How to sign up for Apple’s beta program to test the next WWDC software

Beta testers can try out pre-release versions of iOS, iPadOS, macOS & tvOS. Here’s how Apple’s beta program works.

Apple’s beta program is something you should think about if you’ve ever wanted to see new operating system versions before they ship and possibly even contribute to their development. By giving developers and public beta testers access to the updates prior to their release, this program enables them to assist in thoroughly testing any new features and looking for bugs before they are made available to the broader public.

The next batch of operating system updates will be unveiled by Apple at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), which begins on June 10 at 10 a.m. PT with a keynote address. The first developer betas of iOS 18, watchOS 11, and macOS 15 will be available shortly after the keynote ends, allowing anyone wishing to install them to test them out before the public release in September.

This post explains how to participate in beta testing, but it also highlights some of the reasons you might want to hold off and wait for the finished products.

What is the Apple Beta Software Program?

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Volunteers get the opportunity to download and test a beta version of the new operating system for their device, as the name implies. You can register for beta versions of the following software for free:

iOS
iPadOS
macOS
tvOS
watchOS
HomePod Software (iOS)

Installing the pre-release software and using it like regular OS would be the plan. You would then use the built-in Feedback Assistant to submit Apple comments on any crashes or other unusual behavior you experience when testing your apps or using the software as normal.

Developer Beta: Designed for developers who must rewrite their applications to run on the updated OS. The developer beta is released right after the keynote and typically one or two days ahead of the public betas. Installing developer betas requires membership in Apple’s developer program, although there is no yearly $99 cost.

Public Beta: Generally a few iterations behind the developer beta, meaning that it will be marginally more stable. Once the programs are started, the public version normally arrives within a few days of the developer beta being issued, but there is typically a little delay before the first public beta version arrives.

When will the betas come out?

On June 10, at roughly 12:00 PT, the first developer betas will be released, immediately following the WWDC keynote. It’s expected that the first public betas will be available in late June or early July.

Is Apple’s beta program free?

Enrolling in the public beta and development programs is free of charge. Developers can now obtain the developer beta with a free developer account as of 2023, instead of needing to enrol in the entire Apple Developer Program, which costs $99/£79 annually.

Anyone who visits the Apple Beta Software Program page and registers is eligible to participate in the free public beta testing program as long as they have a valid Apple ID (iCloud accounts are eligible).

How can I get a free Apple developer account?

On an iPhone download the Apple Developer app from the iOS App Store.

Open the Apple Developer app on your iPhone and tap on Account.
Select Sign In.
Sign in using your usual Apple ID.

Once you are signed in on the Developer app go to Settings > General > Software Update on an iPhone and you should see Beta Updates as an option.

This also holds true for macOS and iPadOS. To view the available beta versions, simply navigate to the Software Update area.

How to get to the developer beta

You will be able to access the developer beta after creating a developer account. How to locate it on your device is as follows:

Software Update under Settings > General on iOS/iPadOS. Then choose iOS Developer Beta and activate Beta Updates.

macOS: Software Updates under System Preferences > General. Then choose watchOS Developer Beta and activate beta updates.

watchOS: Choose General > Software Update from the Watch app on your iPhone. Then choose watchOS Developer Beta and activate beta updates.

How to get the public beta

To sign up for public betas you’ll need to go to the Apple Beta Software Program site.

Select Sign Up
Sign in with your Apple ID
Follow the prompts to register.

Once you have registered, getting the beta on your device is easy:

iOS/iPadOS: Settings > General > Software Update. Then turn on Beta Updates and select iOS Developer Beta.

macOS: Software Updates under System Preferences > General. Then choose watchOS Developer Beta and activate beta updates.

watchOS: Choose General > Software Update from the Watch app on your iPhone. Then choose watchOS Developer Beta and activate beta updates.

Software Update for HomePod: Go to Home > Home Settings > Home app. Next, Select the HomePod mini or HomePod (2nd generation) that you wish to install the beta on, then select HomePod Beta Updates.