How can you install the iOS 17 Developer Beta? While the release is months away, you might want to take it for a test drive or see how your apps work in the new release. Right now, you need to make sure you’re signed into your developer Apple ID and that you have developer betas turned on in the Settings app.
These days, the process is far easier. You no longer need to install a beta profile and reboot your phone a bunch of times to get it working.
How to install the iOS 17 Developer Beta
iOS 17 was announced Monday, June 5 at WWDC23. Some of the key new features include a new phone call interface, video voicemail for FaceTime, a personalized Journal app and a new smart home display mode called Standby.
iOS 17 won’t be released for everybody until September, alongside the iPhone 15. But registered developers can install it today.
I strongly advise you not to put the developer beta on your primary iPhone signed into your own Apple ID. In a few weeks, a Public Beta will be more ironed out.
Double check your iCloud Backup
Screenshot: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
First, make sure you have a backup of your phone in iCloud that you can restore to if you need to go back. Settings > (Your name) > iCloud > iCloud Backup and look for the text that says “Last successful backup:” and make sure it’s from last night.
Tap Back Up Now for good measure.
Next, open Photos > Library. Scroll all the way down below the most recent photo to see if your photos are backed up. If it says “Synced with iCloud,” you’re golden. Otherwise, tap Sync Now to make sure you don’t lose anything.
It’s a simple switch in Settings
Screenshot: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
Go to Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates. Switch from Off or iOS 16 Developer Beta to iOS 17 Developer Beta. If you don’t see this option, make sure you’re updated to iOS 16.4 first.
After switching settings, you should see the iOS 17 beta appear as a software update. If not, you may need to reboot your phone first.
Tap Install Now to install the iOS 17 Developer Beta. It may take longer than a usual software update.
At the end, you’ll reboot into the shiny new beta operating system! You can expect to get a new software update about every other week until September.
