Would you like to test the latest version of iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS or tvOS? Then you no longer have to wait for the public beta. For years, access to the beta and developer software was only available to users who had a paying developer account for €99 per year. Apple has adjusted this since 2023.
For example, Apple has made some changes to the membership and you now have a free and paid developer account. Via the free account it is already possible to download the test versions for the software and use Xcode.
Developer account Apple
Effective June 5, 2023, Apple has introduced two developer membership plans. A free version and a paid version for € 99 per year. With the free version, it is sufficient to register as a developer and link your Apple ID. You will then get access to some tools especially for developers, these are;
- Beta releases of OS operating systems
- Xcode Developer Tools
- Xcode Beta Versions
- Testing on the device
- Apple Developer Forums
- Bug reporting with Feedback Assistant
So as a free developer you can download and install the test versions of iOS, iPadOS, macOS and watchOS on your iPhone, iPad, Mac or Apple Watch. Test versions for Xcode, Apple TV, Safari and HomePod, among others, will also become available this way. On the Apple Developer forum you can ask for help with problems and report bugs via the Feedback Assistant.
We recommend only installing the betas on devices you don’t use every day. In the event of problems, a complete repair of your device may be necessary. In addition, betas slow down your device and drastically reduce battery life.
Apple Developer Subscription
As a free developer, you can basically build an entire app in Xcode and test it on your beta devices as well. That’s where it ends, if you would like to upload your application to the App Store and have it tested by Apple, you will have to take out a subscription of € 99 per year. You will then receive the following extras:
- Full access to a comprehensive set of development tools
- Advanced app capabilities and services
- Code level support
- App distribution in the App Store
- App management, testing and analytics with App Store Connect
- Safari extension distribution
- Software distribution outside the Mac App Store
- Custom app distribution with Apple Business Manager and Apple School Manager
- Proprietary app distribution to your employees with Apple Business Manager
- Ad hoc distribution for testing and internal use
- Access to exclusive developer events or additional event content
Sign up and install betas
Would you like to test iOS 18, iPadOS 18, macOS 15, watchOS 11 or tvOS 18? Then you can now register for free as an Apple developer with your current Apple ID developer.apple.com. You can then download the test versions for the software via the new beta menus via your iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac or Apple TV. We explain exactly how they work in the highlighted article below.