Toni Dimaano Tech 02.20.2023 05:Feb AM EST

Apple Looks To Prevent iPhone Users From Installing Free iOS 17 Developer Beta

According to numerous sources, Apple is aiming to release the first developer beta version for the upcoming iOS 17.

However, to prevent people from downloading developer beta on their iPhones, the company has already begun to push a new menu in the Settings App.

The Beta Update Menu Should Restrict Unauthorized iOS 17 Beta Installments

Mac Rumors reports that the iPhone's Settings app now features a new "Beta Updates" section as with iOS 16.4 beta.

This menu will enable iOS developer betas directly on an iPhone for Apple Developer Program members, eliminating the requirement to install a configuration profile from the Apple Developer website.

However, the user's iPhone must be signed into the same Apple ID they used to sign up for the Apple Developer Program in order for this option to show.

For those who are not aware, Apple developers who have paid the $99 registration fee can get developer beta updates.

Future iterations of iOS will only allow access through this menu, according to Apple, as provisioning profiles will no longer permit it.

When iOS 17 is launched at WWDC in June, this modification will make it impossible for iPhone owners who are not members of Apple's Development Program, which costs $99 annually, to download the developer beta for free.

Up until now, anyone could get the profiles from websites like BetaProfiles.dev and quickly and for free install iOS developer betas.

With that, those with an iPhone will have to wait until the public beta of iOS 17, which is expected to be published in July, if they do not wish to spend $99 annually for Apple's Development Program.

Apple Has Cracked Down On Website That Leak Beta FIles Before

Websites that provide developer beta description files came under fire from Apple in 2022, and popular sites like BetaProfiles.com had to cease down in August of that year to avoid a legal dispute with the company.

The company's attorneys also encouraged Twitter to remove tweets containing links to downloading profiles by serving takedown complaints under the DMCA, Gaming Deputy notes.

Additionally, BetaProfiles.dev, a clone of BetaProfiles.com, and a few additional websites like IPSW.dev and BetaProfiles.dev need to have their ownership more clearly established.

It is still unclear whether users will have the chance to download the iOS 17 developer beta for free using an IPSW file.

It is important to note that the company used to restrict the installation of beta IPSW files to devices linked to an Apple developer account, and it reserves the right to reinstate this outdated practice.

Although iOS 17 has not been formally announced by Apple, analysts have made predictions given that Apple often releases its software updates on the same yearly schedule.

With that said, it is believed that the update will subsequently be made accessible to developers and the general public through the Public Beta program before being released at some point in September 2023.