this is done, the device will automatically update to the latest version of the operating system available, without the need to download it from the Internet. Save time for developers, but waste of money for regular users.
Also read – How to download and install iOS 16.2 on your iPhone
Therefore, only people who have signed up for an Apple Developer Program license will have access to this option in their settings. However, this license costs $99 per year, or about $93 per year. No more free access to the latest iOS news and all its counterparts. From now on, you will either have to go through checkout or wait for the public beta to launch.