Every year in June, Apple hosts WWDC, their developer’s conference, where they unveil new operating systems and programming language updates. This includes new versions of iOS, macOS, iPadOS, watchOS, tvOS, as well as updates to the Swift programming language and frameworks. A new release of Xcode, the developer tool, is also announced.
Following the conference, the first public beta is made available to developers, with subsequent beta releases throughout the summer. These betas are eventually stabilized and made publicly available, typically around October or November.
While it is generally recommended to avoid using beta software, especially on your main work device, many developers are eager to explore the new releases and test their apps. If you’re interested in trying out the beta versions of iOS, iPadOS, or watchOS, you can easily enroll in the Apple Beta Software Program. Simply visit the Apple Beta Software Program website and navigate to the Enroll Your Devices page.
No Apple Developer Program membership is required for iOS and iPadOS beta enrollment. However, if you want to develop apps using the updated Swift version for macOS or Xcode, a membership is necessary. With the membership, you can log in and access the Beta Software Downloads page, where you’ll find the downloads for the beta operating systems and applications.
It’s worth mentioning that it’s generally a good practice to avoid installing the initial betas on your production Mac or primary iPhone/iPad to ensure no major issues occur. However, later betas are often stable enough for regular usage.
Now you’re ready to explore the exciting features of the new iOS and Mac beta releases. Whether you’re working on a new app idea or updating your existing apps, being part of the beta program allows you to stay ahead and take advantage of the latest advancements in Apple’s software ecosystem.