iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4 Let Developers and Public Beta Testers Opt in to Betas Directly From Software Update Settings

With the iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4 betas, those who are enrolled in Apple's developer program are able to turn on developer betas directly from the Software Update section in the Settings app.

beta updates ios 16 4
This will eliminate the need to install a profile from the Developer Center in order to get developer betas, simplifying the beta downloading process. There is also an option for public beta testers as well who want to install updates with less hassle.

Under a new Beta Updates section, iPhone and iPad users can opt to enroll in the iOS 16 Developer Beta or the iOS 16 Public Beta track. Those who were already enrolled in a beta will have these options toggled on automatically.

Beginning with iOS & iPadOS 16.4 beta, members of the Apple Developer Program will see a new option to enable developer betas directly from Software Update in Settings. This new option will be automatically enabled on devices already enrolled in the program that update to the latest beta release. Your iPhone or iPad must be signed in with the same Apple ID you used to enroll in the Apple Developer Program in order to see this option in Settings. In future iOS and iPadOS releases, this new setting will be the way to enable developer betas and configuration profiles will no longer grant access.

Note that to receive developer betas, a Developer Program Membership is required, and to use this feature, the ‌iPhone‌ or ‌iPad‌ must be signed in with the same Apple ID used to enroll in the Apple Developer Program.

Related Forum: iOS 16

Popular Stories

iOS 26 on iPhone Feature

Here's When iOS 26 Rolls Out Today in Every Time Zone [Update: Out Now!]

Monday September 15, 2025 12:00 am PDT by
Update 10:06 a.m.: iOS 26 is rolling out now, though it may take a bit for all users to see it, so keep checking! Today's the day! Apple is about to release iOS 26, which will deliver the biggest redesign since iOS 7 and bring a range of new features and improvements to iPhones worldwide. It's Apple's biggest software update of the year, and Apple announced at last week's iPhone event that...
iOS 26 Battery Glass Feature

Apple Says Installing iOS 26 Might Impact Battery Life

Monday September 15, 2025 10:56 am PDT by
In the iOS 26 release notes, Apple is warning iPhone users that installing the new software might have a temporary impact on battery life, which is normal. A new support document explains that major iOS updates require background setup like indexing data and files for search, downloading new assets, and updating apps. Further, Apple says that new features could require more resources,...
Tim Cook Rainbow

Apple Reportedly Plans to Launch These 10 Products in 'Coming Months'

Sunday September 14, 2025 8:45 am PDT by
Apple's annual September event is now in the rearview mirror, with the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone Air, Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch Ultra 3, Apple Watch SE 3, and AirPods Pro 3 set to launch this Friday, September 19. As always, there is more to come. In his Power On newsletter today, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said Apple plans to release many products in the...
AirPods Pro Firmware Feature

AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 Get iOS 26 Features With New Firmware Update

Monday September 15, 2025 10:50 am PDT by
Apple today released updated firmware for the AirPods Pro 2 and the AirPods 4, introducing support for the new AirPods features that are included in iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS Tahoe. The firmware has a build number of 8A356, and it replaces the current 7E93 firmware. With Apple's new software updates, the AirPods Pro 2 and the AirPods 4 support better audio quality for phone calls and...
iOS 26 Feature

iOS 26 Available Now With These 8 New Features

Monday September 15, 2025 5:45 am PDT by
Following three months of beta testing, iOS 26 was released today, September 15. The update is compatible with the iPhone 11 series and newer, and it is available to install via the Settings app, under General → Software Update. Below, we have highlighted eight new features included in iOS 26. Even more new features and changes are outlined in Apple's release notes for the update. Some of ...
iphone 17 lineup

iPhone 17 Models Launch on September 19 With These New Features

Friday September 12, 2025 7:58 am PDT by
Apple will launch its new iPhone 17 lineup and ultra-thin iPhone Air in stores on Friday, September 19, and the company has already shown off the new devices at its fall event, which ran with the the tagline "Awe dropping." The iPhone 17 series brings a host of new features and enhancements. Here's a rundown of the biggest upgrades and changes: iPhone 17 Display Changes The iPhone...

Top Rated Comments

applepotato666 Avatar
34 months ago

Why do I have a feeling this is Apple's way to force people to pay a Developer Account $99 annual fee to not wait for the public beta? Am I wrong?
We can still download the IPSW and install it over iTunes so this is extremely unnecessary but likely what is going on. Not many people (really only a geeky fraction of customers) get betas through such loopholes and driving them away like this is counterproductive to the software development process. The people who so eagerly await updates and can't wait for the public beta so they go through the loopholes to test it are the ones who are actually passionate about it and can't wait to provide feedback. Gatekeeping with $99/year what's valuable testers who care about the platforms seems like a nonsensical move to me.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
KoToNaS Avatar
34 months ago
what if dev account is separate Apple ID than personal?
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TheYayAreaLiving ?️ Avatar
34 months ago
Why do I have a feeling this is Apple's way to force people to pay a Developer Account $99 annual fee to not wait for the public beta? Am I wrong?
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
anthogag Avatar
34 months ago

Why do I have a feeling this is Apple's way to force people to pay a Developer Account $99 annual fee to not wait for the public beta? Am I wrong?
Yes, you are wrong. Let the developers try it first to make sure it isn't problematic. I am in the public beta program. I can wait (usually) 1 or 2 days after developers get it.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Kkspire Avatar
34 months ago

Why do I have a feeling this is Apple's way to force people to pay a Developer Account $99 annual fee to not wait for the public beta? Am I wrong?
Huh? The public beta is free if you just want to play. Developers with businesses are not the same thing. Sounds like you’re not a developer so you’ll be fine. ?
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
zaneliu Avatar
34 months ago
There’s an option for something called a customer beta? Anyone else have any idea what that means?

Attachment Image
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)