Simplified iOS 16.4 Beta Installation Method Expands to Latest macOS Ventura 13.4 and watchOS 9.5 Betas - MacRumors
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Simplified iOS 16.4 Beta Installation Method Expands to Latest macOS Ventura 13.4 and watchOS 9.5 Betas

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With the launch of iOS 16.4, Apple introduced a new beta installation method for those who are enrolled in Apple's Developer Program or who use the public beta testing option.

macos ventura 13 4 beta updates
The changes were exclusive to iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4, but now Apple is expanding them to macOS and watchOS with the macOS 13.4 and watchOS 9.5 betas that were released to developers today. Developers and public beta testers enrolled in Apple's respective programs can toggle on beta updates directly from System Settings on the Mac, and the Software Update section in the Watch app on iPhone.

beta updates watchos 9 5
Apple's new beta installation method replaces the profiles that have previously been used for installing both developer and public watchOS and macOS updates. On the developer side, enabling betas now requires an Apple ID enrolled in the Apple Developer Program.

Using a developer profile without an associated developer account is no longer a possibility, so only registered developers will be able to get access to the developer beta going forward. The same goes for the public betas, though access to the public beta program is free and open to anyone, unlike the developer program, which costs $99 per year.

For minor beta updates, the changes won't have a big impact, but when iOS 17, iPadOS 17, watchOS 10, and macOS 14 are announced, the ‌Apple ID‌ requirement will prevent those who do not have a developer account from being able to install the developer betas. In past years, non-developers have been able to use shared developer profiles to get early access to new software.

Related Roundups: watchOS 26, watchOS 27
Related Forums: macOS Ventura, Apple Watch

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Top Rated Comments

L
Lounge vibes 05
45 months ago
I wish you could update all devices from a Mac or iPhone.
You can already update HomePods and watches this way, why not everything?
And they usually release all updates for devices at the same time, so an “update all” button would be obvious.
The days of running to the AppleTV to update that, then running to the iMac to update that, then running to the iPhone… just do it all at once.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
anshuvorty Avatar
anshuvorty
45 months ago
This is how it should've been from the beginning. Windows has a similar option, but it isn't as graceful, UI-wise.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
A
Audentia
45 months ago
This is much better. Simpler and everyone gets the beta they should get. dev betas are pretty rough and should not be used by the public anyway, everyone will be happier with public betas if they are just patient.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
S
svish
45 months ago
Uniform changes. Seems simpler to install.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
L
Lounge vibes 05
45 months ago

Do you know strained the update servers would be if everyone’s devices updated all at once?

Hence, why the update isn’t pushed all at once.
The vast majority of people do not update on day one.
This would not change
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
anshuvorty Avatar
anshuvorty
45 months ago

I wish you could update all devices from a Mac or iPhone.
You can already update HomePods and watches this way, why not everything?
And they usually release all updates for devices at the same time, so an “update all” button would be obvious.
The days of running to the AppleTV to update that, then running to the iMac to update that, then running to the iPhone… just do it all at once.
Do you know strained the update servers would be if everyone’s devices updated all at once?

Hence, why the update isn’t pushed all at once.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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