Why Downloading Apple Developer Previews for Free Might Not be a Good Idea

Apple has made its developer previews available for free download, eliminating the need for a $99 Apple Developer membership. However, it is advisable to exercise caution before rushing to try out the latest versions of iOS, macOS and other software.

How to Download Beta Versions of iOS, macOS, iPadOS, and watchOS

To install developer and public beta versions of iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, the process is quite similar. But before you jump in, it's recommended to wait for the stable release. However, if you're eager to test the latest features, the first step is to update your device to the latest public release. Simply go to Settings > Software Update on an iPhone or iPad and System Settings > Software Update on a Mac to get started.

To access the latest developer beta for your Apple device, simply update to iOS 16.4 or iPadOS 16.4 or later. Navigate to Settings, select General, then choose Software Update. From there, tap on "Beta Updates" and select the beta version you prefer. For those using an Apple Watch on watchOS 9.4 or later, head to Watch, then select My Watch, followed by General and Software Update. From there, you can also access the latest developer beta by choosing "Beta updates."

To enroll in beta updates on macOS 13.4 and later, simply navigate to System Settings, select General, and then choose Software Update. Click on the information button next to "Beta updates" and select the preferred beta version. It's important to share any feedback with Apple using the Feedback Assistant app. Whether you are using the developer or public beta, the process remains the same. To revert to standard public releases, simply select "Off" from the Beta Updates menu.

Developer Previews are Unstable and Buggy

Developer previews serve as a platform for developers to ensure that their applications and hardware are compatible with Apple's ecosystem and ready for the final release. After the WWDC in June, these early betas are made available to developers, allowing them a grace period of three to four months to make any necessary adjustments before the final versions are launched in September and October.

Using beta software on a daily basis is not recommended, even if it is almost complete with all its features. This is because Apple has not yet fully optimized it for public use, which can result in encountering bugs, glitches, excessive battery drain, software crashes, and hard locks. Additionally, some features may not be available, and there is always a possibility that Apple could make changes to the operating system during this stage. Furthermore, third-party apps may not function properly since the purpose of a developer preview is to identify issues caused by changes to the operating system. While you may have access to new features, apps that rely on these new features will not be available until the final release in the fall.

It is not recommended to install early preview software on your primary devices that you rely on for work and personal communication. However, if you still want to experiment with a developer preview or beta version, it is advisable to create a backup of your iPhone using Finder on a Mac or iTunes on Windows beforehand. Mac users can opt for a Time Machine backup.

Public Betas are More Stable

For those who are eager to get a glimpse of what Apple has in store for their next releases, it is recommended to wait for the arrival of the public beta. Generally, these previews are launched in July and tend to be more reliable compared to the developer previews. However, it is still important to take precautions such as backing up your device and being prepared to switch back to a stable version if necessary.

It should be noted that not all software may be fully prepared for release once the final version is launched. This is particularly important to consider if your Mac is essential for work purposes, and it may be wise to delay upgrading to the latest macOS version until all necessary updates have been made.