After iOS 16.4, the end of beta profiles is coming to macOS 13.4 and watchOS 9.5
Apple has decided to end profiles to install betas since iOS 16.4. There is an option to choose directly in the settings to define the channel (standard, developer beta or public beta). Today, the new process makes its debut with Beta 2 of macOS 13.4 and watchOS 9.5.
Image MacRumors
By installing the beta of macOS 13.4, we can see a new setting to choose the channel. There are three options: “Disabled”, “macOS Ventura Developer Beta”, and “macOS Ventura Public Beta”. By default, the selected option is “Disabled”. This means that the device remains the channel for stable updates.
On macOS 13.4, the option is found in System Settings > General > Software Update. For watchOS 9.5, open the Apple Watch app on the iPhone attached to the watch, then go to My Watch > General > Software Update.
In fact, the use of a developer profile without a developer account is no longer possible, so that only registered developers will now be able to access the beta dedicated to them. The same goes for public betas, although access to the program is free and open to everyone, unlike the developer program, which costs $99/year.
It is likely that this will not have a big impact with iOS 16.5, macOS 13.4 or watchOS 9.5. However, the change will be noticeable when Apple announces iOS 17, macOS 14 and watchOS 10 on June 5 at the WWDC 2023 keynote. Downloading a free developer profile from the Internet will not work, you will need a paid developer account to install the new betas. Otherwise, we will have to wait a few weeks for the public betas.
