With the updates for iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4, Apple is changing the way developer and public beta access works.
Going forward, an Apple ID linked to a developer or public beta account will be required. With the current - third - iOS 16.4 beta, two different Apple IDs can be used for access. The previous betas made it clear that users had to sign in with a developer account or register for the public beta to access a developer beta or a public beta, respectively. However, there was no option for people who have separate Apple IDs for personal use and for using the beta. iOS 16.4 beta 3 adds an Apple ID field that can be tapped to sign in with a separate Apple ID to accommodate this situation. In it, Apple explains:
You can sign in with another Apple ID that is enrolled in the Apple Beta Software Program or the Apple Developer Program.
If you tap the Apple ID button in Settings -> General -> Software Update, Apple will allow you to enter a separate Apple ID for downloading the beta. This feature will allow you to download betas as normal using a developer or public Apple ID while using a regular Apple ID for all other iPhone features. This change to downloading beta updates will primarily affect people who use profiles in the Developer Center to install betas that they don't normally have access to. In the future, it will no longer be possible to install a beta using a profile and anyone using the developer beta will need to have access to a developer account.
iOS 16.4 Beta: Apple eliminates developer beta profiles
The public beta is available to anyone who signs up, but public betas follow developer betas, so non-developers who want access to the developer beta are currently using developer profiles that are accessible to anyone via the link—which is not Apple's intention and is prohibited under the terms of service. This tightening of beta access will affect betas after iOS 16.4, and will be especially noticeable during the iOS 17 beta testing phase, which is set to take place later this year. While the change prevents non-developers from installing betas via a developer profile, it also simplifies the process of updating to beta. Users can activate the developer or public beta they have access to directly from an iPhone or iPad without having to take additional steps to install a profile. (Photo by Engdao / Bigstockphoto)
