Installing and using Apple beta software

    Apple beta software, also referred to as a preview, seed, or release candidate, is for developers to take advantage of the latest advancements in Apple platforms and test apps for compatibility.

    Prepare

    Developer Mode

    If you’re developing for iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and visionOS, 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.

    Learn about Developer Mode

    Back up

    Always back up your Mac and devices before installing beta software. You can back up iPhone using iCloud or your computer. Your Apple Watch data is backed up to the iPhone that it’s paired with. And you can back up Apple Vision Pro using iCloud. Learn how to back up and restore devices.

    Release notes

    Be sure to read the release notes for the version of software that you plan to install. Release notes provide details on API changes, known issues, fixes, workarounds, and deprecations for recent software releases.

    View latest release notes

    Release candidate

    A release candidate (RC) build of software is typically the final beta before a major release of the software to customers. When release candidates of Xcode and operating systems become available, use them to develop, test, and submit your apps to App Store Connect.

    Learn about submitting apps

    Xcode beta

    Beta versions of Xcode include support for the lastest SDKs for creating apps that run on upcoming releases of an operating system. Once you have Xcode installed, you can download the platforms you would like to develop for directly from Xcode.

    View Xcode betas

    iOS beta

    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 Account you use to sign into to the Apple Developer website 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.

    Please note the configuration profile will only offer iOS 16 beta updates. To get iOS 17 beta, please follow the instructions for iOS 16.4 or later.

    iPadOS beta

    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 Account you use to sign into to the Apple Developer website 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.

    Please note the configuration profile will only offer iPadOS 16 beta updates. To get iPadOS 17 beta, please follow the instructions for iPadOS 16.4 or later.

    macOS beta

    For devices running macOS 13.4 Ventura or later

    1. Go to System Settings > General > Software Update, then click the info button ⓘ next to ”Beta updates“. Choose the macOS Developer beta you’d like to install.
    2. When a new developer beta is available, you can install it from Software Update.

    Note: Your Mac must be signed in with the Apple Account you use to sign into to the Apple Developer website in order to access the beta software.

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

    For devices running macOS 13.3 Ventura or earlier

    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.

    Please note the configuration profile will only offer macOS 13 beta updates. To get macOS 14 beta, please follow the instructions for macOS 13.4 Ventura or later.

    tvOS beta

    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:
      • Make sure Apple TV is connected to your Mac.
      • Using the included remote, hold MENU + Play/Pause for 6 seconds until the indicator light flashes rapidly.
      • Proceed with step 6 to restore Apple TV.

    visionOS beta

    Updating Apple Vision Pro via OTA updates

    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 Apple Vision Pro must be signed in with the Apple Account you use to sign into to the Apple Developer website in order to access the beta software.

    Updating Apple Vision Pro via restore image

    1. Download the latest visionOS restore image from developer.apple.com.
    2. Connect your Apple Vision Pro to your Mac using a Developer Strap. You will need to be running macOS Sonoma (version 14.0 or later).
    3. Launch Apple Configurator (version 2.17 or later) on your Mac.
    4. Ensure your Mac is a trusted device. When prompted, click "Trust Computer" on Apple Vision Pro.
    5. Drag the downloaded OS image onto the Apple Vision Pro icon in the Apple Configurator window.
    6. Confirm the configurator prompt: “All contents on the devices will be erased”.
    7. Select “Restore”.

    watchOS beta

    For devices running watchOS 9.5 or later

    When a new developer beta is available, you can install it from Software Update.

    1. From your iPhone, go to Settings > General > Software Update, then click Beta Updates and Choose the Developer beta you’d like to install.
    2. 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 the latest beta.
    3. On your iPhone, open the Apple Watch app and tap My Watch > General > Software Update > Beta updates and choose the Developer beta you’d like to install.
    4. If prompted for your iPhone passcode or Apple Watch passcode, enter the passcode.
    5. 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.

    For devices running watchOS 9.4 or earlier

    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 the latest 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.

    Please note the configuration profile will only offer watchOS 9 beta updates. To get watchOS 10 beta, please follow the instructions for watchOS 9.5 or later.

    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.

    AirPods beta firmware

    AirPods beta firmware for Apple Developer Program members enables development of features on iOS and macOS for AirPods. It also enables debugging of issues by Apple with log collection.

    Important disclosure

    Once installed on your AirPods, the beta software cannot be removed. Your device will continue to run this software until an updated non-beta software version is released. In the meantime, you’ll automatically receive any additional beta software updates as long as you’ve enabled your AirPods to receive them using the installation steps below.

    Supported devices

    The AirPods Public Beta is currently supported on these models:

    • AirPods Pro 2 with MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C)
    • AirPods Pro 2 with MagSafe Charging Case (Lightning)
    • AirPods 4
    • AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation

    Prerequisites

    To get the AirPods beta, you’ll need a device running a beta version of:

    • macOS 26 or later
    • iOS 26 or later

    Enroll your devices

    • Turn on beta updates
    • [Coming soon] For Mac computers running macOS 26 beta or later:
      • To enable the AirPods beta, connect your AirPods to your Mac through the Bluetooth Settings. Go to System Settings > Bluetooth and select the (i) next to your AirPods. In the AirPods Settings menu, scroll down to find the “AirPods Beta Updates”. Use the toggle to enable the beta software updates.
    • For iPhones and iPads running iOS 26 beta or later:
      • To enable the AirPods beta, connect your AirPods to your iOS device. Go to Settings > Bluetooth and select the (i) next to your AirPods. next to your AirPods. In the AirPods Settings menu, scroll down to find the “AirPods Beta Updates”. Use the toggle to enable the beta software updates.

    Provide feedback

    • Optionally enable AirPods Logging
      • The ‘AirPods Analytics Data’ setting generates files that allow Apple to troubleshoot issues with your AirPods device and helps Apple to improve its products and services. By default, logging is disabled. Once enabled, logging will remain enabled for 96 hours and automatically become disabled again.
    • For Mac computers running macOS 26 beta or later:
      • To enable additional logging, connect your AirPods to your Mac computer. Go to System Settings > Bluetooth and select the (i) next to your AirPods. Scroll down to find “AirPods Beta Updates” and use the ‘AirPods Analytics Data' toggle to enable additional logging.
    • For iPhones and iPads running iOS 26 Beta or later:
      • To enable additional logging, connect your AirPods to your iOS device. Go to Settings >Bluetooth and select the (i) next to your AirPods. Scroll down to find “AirPods Beta Updates” and use the ‘AirPods Analytics Data' toggle to enable additional logging.

    Reporting issues

    Use Feedback Assistant to report any issues you encounter with the AirPods beta software.

    Turning off beta software updates

    If you no longer wish to receive beta software updates for your AirPods, repeat the instructions above in enroll your devices to turn them off.

    Safari Technology Preview

    Safari Technology Preview gives you an early look at upcoming web technologies on Apple platforms. Get the latest layout technologies, visual effects, developer tools, and more, so you can provide input on how they are implemented and deliver best-in-class experiences on Apple devices.

    Download Safari Technology Preview

    Software updates

    When you select Beta Updates in the Software Update settings on your device, you’ll automatically receive new versions of the beta.

    Turn off beta software updates

    At any time, you can opt out your device so that it no longer receives these updates by going to Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates and tap “Off” from the list of options.

    Install the next version

    When the next commercial version is released, you can install it from Software Update.

    Restore from Backup

    To go back to a prior release, you can restore your device from the backup that you created before installing the beta. Learn how to back up and restore devices.

    Feedback

    TestFlight

    TestFlight makes it easy to invite users to test your apps before releasing your apps on the App Store. You can invite up to 10,000 testers using just their email address or by sharing a public link to gather valuable feedback from users running your app on beta OS software.

    Learn more about TestFlight

    Feedback Assistant

    With Feedback Assistant available on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and the web, it’s easy to report issues you encounter and request enhancements to APIs, tools, and services. Beta software can sometimes introduce changes to APIs or new issues in your app that need to be addressed. If you encounter an issue during the beta release cycle, submit feedback right away to increase the likelihood that the issue will be addressed by the public release.

    View Feedback Assistant

    Apple Developer Forums

    Visit the forums to find information or post about issues you may encounter during app development with the latest beta software.

    View discussions