iOS 17 is here and enthusiasts and developers can both download the developer beta, and later, the public beta on their supported iPhones. We will cover which iPhone models are supported, who can download the developer beta version of iOS 17 now, and how you can enroll and download the public beta version later.
Let’s begin.
Table of Contents
iPhone Models That Support iOS 17
Here is a complete list. No point in following the rest of the article if your iPhone doesn’t support iOS 17.
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 mini
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone XR
- iPhone SE (2nd generation or later)
How to Enroll and Download iOS 17 Developer Beta
Right now, the developer beta is available to download for those who have:
- enrolled in Apple’s Developer Beta program
- paid $99 yearly fees
- a supported iPhone model
Yes, the developer beta is not free to download. Earlier, Beta Profiles, a popular Twitter account, used to make beta profiles of the latest iOS versions available to the public for download for free. That meant you didn’t have to pay $99 to Apple. Needless to say, BetaProfiles had to shut it down as it was against Apple’s terms and policies and they feared lawsuits.
However, if you have already downloaded and installed the BetaProfiles’ configuration profile for iOS 16 from last year, you may still be able to receive the iOS 17 developer beta update. To check, go to Download and Install iOS 17 Developer Beta on iPhone section.
Note 1: The beta versions usually contain lots of bugs and certain features may not work as intended. Update only if you have a spare phone or if you are okay with the bugs. Apple will push out a few more beta updates to fix these bugs before the final version is released to the public.
Note 2: Always take an iCloud backup beforehand.
Enroll in Apple Developer Program
So, if you want early access, you need to enroll in Apple’s Developer Program which is for app developers who need to update their apps in time before the public gets access to iOS 17 a few months later. Here’s how:
1. Download and install the Apple Developer app from the App Store.
2. Select the Account tab from the bottom bar and then sign in using your Apple id, the same one that you are using on your iPhone.
3. You will now need to choose whether you are an individual or a team. Then Agree to the terms and conditions.
4. Finally, subscribe to the Apple Developer program and pay $99. If you have subscribed to it before, you will see the Renew button instead.
Download and Install iOS 17 Developer Beta on iPhone
The steps to download the iOS 17 developer beta is simple and easy. Previously, Apple required users to download a beta configuration profile file, using the Safari browser exclusively, and then download new iOS developer beta versions. However, as we noted above, some 3rd party developers took advantage of it to bypass the Apple Developer program leading to a loss of revenue and risk to security and privacy.
So starting iOS 16.4, Apple discontinued configuration profiles for developer betas and made the option to enable and download developer betas for Apple Developer Program members directly from settings.
1. Open Settings and go to General > Software Update and tap on Beta Updates.
2. This is where you will see all the Developer Beta and Public Beta available to download. Again, Developer Beta will be available for Apple Developer Program members only. Select iOS 17 Developer Beta and then wait a few moments. Then tap on Download and Install button at the bottom.
Note: Your iPhone should be connected to a Wi-Fi network and charging to download. The update usually runs into GBs.
3. Enter the passcode for verification and then tap on Agree to accept ToC.
4. Downloading will begin and after some time you will see the Preparing message. Sit back and relax. Maybe grab a coffee.
5. Now tap on Install Now button and iPhone will verify the update before installing it. Your iPhone will switch off and on again during the iOS 17 developer beta installation.
Once the iPhone reboots, go back to Settings > General > Software Update to check if the iPhone shows the currently installed version as iOS or now.
Congrats. You are now enrolled in the Apple Developer Program and will receive all future updates before general public release for one year. After that, you will need to pay the $99 fee again. It’s an annual fee.
How to Enroll and Download iOS 17 Public Beta
After iOS 16.4 update, Apple also began releasing Public Beta where the general public will be able to download and test the beta version of the upcoming iOS version.
The Public Beta will begin rolling out after Developer Beta is successful. It is expected to be available sometime in July next month.
Enroll in iOS 17 Public Beta
You will have to enroll in the Public Beta for iOS 17 too, however, that is free to do. Note that since the public beta is not available yet, you can’t enroll right now.
1. Open the Public Beta Apple website link.
2. Sign in using your Apple id.
3. The option to enroll will appear when Public Beta is available.
Install iOS 17 Public Beta
Once you have enrolled and the iOS 17 public beta is available, you can download and install the same from Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates just like you did for Developer Beta above. All the steps remain the same except 2 where you will select iOS 17 Pubilc Beta.
Upgrading iOS on iPhone
Now that you know how to install the developer beta and later, the public beta of iOS 17, let’s take a look at some cool features that Apple has released. Here’s a preview.
