Every year at WWDC, Apple announces the next major versions of iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS. And every year, millions of people want to try those new features before the official fall release. That's exactly what Apple's Beta Software Program is for.
I've been testing Apple betas since the iOS 7 days, back when you needed a paid developer account just to get access. Things have changed a lot since then. Today, anyone with an Apple ID can join the Public Beta program for free and experience new features months before everyone else.
But here's the thing: beta software isn't for everyone. It comes with bugs, battery drain, and the occasional app that refuses to work. This guide will walk you through everything—how to join, what to expect, and how to decide if beta testing is right for you.
What is Apple Beta Software Program?
Apple Beta Software Program is Apple's official way of letting regular users test pre-release versions of their operating systems. When you join, you get access to upcoming iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and even visionOS updates before they're released to the public.
The purpose is simple: Apple gets real-world feedback from millions of users to identify bugs and issues before the final release. You get early access to new features. It's a win-win, as long as you understand what you're signing up for.
What You Get Access To
- iOS Beta: New iPhone features, interface changes, and improvements
- iPadOS Beta: iPad-specific features like Stage Manager improvements
- macOS Beta: New Mac features, apps, and system improvements
- watchOS Beta: Apple Watch features and health capabilities
- tvOS Beta: Apple TV interface and feature updates
- visionOS Beta: Apple Vision Pro updates (if you own one)
Developer Beta vs Public Beta: Which Should You Choose?
Apple offers two different beta tracks, and understanding the difference is crucial before you decide which one to join.
Developer Beta
$99/year (Apple Developer Program)
Designed for app developers who need early access to test their apps against upcoming OS versions. Releases first, but with more bugs.
- First access (day of WWDC keynote)
- Full API documentation and tools
- Access to all beta versions
- Developer forums and support
- Less stable, more bugs
- Requires paid membership
Public Beta
Free
Designed for enthusiasts who want to try new features early. Releases a few weeks after Developer Beta with major bugs already fixed.
- Completely free to join
- More stable than Developer Beta
- Same final release version
- No coding knowledge required
- Delayed access (4-6 weeks later)
- Still has bugs and issues
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Developer Beta | Public Beta |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $99/year | Free |
| First Release | WWDC Day (June) | Mid-July |
| Stability | Lower (more bugs) | Higher (bugs fixed) |
| Update Frequency | Weekly | Every 1-2 weeks |
| Final Release | Same version | Same version |
| Best For | Developers, tech enthusiasts | Most users |
My Recommendation
Unless you're a developer who needs to test apps, or you absolutely can't wait an extra month, go with Public Beta. It's free, more stable, and you'll still get the same final release as everyone else. The extra wait is worth the reduced headaches.
Requirements to Join
Before you can install beta software, you need to make sure you meet these basic requirements:
Apple ID
Any Apple ID works—the same one you use for iCloud, App Store, etc.
Compatible Device
Your device must support the beta OS version
Storage Space
At least 5-10GB free for iOS, 35GB for macOS
Internet Connection
Stable Wi-Fi for downloading updates
Device Compatibility
Not every Apple device supports the latest beta. Apple typically drops support for older devices with each major release. Here's a general guideline for 2026 betas:
- iPhone: iPhone 12 and later (varies by iOS version)
- iPad: iPad (9th generation) and later, iPad Pro (3rd generation) and later
- Mac: Apple Silicon Macs (M1 and later), some Intel Macs from 2018+
- Apple Watch: Apple Watch Series 6 and later
- Apple TV: Apple TV 4K (all generations), Apple TV HD
Before You Start: Essential Preparation
This is the step most people skip and later regret. Before installing any beta software, you absolutely must create a backup. Not just any backup—an archived backup that you won't overwrite.
Why Backup is Non-Negotiable
Here's what can go wrong with beta software:
- Apps may crash or refuse to open
- Battery drain can be severe (30-50% faster)
- Some features may not work at all
- In rare cases, you might need to restore your device
- You cannot downgrade without erasing your device
If you need to go back to the stable iOS version, you'll need that pre-beta backup. Without it, you'll lose everything—photos, messages, app data, all of it.
Create an iCloud Backup
iCloud backup is the easiest method and happens automatically, but you should trigger a fresh one before installing beta.
Steps
- Connect to Wi-Fi
- Go to
Settings→ [Your Name] →iCloud - Tap
iCloud Backup - Tap
Back Up Now - Wait for the backup to complete
Create an Archived Backup on Computer
For the most secure backup, create an archived backup on your Mac or PC. Archived backups won't be overwritten by future backups.
On Mac (macOS Catalina or later)
- Connect your iPhone to your Mac with a cable
- Open
Finderand select your iPhone in the sidebar - Click
Back Up Nowunder the General tab - After backup completes, click
Manage Backups - Right-click your backup and select
Archive
On Windows
- Install iTunes from the Microsoft Store
- Connect your iPhone and select it in iTunes
- Click
Back Up Now - Go to
Edit→Preferences→Devices - Right-click your backup and select
Archive
Pro Tip: Enable Encrypted Backups
When backing up to a computer, check "Encrypt local backup." This includes your Health data, saved passwords, and Wi-Fi settings in the backup. Without encryption, you'll lose this data if you need to restore.
How to Enroll in Apple Beta Software Program
Enrollment is a one-time process that links your Apple ID to the beta program. Once enrolled, you can install betas on any of your compatible devices.
Visit beta.apple.com
Open Safari (or any browser) on your Apple device and navigate to beta.apple.com. This is Apple's official Beta Software Program website.
Sign In with Your Apple ID
Click "Sign Up" if you're new to the program, or "Sign In" if you've enrolled before. Use the same Apple ID that's signed in on your device.
What You'll Need
- Your Apple ID email address
- Your Apple ID password
- Two-factor authentication code (sent to your trusted devices)
Accept the Agreement
Read through the Apple Beta Software Program Agreement. It covers important points about:
- Confidentiality of beta features
- The pre-release nature of the software
- Your agreement not to share beta software
- Apple's right to collect diagnostic data
Click "Accept" to continue. You only need to do this once—your acceptance is tied to your Apple ID.
Select Your Device Type
After enrollment, you'll see tabs for different platforms: iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS. Select the platform you want to install beta on and follow the specific instructions for that device.
How to Install Beta on iPhone & iPad
Installing iOS or iPadOS beta is straightforward once you're enrolled. Here's the complete process:
Open Software Update Settings
Navigation
- Open the
Settingsapp - Tap
General - Tap
Software Update
Enable Beta Updates
Steps
- Tap
Beta Updates(below the main update section) - You'll see options: Off, Developer Beta, Public Beta
- Select
iOS 27 Public Beta(or current version) - Tap
Backto return to Software Update
Download and Install
Steps
- The beta update should now appear
- Tap
Download and Install - Enter your passcode if prompted
- Wait for the download to complete
- Tap
Install Now(or schedule for later) - Your device will restart during installation
Pro Tip
Install beta updates overnight while your device is charging. The download and installation process can take 30-60 minutes, and your device needs at least 50% battery (or be plugged in).
How to Install Beta on Mac
The process for macOS beta is similar to iOS, but with some Mac-specific considerations.
Open System Settings
Navigation
- Click the Apple menu () in the top-left corner
- Select
System Settings - Click
Generalin the sidebar - Click
Software Update
Enable Beta Updates
Steps
- Click the info button (ⓘ) next to
Beta Updates - Select
macOS Public Betafrom the dropdown - Click
Done - Wait for Software Update to check for updates
Download and Install
Steps
- Click
Upgrade Nowwhen the beta appears - Enter your Mac password if prompted
- Wait for the download (12-14GB typically)
- Click
Restartwhen prompted - Installation takes 30-60 minutes
How to Install Beta on Apple Watch
watchOS beta installation is different from other platforms, and it comes with a critical warning you need to understand.
Prerequisites
- Your paired iPhone must be running the corresponding iOS beta
- Apple Watch must be compatible with the watchOS beta version
- Both devices must have sufficient battery (50%+)
- Apple Watch must be on its charger during installation
Enable watchOS Beta Profile
On Your iPhone
- Open the
Watchapp - Tap
General - Tap
Software Update - Tap
Beta Updates - Select
watchOS Public Beta
Install the Update
Steps
- Place your Apple Watch on its charger
- Make sure iPhone is nearby and connected to Wi-Fi
- Tap
Download and Installwhen the beta appears - Enter your Apple Watch passcode if prompted
- Wait for download and installation (can take 1-2 hours)
- Keep the watch on the charger until complete
How to Install Beta on Apple TV
Apple TV is actually the safest device to test beta software on. There's no personal data at risk, and if something goes wrong, you can easily restore it.
Enable Beta Updates on Apple TV
Steps
- Open
Settingson your Apple TV - Go to
System - Select
Software Updates - Select
Get Beta Updates - Turn on
Get Beta Updates - Sign in with your enrolled Apple ID if prompted
Download and Install
Steps
- Go to
Settings→System→Software Updates - Select
Update Software - The tvOS beta should appear—select
Download and Install - Your Apple TV will restart to complete the installation
How to Leave Apple Beta Program
Changed your mind? Want to go back to stable releases? Here's how to opt out of the beta program.
Stop Receiving Beta Updates
The easiest option is to simply stop receiving new beta updates while keeping your current beta version:
On iPhone/iPad
- Go to
Settings→General→Software Update - Tap
Beta Updates - Select
Off
Your device will now receive the next public release (e.g., iOS 27.0) instead of beta updates. Once the public version number exceeds your beta version, you'll be on the stable track.
Completely Remove Beta Software
If you need to go back to the current stable iOS version immediately, you'll need to erase your device and restore:
To Downgrade from Beta
- Connect your iPhone to a Mac or PC
- Put your iPhone in Recovery Mode (varies by model)
- In Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows), click
Restore - This will erase your device and install the current stable iOS
- Restore from your pre-beta backup to get your data back
Apple Beta Release Timeline
Understanding Apple's beta schedule helps you plan when to install and what to expect throughout the testing period.
Developer Beta 1
First beta release, immediately after WWDC keynote. Most unstable version—expect significant bugs, battery drain, and missing features. Only for developers testing apps.
Public Beta 1
First public beta release. Major bugs from Developer Betas have been fixed. Still expect issues, but significantly more stable than Developer Beta 1.
Public Release
Final stable release for everyone. All major bugs fixed, performance optimized, ready for daily use. Usually releases alongside new iPhone models.
What to Expect During Beta
- Beta 1-2: Most bugs, worst battery life, some features may not work
- Beta 3-4: Stability improves, most features working, still some issues
- Beta 5-6: Focus on bug fixes, approaching final quality
- Release Candidate: Final testing version, essentially the same as public release
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Try Beta Software?
Join millions of beta testers and experience new Apple features months before everyone else.