You can download iOS 17 Developer Beta on your iPhone right now

Not wanting to waste time, Apple just released the first developer beta of iOS 17, shortly after announcing the latest iPhone update at WWDC on Monday.

do not miss: Apple Unveils iOS 17 for iPhone at WWDC 2023

iOS 17 puts an emphasis on communication, with several new features in the Phone, FaceTime, and Messages apps, including personalized contact banners, video messages, smarter autocorrect, improved AirDrop options, and the Journal app.

Before you go ahead and install iOS 17, you should know that developer betas like this one are not designed for general use, especially since they can have unfinished features and issues that can make it difficult to use the iPhone. These early beta releases are instead for developers, to help them keep their apps up to date and get early access to upcoming features.

In short, you probably shouldn’t install the developer beta on your primary iPhone. If you really want to get iOS 17 right now, try to find a replacement iPhone that is new enough (iPhone XS or later) to run the latest software.

Verify: iOS 17 is coming this year. Will it work on your iPhone?

For those who still want to dive in, we’ll show you how to install the developer version of iOS 17 on your iPhone, as well as what to do in case you want to go back to iOS 16.

If you want to find out more about what was announced at WWDC, here’s what you need to know about the Vision Pro, Apple’s new augmented reality headset, the new 15-inch MacBook Air, and macOS Sonoma.

What you need to know before downloading the iOS 17 developer beta

Because the iOS 17 developer beta is an early preview, the software might contain bugs and other issues.

Again, if you’re thinking of downloading iOS 17, download it on a backup or secondary phone, if available. iOS 17 developer beta issues could cripple your iPhone and make it difficult to use, disabling phone calls or text messages or making it extremely slow. However, if you only have your primary phone or tablet available, make sure that make a backup of your iPhone on iOS 16.5 (the latest version of iOS 16) before updating to iOS 17. That way, you have the option to roll back to iOS 16 if there are too many problems in the new operating system.

Also, you must have a iPhone XS or later to run iOS 17. iOS 17 isn’t compatible with the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X, all of which supported the iOS 16 developer beta last year.

To download the iOS 17 developer beta, you must be enrolled in Apple’s Developer Program, which costs $99 per year. If you don’t want to pay for the developer beta, you can join the Apple Beta Software program and wait to download the public beta for free when it’s available in July.

How to enroll in the Apple Developer Program

The first step to getting the iOS 17 developer beta on your iPhone is to sign up for the Apple Developer Program, if you’re not already a member. If you’re on your iPhone, here’s how you can sign up:

1. Download the Apple Developer app from the App Store, launch the app, go to Account and touch enlist now.

2. Sign in with your Apple ID credentials, read the various benefits and instructions, enter your personal information, and scan your ID to verify your identity.

3. Once this information is submitted, you must choose your entity (individual for most people) and accept the license agreement for the program.

4. Finally, pay Apple’s developer membership fee (with Apple Pay), which is $99 (about £80 or AU$140) a year.

After successful payment, you will be redirected to your account page in the Apple Developer app. Here you can verify that you are now enrolled, and you can also check your membership expiration date for next year.

You can install iOS 17 with an over-the-air update on your iPhone

The easiest way to download the iOS 17 developer beta is with an over-the-air update, just like you would update to any other new software version on your device. That is how:

1. On your iPhone or iPad, go to the Settings > General > Software update.

2. Then enter Beta Updates and touch iOS 17 Developer Beta.

3. go back and play download and install under the new iOS 17 Developer Beta option that appears.

You will then need to enter your passcode, agree to the terms and conditions, and wait for the update to install. The process may take more than 20 minutes, depending on your Internet connection. Once your phone reboots, you should have access to the iOS 17 developer beta.

Or download the iOS 17 developer beta using your Mac

Over-the-air updates require a certain amount of storage, and if you don’t have that available, your computer is really the only way to update to iOS 17 beta without manually freeing up space.

1. On your Mac, go to the Apple Developer Program download page, search for iOS 17 betaclick Download Restore Images and Download the iOS beta software restore image for your specific device.

2. Connect your device to your computer and enter your device passcode or press trust this computer if requested.

3. then open Discovererclick on your device in the sidebar below locations.

4. Hold down the Option key click Find out Update and choose the iOS 17 beta software restore image just downloaded from apple developer page.

The iOS 17 beta software will be installed on your device. Wait a few minutes and when your phone reboots you should have access.

While you’re here, check out the best iPhone model you can get in 2023. And if you’re in the market for a new computer, check out these laptops that might interest you.