iOS 16.4 lets you enroll in betas via software update

iOS 16.4 contains new switches in the software update that allow you to install developer beta or public versions of iOS without downloading configuration profiles.

• What’s happening? The iOS 16.4 software update feature has made it easier to register for developer betas and public betas of future iOS releases.
• Why care? With this change, you can start testing pre-release software without having to install a profile from the Apple Developer Center portal.
• What to do? Install the iOS 16.4 beta to try out this and other new features.

New in iOS 16.4: Get iOS betas via software update

Whether you’re a developer or an enthusiast, iOS 16.4 makes it easy to get started testing pre-release Apple software without configuration profiles.

Previously, you had to visit the Apple Developer Portal on your device and download a special configuration profile that enrolled your device in the beta. After that, you will be prompted to restart, after which the beta version will appear in the software update.

In iOS 16.4, you can skip all these steps and just flip the toggle in settings. This will cause the software update mechanism to automatically download and install the iOS developer beta or public beta on your device.

To enable this feature in iOS 16.4 or iPadOS 16.4, go to Settings → General → Software Update → Beta Updates and enable iOS 16 Developer Beta or iOS 16 Public Beta. Toggling any of these switches will enroll your iPhone or iPad in the Apple Developer Program or Apple Beta Software Program, making it available for beta testing.

“Get beta updates on this iPhone to test iOS previews and provide feedback to help make Apple’s software even better,”the description reads.

The only downside to this new feature is that developers can no longer publicly share beta profiles with others to allow them to test beta software. In the new system, both developers and public betas are tied to your Apple ID.

You must be a member of the Apple Developer Program.

To install the Developer Beta, you must be a member of the Apple Developer Program. You can sign up at developer.apple.com with your Apple ID. You don’t have to create apps, but signing up as a developer will cost you $99 per year. If you’re not enrolled in the Apple Developer Program, you’ll only see the option to install public betas.

Apple explains:

Beginning with the iOS and iPadOS 16.4 beta, Apple Developer Program members will see a new option to turn on developer betas directly from Software Updates in Settings. This new option will be automatically enabled on devices already enrolled in the program that upgrade to the latest beta version.

Your iPhone or iPad must be signed in with the same Apple ID that you used to sign up for the Apple Developer Program for this option to appear in Settings. In future releases of iOS and iPadOS, this new setting will be used to enable developer betas, and configuration profiles will no longer grant access.

If you are a developer and want to test your apps on a device, you need to enable dedicated mode in Settings → Privacy & Security → Developer Mode.

Apple is also providing a similar option in the Home app for iOS 16 to install beta HomePod software. You can also install public beta versions of tvOS software via Software Update on your Apple TV.

When will iOS 16.4 be released publicly?

On February 16, 2023, Apple launched the first beta versions of iOS 16.4, iPadOS 16.4, macOS Ventura 13.3, watchOS 9.4, and tvOS 16.4 for developer testing. Public betas are also available for download and installation at beta.apple.com.

iOS 16.4, iPadOS 16.4, macOS Ventura 13.3 and other updates will be tested over several weeks. We expect them to be publicly launched in the spring, probably in April.

You install them using the over-the-air software update feature, which will update you to the latest available software version without deleting any data or settings.