Apple opens iOS 17, watchOS 10, and macOS Sonoma developer betas to all users for free

On June 7, Apple announced that developer beta versions of iOS 17, watchOS 10, macOS Sonoma and other systems are now available to all users for free and can be installed without joining the Apple Developer Program. This move breaks the practice of only paying developers being able to access developer beta versions for many years, greatly increasing user participation.

Apple officially announced the change on its developer website and compared the different permissions of the new free and paid memberships. With an Apple ID, users can access Xcode, software downloads, documentation, sample code, forums and feedback assistants, as well as test their own apps on devices. If users don't have an Apple ID, they can create one now. If you want to publish an app, you need to join the Apple Developer Program.

Currently, the iOS 17 developer beta has appeared in Settings > General > Software Update for all users. Developer betas of systems such as watchOS 10 and macOS Sonoma can also be found and downloaded in the settings of devices such as Apple Watch, MacBook Air, and Apple TV.

It should be noted that the developer test version itself may contain some errors and performance issues and is not suitable for installation on main devices.

The difference between the paid Apple Developer Program and the free one: