How to install the iOS 17 developer beta

Until recently, you had to be a developer (or willing to pay to be considered a developer) in order to access the earliest version of iOS. However, things have changed: you can now download the latest developer beta releases for free — at your own risk, naturally. Here’s how to install the beta software on your iPhone or iPad once it’s available for your device.

Before we get started, a word of warning: beta software is inherently unfinished and may contain bugs. Apple’s public betas (which are usually released around July) are generally more stable, but its developer betas are less so, and you should think carefully before installing them on any device you depend on. They also may not include all the features that will be in the final release. Your experience may differ from others, depending on the apps you use. And finally, if you do decide to install, we suggest backing up your device’s data in case things go badly.

The new iOS is, according to the announcements made at WWDC 2023, coming with a wide range of cool new features. These include an interesting built-in journaling app, new safety features, a new nightstand mode, better contact cards, improved auto-correct and voice transcription, and live voicemail. Not to mention updates to stickers and AirDrop, keyboard updates, and the ability to be able to just say “Siri” without the extra “Hey!”

iOS 17 beta (both the developer and eventually the public versions) works on the following devices:

Apple has made it easier than ever to install the developer beta release of iOS. Here’s what you do (this was done on an iPhone 11 running iOS 16):

First, make sure that your device is running iOS 16.4 or later (by running Settings > General > About). If not, update your software by going to Settings > General > Software Update and downloading the latest version of iOS 16.