Installing Apple Beta Software

Beta versions of iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS are available to members of the Apple Developer Program. Members can develop apps that take advantage of the latest features of Apple platforms and test existing apps for compatibility.

Overview

Beta software, also referred to as a preview, seed, or release candidate, is a version of software that’s still under development and not yet released to the public. This software is intended only for installation on development devices registered under your Apple Developer Program membership. Registered development devices can be upgraded to future beta releases and the public version of the software. Attempting to install beta software in an unauthorized manner violates Apple policy and could render your device unusable and necessitate an out-of-warranty repair. Make sure to back up your devices before installing beta software and install only on devices and systems that you’re prepared to erase if necessary.

iOS
iPadOS
macOS
tvOS
watchOS

iOS beta software

For devices running iOS 16.4 or later

  1. Go to Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates and choose the developer beta.
  2. When a new developer beta is available, you can install it from Software Update.

Note: Your iPhone must be signed in with the Apple ID you used to enroll in the Apple Developer Program in order to access the beta software.

For devices running iOS 16.3 or earlier

  1. Download the configuration profile from the download page.
  2. On your device: Download the configuration profile directly onto your device and follow the installation instructions.
  3. On your Mac or PC: Save the file to your hard disk and email it to an account on your iPhone. Tap the configuration profile in Mail and follow the installation instructions.
  4. Connect your device to a power cord and connect to Wi-Fi.
  5. Tap Settings > General > Software Update.
  6. Tap “Download and Install”.
  7. To update now, tap Install. Or tap Later and choose Install Tonight or Remind Me Later. If you tap Install Tonight, connect your device to a power cord at night and your device will update automatically by morning.
  8. If prompted, enter your passcode.

iPadOS beta software

For devices running iPadOS 16.4 or later

  1. Go to Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates and choose the developer beta.
  2. When a new developer beta is available, you can install it from Software Update.

Note: Your iPad must be signed in with the Apple ID you used to enroll in the Apple Developer Program in order to access the beta software.

For devices running iPadOS 16.3 or earlier

  1. Download the configuration profile from the download page.
  2. On your device: Download the configuration profile directly onto your device and follow the installation instructions.
  3. On your Mac or PC: Save the file to your hard disk and email it to an account on your iPad. Tap the configuration profile in Mail and follow the installation instructions.
  4. Connect your device to a power cord and connect to Wi-Fi.
  5. Tap Settings > General > Software Update.
  6. Tap “Download and Install”.
  7. To update now, tap Install. Or tap Later and choose Install Tonight or Remind Me Later. If you tap Install Tonight, connect your device to a power cord at night and your device will update automatically by morning.
  8. If prompted, enter your passcode.

macOS beta software

The macOS Developer Beta Access Utility requires macOS 10.8 or later.

  1. Download the macOS Developer Beta Access Utility from the download page.
  2. Open the macOS Developer Beta Access Utility and follow the instructions.
  3. When a new developer beta is available, you can install it from Software Update.

tvOS beta software

Installation using the configuration profile

  1. Download the tvOS beta software configuration profile for the Apple TV 4K from the download page on your Mac.
  2. Make sure you’re running the latest version of Xcode 12 or later on your Mac, as well as macOS 10.13.4 or later.
  3. Check that your Apple TV is plugged in and turned on.
  4. Connect your Apple TV and Mac to the same network.
  5. In Xcode, choose Window > Devices and Simulators, then in the window that appears, click Devices.
  6. On Apple TV, open Settings, then choose Remotes and Devices > Remote App and Devices. Apple TV searches for possible pairing devices.
  7. In Xcode, select your Apple TV in the left column under Discovered. The status of the Apple TV connection request appears in the detail area.
  8. Enter the verification code displayed on Apple TV and click Connect. Xcode pairs with Apple TV and a network icon appears next to your Apple TV in the left column.
  9. Make sure your Mac is running the latest version of Apple Configurator.
  10. Open Apple Configurator.
  11. To set up an Apple TV for the first time, click Prepare and follow the onscreen instructions. To add profiles for an Apple TV that you’ve previously set up, click Add, then select Profiles. You can also drag a profile from the Finder and drop it on the icon of your Apple TV.

Installation using the restore image for Apple TV (4th generation) only

  1. Download the tvOS beta software restore image for Apple TV (4th generation) from the download page on your Mac.
  2. Open the Finder.
  3. Connect your Apple TV (4th generation) to your Mac with a USB-C charge cable.
  4. Select your Apple TV when it appears in the Finder.
  5. In the Summary panel, hold the Option key and click the Restore Apple TV button.
  6. Select the tvOS beta software restore image and click Open to start installation.
  7. After installing the beta, your device will reboot and will require a network connection to complete activation.
  8. NOTE: If the Finder doesn’t recognize your Apple TV, place Apple TV in recovery mode:
    1. Make sure Apple TV is connected to your Mac.
    2. Using the included remote, hold MENU + Play/Pause for 6 seconds until the indicator light flashes rapidly.
    3. Proceed with step 6 to restore Apple TV.

watchOS beta software

  1. To update the software on Apple Watch, you’ll need to:
    • Make sure your Apple Watch has at least a 50 percent charge.
    • Connect your iPhone to Wi-Fi.
    • Keep your iPhone next to your Apple Watch to make sure they’re in range.
    • Make sure your iPhone is running iOS 14 beta.
  2. Download the configuration profile from the download page.

    On your iPhone: Download the configuration profile directly onto your iPhone and follow the installation instructions.

    On your Mac or PC: Save the file to your hard disk and email it to an account on your iPhone. Tap the configuration profile in Mail and follow the installation instructions.

  3. After launching the profile, tap Apple Watch as the installation location and reboot when prompted.
  4. On your iPhone, open the Apple Watch app and tap My Watch > General > Software Update.
  5. If prompted for your iPhone passcode or Apple Watch passcode, enter the passcode.
  6. Wait for the Apple logo and progress bar to appear. When the update is done, your Apple Watch will restart. Make sure to enable Developer Mode on your device. This will let you grant permission to run locally-installed apps on these platforms — for example, when you perform a build-and-run in Xcode or install an .ipa file with Apple Configurator.

Support for Apple Watch

If your Apple Watch displays a red “!” icon, force restart your Apple Watch. Simultaneously hold the side button and Digital Crown for at least 10 seconds, then release when you see the Apple logo.

If force restarting your Apple Watch doesn’t resolve the issue, or if your Apple Watch restarts in recovery mode or exhibits other issues that require it to be restored with the current version of watchOS, you may need to send it in to Apple to be serviced. Apple Authorized Service Providers and Apple retail stores cannot perform this service. Once your device is received, it may take up to three business days to be serviced. You will get back the same device you send in. This service is currently available in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and United States.

To get started, contact us.

Providing feedback

Feedback Assistant

If you encounter any problems with beta software or if you would like to request enhancements to frameworks or API, please submit a report through Feedback Assistant. Make sure to include the build number in the bug title and description so your issue can be processed quickly.

View Feedback Assistant

Apple Beta Software Program

The iOS and macOS public betas available through the Apple Beta Software Program come with the built-in Feedback Assistant app. If you’re running the tvOS public beta, you can submit feedback through the Feedback Assistant app on an enrolled iOS device. When you experience an issue or something doesn’t work as expected, send your feedback directly to Apple with Feedback Assistant.

Learn more about the Apple Beta Software Program

Apple Developer Forums

You can visit the forums to find information or post about issues you encounter during app development.

View discussions