Apple has announced that the only way to activate iOS developer betas in future releases would be via the “Beta Updates” tab under General Software Update in the Settings app. The profiles installation method will be phased out in the future, and this move is anticipated to prevent non-developer iPhone users from installing the iOS 17 developer beta for free. Previously, anyone could easily install free iOS developer betas by obtaining the profiles from websites like BetaProfiles.dev.
Apple’s Developer Program, which costs $99 per year, would be the only way for non-developers to get their hands on iOS 17 developer beta when it is published in June at WWDC. Those who don’t wish to pay for the developer program must wait for the public beta of iOS 17, which is expected to be released in July, and anyone can sign up for free in Apple’s public Beta Software Program.
While users may still be able to install the iOS 17 developer beta for free by utilizing an IPSW file, this is not guaranteed. Apple may decide to revert to the previous policy of allowing beta IPSW files to be installed only on registered Apple developer account devices. The removal of configuration profiles will make the process more challenging in the future, at the very least.
