If you’ve installed iOS 16.5 beta on your iPhone, you may have noticed that the process is a bit different. Now those changes are coming to macOS and watchOS as Apple streamlines its entire beta testing process ahead of WWDC.
Although you still need to be enrolled in Apple’s beta software program, the way operating systems are downloaded and installed will soon be a much more user-friendly process. As before, you’ll need to go to the Apple Beta software program site, sign in with your Apple ID when prompted, and tap “Enroll your device” in the Get Started section.
Here’s where things are different. Where you previously had to download a profile for each iOS device and the macOS Public Beta Access utility for Mac, the new process will allow you to easily choose whether to install the next beta (macOS 13.4) or stick with the latest. wide version (macOS 13.3). The same goes for the watchOS, which used to be a somewhat complicated process that required downloading a profile to your iPhone and installing it on your watch.
Now, you only need to sign up for Apple’s beta software program once and you’ll have the option to install the current public beta on any device signed into that same account. On each device, you’ll see a new tab for beta updates, which will list the version of the beta you’re running (watchOS 9 or macOS 13 Public Beta). Tap or click on the tab and you will see the following options:
- Disabled: You will no longer receive beta versions and your iPhone will be updated to the next full version when it arrives.
- Developer Beta: If you’re signed up for a developer account, you’ll receive developer beta updates as soon as they arrive, usually a day or two before the public beta.
- Public Beta: You’ll receive beta versions as they arrive, and you’ll install them automatically if automatic updates are enabled.
You will also be able to sign in with another Apple ID enrolled in the Apple Beta Software Program or the Apple Developer Program, allowing you to use a separate ID for iCloud.
The new beta processes will become official when watchOS 9.5 and macOS 13.4 are released, likely in early May. iOS, iPadOS, and HomePod Sofware have already changed with version 16.4, and tvOS has been using the system for years.
