iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4 Let Developers and Public Beta Testers Opt in to Betas Directly From Software Update Settings

With the iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4 betas, those who are enrolled in Apple's developer program are able to turn on developer betas directly from the Software Update section in the Settings app.

beta updates ios 16 4
This will eliminate the need to install a profile from the Developer Center in order to get developer betas, simplifying the beta downloading process. There is also an option for public beta testers as well who want to install updates with less hassle.

Under a new Beta Updates section, iPhone and iPad users can opt to enroll in the iOS 16 Developer Beta or the iOS 16 Public Beta track. Those who were already enrolled in a beta will have these options toggled on automatically.

Beginning with iOS & iPadOS 16.4 beta, members of the Apple Developer Program will see a new option to enable developer betas directly from Software Update in Settings. This new option will be automatically enabled on devices already enrolled in the program that update to the latest beta release. Your iPhone or iPad must be signed in with the same Apple ID you used to enroll in the Apple Developer Program in order to see this option in Settings. In future iOS and iPadOS releases, this new setting will be the way to enable developer betas and configuration profiles will no longer grant access.

Note that to receive developer betas, a Developer Program Membership is required, and to use this feature, the ‌iPhone‌ or ‌iPad‌ must be signed in with the same Apple ID used to enroll in the Apple Developer Program.

Related Forum: iOS 16

Popular Stories

iPhone 17 Pro 3 4ths Perspective Aluminum Camera Module 1

New iPhone 17 Pro Details: Brighter Display, Best Battery Life, and More

Wednesday September 3, 2025 5:33 am PDT by
Apple's iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max models will feature a number of significant display, thermal, and battery improvements, according to new late-stage rumors. According to the Weibo leaker known as "Instant Digital," the iPhone 17 Pro models will feature displays with higher brightness, making it more suitable for use in direct sunlight for prolonged periods. The iPhone 16 Pro and...
iPhone 17 Pro Iridescent Feature 2

iPhone 17 Pro Clear Case Leak Reveals Three Key Changes

Sunday August 31, 2025 1:26 pm PDT by
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series on Tuesday, September 9, and last-minute rumors about the devices continue to surface. The latest info comes from a leaker known as Majin Bu, who has shared alleged images of Apple's Clear Case for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, or at least replicas. Image Credit: @MajinBuOfficial The images show three alleged changes compared to Apple's iP...
iphone 16 pro ghost hand

iPhone 17 Pro: 5 Reasons Not to Upgrade This Year

Monday September 1, 2025 4:35 am PDT by
Apple will launch its new iPhone 17 series this month, and the iPhone 17 Pro models are expected to get a new design for the rear casing and the camera area. But more significant changes to the lineup are not expected until next year, when the iPhone 18 models arrive. If you're thinking of trading in your iPhone for this year's latest, consider the following features rumored to be coming to...
iPhone 17 Pro Iridescent Feature 2

iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro Prices Estimated Ahead of Apple Event Next Week

Tuesday September 2, 2025 1:50 pm PDT by
Just one week before Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series, an analyst has shared new price estimates for the devices. Here are J.P. Morgan analyst Samik Chatterjee's price estimates for the iPhone 17 series in the United States, according to 9to5Mac: Model Starting Price Model Starting Price Change iPhone 16 $799 iPhone 17 ...
iPhone 17 Pro Dark Blue and Orange

iPhone 17 Release Date, Pre-Orders, and What to Expect

Thursday August 28, 2025 4:08 am PDT by
An iPhone 17 announcement is a dead cert for September 2025 – Apple has already sent out invites for an "Awe dropping" event on Tuesday, September 9 at the Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California. The timing follows Apple's trend of introducing new iPhone models annually in the fall. At the event, Apple is expected to unveil its new-generation iPhone 17, an all-new ultra-thin iPhone 17...
iOS 18 on iPhone Arrow Down

Apple Preparing iOS 18.7 for iPhones as iOS 26 Release Date Nears

Sunday August 31, 2025 4:35 pm PDT by
Apple is preparing to release iOS 18.7 for compatible iPhone models, according to evidence of the update in the MacRumors visitor logs. We expect iOS 18.7 to be released in September, alongside iOS 26. The update will likely include fixes for security vulnerabilities, but little else. iOS 18.7 will be one of the final updates ever released for the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR,...
iPhone 17 Pro on Desk Centered 1

Survey: Nearly 70% of Users Plan to Upgrade to iPhone 17

Monday September 1, 2025 8:24 am PDT by
A new survey has found that nearly seven in ten iPhone owners in the United States plan to upgrade to an iPhone 17 model, signaling strong demand ahead of Apple's expected unveiling of the devices at its September 9 keynote. Smartphone price comparison platform SellCell surveyed over 2,000 U.S.-based iPhone users in August to assess upgrade interest and brand loyalty before Apple's event....

Top Rated Comments

applepotato666 Avatar
33 months ago

Why do I have a feeling this is Apple's way to force people to pay a Developer Account $99 annual fee to not wait for the public beta? Am I wrong?
We can still download the IPSW and install it over iTunes so this is extremely unnecessary but likely what is going on. Not many people (really only a geeky fraction of customers) get betas through such loopholes and driving them away like this is counterproductive to the software development process. The people who so eagerly await updates and can't wait for the public beta so they go through the loopholes to test it are the ones who are actually passionate about it and can't wait to provide feedback. Gatekeeping with $99/year what's valuable testers who care about the platforms seems like a nonsensical move to me.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
KoToNaS Avatar
33 months ago
what if dev account is separate Apple ID than personal?
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TheYayAreaLiving ?️ Avatar
33 months ago
Why do I have a feeling this is Apple's way to force people to pay a Developer Account $99 annual fee to not wait for the public beta? Am I wrong?
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
anthogag Avatar
33 months ago

Why do I have a feeling this is Apple's way to force people to pay a Developer Account $99 annual fee to not wait for the public beta? Am I wrong?
Yes, you are wrong. Let the developers try it first to make sure it isn't problematic. I am in the public beta program. I can wait (usually) 1 or 2 days after developers get it.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Kkspire Avatar
33 months ago

Why do I have a feeling this is Apple's way to force people to pay a Developer Account $99 annual fee to not wait for the public beta? Am I wrong?
Huh? The public beta is free if you just want to play. Developers with businesses are not the same thing. Sounds like you’re not a developer so you’ll be fine. ?
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
zaneliu Avatar
33 months ago
There’s an option for something called a customer beta? Anyone else have any idea what that means?

Attachment Image
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)